Half of all home heating equipment related fires occur during December, January and February according to the NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association).  And heating equipment is the leading cause in home fire fatalities.  There are simple steps that homeowners can take to ensure they are not one of the statistics.

• Test your smoke alarm monthly
• Turn off portable heater before vacating a room.
• Keep children and pets away from open fires and heating equipment.
• Keep all flammable materials (essential anything that burns) away from heating equipment– the NFPA recommends a three-foot safe zone.

For fireplace safety be sure to use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from popping out during a fire.  After the fire, clean up your ashes by allowing them to cool completely then place them into a metal container to be disposed of away from your home.

The NFPA also urges homeowners to have heating equipment & chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.  Anyone who plans to light a fire in their chimney should first have it inspected.

The most common cause of a chimney fire is a dirty chimney.  Creosote can build up and leave a combustible glazing inside your chimney.  This, along with a restricted air supply in the chimney, can start a fire.  A blocked chimney or a chimney with an improperly functioning flue can also cause a buildup of dangerous gas.  Smoke damage can also occur in a home when the chimney is not regularly cleaned.

To prevent your self or home from falling victim to an unnecessary fire follow these safety tips and have your chimney inspected yearly.  Advanced Chimney Sweeps of Marietta, GA offers complete chimney services including, cleaning, repair and inspection.  We offer detailed free estimates on chimney repairs and maintenance.