Light the fire this winter season with fireplace safety tips in mind.

If you’re suffering from the chilly winter nights, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans stoke up their fireplaces in the evening to heat their homes and warm themselves up from the brisk weather outside.

To protect your home in the best means possible, it’s critical to keep fireplace safety tips in mind when preparing, lighting, and maintaining your fire.

Prep your fireplace:

• Hire a professional chimney sweep to rid the interior of debris and creosote. If you’re lucky enough to have yet to light your fire, do this step before starting using your fireplace for the first time this year.
• Only burn seasoned and dry wood that has been left to dry for six months or more.
• If you have an open fireplace, get a wire mesh screen to stand in front of it so that sparks don’t land on carpets or furniture, potentially igniting.
• Keep the area around the hearth clear of debris, decorations, and combustible materials.

Keep fires burning safely:

• When starting a fire, only use a match or commercial firelighter. Never start it with flammable liquids.
• Never leave a fire unattended! Extinguish the fire before you leave the house or go to bed.
• Never burn a Christmas tree in your fireplace as the sparks from the burning needle can increase the risk of a chimney fire.
• Never burn plastic in the fireplace. It can release toxic chemicals and cause damage to your chimney, fireplace, or wood stove.

Stay alert:

• Make your winter even safer, take the time to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These alarms can save your home and family from injury and damage.

With your fireplace blazing, you can enjoy your warm home in winter! To protect your house, visit the professionals at Aimpro Insurance who can guide you in selecting the right homeowners insurance to suit your needs and budget in Phoenix, Arizona.