National Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 4 through 8!

Did you know that as CSIA-certified chimney sweeps, we at the Chimney Care Co. are charged with educating our customers about fireplace safety? We take that charge seriously, that’s why we’re taking the time to honor National Fire Prevention Week, which runs Oct. 4 through 8. Here is what you should know about fire safety, as it relates to your fireplace, chimney and clothing dryer.

Chimney and fireplace safety tips

Fireplaces are a source of warmth and comfort within the home, but they do pose a fire risk. From chimney fires to popping embers, fireplaces can increase your chances of a home fire. Fortunately, you can do a lot to reduce your risk of a fireplace- or chimney-related fire.

• Have your fireplace and chimney swept and inspected at least once per year. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that all vented heating appliances are swept and inspected at least once per year. Your chimney sweeping removes flammable creosote or any other blockages from the flue, while your chimney and fireplace inspection verifies that all components of your chimney and fireplace are in good repair and operating properly.
• Keep the area around your fireplace free from flammables. It’s recommended that homeowners create a 3-foot zone around their hearth and keep that area free from flammables, like papers, blankets, paper and décor. Also check your mantel; nothing should be dangling down over the fireplace.
• Create a barrier over your hearth. Burning embers or shifting logs can fall from your hearth and burn people or pets who are nearby, or ignite your flooring or other flammable objects. To avoid the danger, use a fireplace screen or fireplace doors to contain your fire to the firebox.
• Never burn other objects in your fireplace. Only burn the fuel your fireplace was intended for. Items like wrapping paper or cardboard can overheat your chimney and spark a fire, while burning a leftover Christmas tree can lead to an excess buildup of flammable creosote in your chimney.

Dyer safety tips

Clothing dryers spark a lot of fires in the United States each year. It’s estimated that dryers are responsible for nearly 15,000 home fires every year. That’s why you need to know how to keep your home and family safe from a dryer fire.

• Clean your lint trap every time. Laundry lint is largely responsible for dryer fires. Make sure you clean your lint trap between every load of laundry, and never run your dryer without the lint screen in place.
• Have your dryer vents professionally cleaned. Even if you’re dedicated to keeping your lint trap clean, lint inevitably bypasses the screen and builds up within your dryer vents. Have your dryer vents cleaned at least once per year to keep blocked vents from inhibiting your dryer’s operation and posing a fire hazard.
• Never overload your dryer. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for load size and operation.
• Check your dryer vent from the outside. Periodically inspect the exterior exhaust for your dryer vent to make sure that it is clear of any debris or landscaping.

At the Chimney Care Co., we want to make sure that you’re doing everything you can to lower your fire risk. Call to schedule your chimney, fireplace or dryer vent cleaning and inspection today!