home safety tagged posts

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about fireplace safety.

Whether your home has had a fireplace for decades or you just purchased a home with a brand new fireplace tucked inside, knowing how to safely use it is essential. Fireplaces, when used and maintained properly, are very safe. However, when you don’t maintain them or pay close attention, they can lead to serious hazards and even house fires.

The Basics of Fireplace Safety

1. Cleaning and Maintenance: Have your fireplace professionally cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. If you don’t have a chimney sweep come to complete a cleaning, there could be dangerous creosote build-up. In addition, animal nests and yard debris may be found on the inside of your chimney...

Thanks to Tom Benisch of State Farm for this episode of Tips from the Pros on creating an evacuation plan.

Getting out and making sure everyone is safe: That’s the crux of a fire evacuation plan. It doesn’t have to be complicated; in fact, simpler is better — and fast is key. Create your own plan and follow these practice reminders so you can act immediately if there’s a fire in your home.

Make a plan

1. Sketch a map of your house.
2. Draw two escape routes from each room — one out a door, one out a window.
3. Designate and “star” a meeting spot a safe distance from the house (for example, the mailbox across the street).
4. Hang the plan where everyone can see it regularly.

Practice fire evacuation — exactly as you’d do it in real time

1. Sound the smoke alarm.
2. Leave everything ...

This issue of Tips from the Pros is brought to you by Clean Sweep Chimney, Gutter & Slate Service.

Staying warm during the winter could mean piling on blankets, slipping on socks or huddling on the couch in front of a space heater, but for many people, it means lighting up the fireplace. Before you get cozy, refresh your fireplace safety knowledge with these simple tips.

Is Your Chimney Clean?

Before you worry about what type of logs to burn, you need to ensure that you have a clean chimney. Your chimney should be professionally swept at least once a year. Creosote, soot and debris will all be removed from the inside and the structure will be inspected for safety. If there are any problems with your chimney, it’s much better to find them out before something dangerous occurs.

How Low Sh...