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- Remove all combustible material such as baskets,decorations, kindling, firewood, etc. from the vicinity of your fireplace or wood stove, keeping all such items at least 36" away.
- Use a fireplace screen that is large enough to completely cover the fireplace opening for spark protection. A fireplace screen will also help to keep children and pets safely away from the fire.
- Use a heavy duty grate, and stack the fire to avoid logs rolling out of the fireplace during burning use.
- Have fireproof gloves, a tool set and a covered ash bucket on the hearth and ready for use.
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Never use gas or flammable materials to "freshen up" a fire.
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Test your smoke detectors, and install fresh batteries.
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Install a carbon monoxide detector in public areas on each floor of your home, such as hallways.
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Never burn colored paper such as magazines or wrapping paper. Don't burn plastics; never burn painted, stained or treated wood - the fumes are poisonous. Don't use your fireplace as an incinerator to burn pizza boxes, Christmas trees or stacks of paper or cardboard.
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Don't leave the fireplace unattended while wood is burning.
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Keep the top of your woodpile covered; wet wood is harder to light, creates more smoke and makes your chimney dirty!
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