Fireplace Safety Tips

• Don't use gasoline to start a fire. Use paper, kindling and dry wood.

• Use a screen to keep sparks from popping out of the fire.

• Make sure that floor coverings and furniture are far enough away from the fireplace.

• Make sure your flue is clean and open, and that your damper works. Open the damper before starting a fire.

• Don't use your fireplace as an incinerator for trash.

• Make sure the fire is out before you leave it alone or go to bed.

• Dispose of ashes in a metal bucket or other metal container. Make sure they are cool.

• Install smoke detectors and make sure they work.

• Keep a 5-pound fire extinguisher on hand. It should be rated for ABC fires, and you should know how to use it.

• Don't use water to extinguish a fire. It can crack the bricks in your hearth. Let the fire burn itself out.

• When burning artificial logs, burn only one at a time. They produce too much concentrated heat for some types of fireplaces.

• Have a chimney sweep inspect and clean your chimney at least once a year.