Every fall as homeowners begin to use their fireplaces, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) takes the time to remind us of the dangers that can occur inside our chimneys by promoting Chimney Safety Week. As the leading non-profit organization of the chimney industry, the mission statement of the CSIA is to advance public awareness while educating and certifying chimney professionals, and they have designated the last week of September to run their biggest national campaign of the year. Since this campaign is positioned to run directly before National Fire Prevention Week, All Seasons Chimney dedicates the entire month of October to educate the Hudson Valley area on how to prevent chimney fires and other safety hazards. We would like to share with you these important fire safety practice reminders so that you and your family can safely enjoy warm, cozy fires this winter.
Schedule your annual professional chimney maintenance service appointment before you light the first fire of the year.
The CSIA and other national fire safety organizations recommend that homeowners have their chimneys professionally swept and inspected at least once a year to ensure that no safety hazards are present. When we sweep your chimney, All Seasons Chimney takes great care to remove all of the creosote deposits from your inner chimney to reduce your risk of chimney fires. We will also check to see if there are any flue blockages or other types of damage present in your chimney that could lead to dangerous safety hazards.
Only burn seasoned firewood in your fireplace.
This type of firewood has been allowed to dry for at least six months after it has been cut so that it will produce longer-lasting, cleaner-burning, and warmer fires. Burning freshly cut wood can result in smoke issues, odor problems, and rapid accumulation of creosote, and this greatly increases your risk of a chimney fire. You should also never burn treated or painted wood as it can produce dangerous fumes.
Install smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector alarms throughout your home.
Not only should you install these lifesaving alarms in the same room as your fireplace, but you should also make sure that you have both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home as well as outside every bedroom. Statistics have proven that these alarms have cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half, but to stay safe, you must check the batteries on a regular basis to be sure they are working properly. All Seasons Chimney recommends that you make a habit of checking these alarms every spring and every fall when you adjust your clocks for Daylight Saving Time.
Thanks to Chimney Safety Week and National Fire Prevention Week, October is the perfect opportunity to remember fireplace safety practices. Contact us today at All Seasons Chimney to schedule an appointment for your annual professional chimney sweeping and inspection. Our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps are here for all of your professional chimney maintenance, repair, and installation needs.