It is important to properly maintain your fireplace and keep it clean and safe to use.  The following is a checklist of things you should do to be certain that your fireplace meets the necessary safety requirements.

It is important that you have your fireplace cleaned annually by a reliable chimney sweeper.  A fireplace that is not maintained properly can cause fires or contribute to air pollution.

Choosing the right wood for your fireplace is very important.  Hardwoods such as hickory, oak, or ash burns cleaner than softwood such as fir or pine.  Manufactured fire logs burn much cleaner than ordinary firewood.

Use only seasoned wood with a moisture content of less than 20%. 

Be certain that the fire gets enough air to burn properly.  Always check that the damper is closed after the fire has been extinguished.

Creosote buildup can cause chimney fires. 

A fire should fit the size of the fireplace.  One that is too large or too hot wastes fuel and can possibly crack your chimney.

Fireplaces must be kept in good working condition.  Cracks in the chimney or loose mortar or bricks should be attended to at once.

When using firelogs, read and follow the label.  Use only one firelog at a time and do not poke or break manufactured logs.

Leave the glass doors open on your fireplace while burning a firelog to allow proper draught and cleaner burning.

Smoke alarms should be an important part of your home and you must be diligent when installing and testing them so that your family will be alerted to any possible dangers of fire.

Remember to purchase only Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed equipment. This information will be listed on the package.

Every level of your home should be protected with smoke alarms, including the basement. Also confirm that there is an alarm near every bedroom.

Always mount the alarms high on the walls or on the ceiling remembering that smoke rises.

Do not install near bathroom doors or cooking area as smoke will cause frequent false alarms.

Do not place smoke alarms near windows or doors where drafts might interfere with their performance.

Push the test button each month to be sure that all alarms in your home are in good working order.

Install new batteries at least annually. It is a good idea to associate this chore with a particular time of year (such as when the clocks are changed) so you will not forget.

If you have smoke alarms that are more than ten years old, replace them for the safety of your family.

Following the above guidelines should insure that your family will be well protected and warned if a fire should occur in your home.