As the winter weather arrives and you use your fireplace to keep your home warm, please follow these  important safety tips:

Keep Fireplaces Clean

• Have your chimney thoroughly cleaned and inspected at least once a year. Make sure that the flue is carefully inspected both inside and out.
• Burn only hard woods as they contain smaller amounts of creosote, a black tarry substance that can block passageways and/or easily ignite.
• Put cool ashes in a metal container when you clean out your fireplace.

Safely Burn Fuel

• Never leave a fire in your fireplace unattended.
•  Burn only seasoned firewood.
• Never burn paper, charcoal or rags.
• When using artificial logs, burn only one at a time.

Protect Your Home

• Keep flammable and combustible articles at least three feet away from the open fire.
• Make certain that your smoke detectors are working.
• Always use a fireplace screen in front of your fireplace.
• Supervise children at all times when using your fireplace.