If you have a wood fireplace in your home, it’s probably going to get some good use soon. Not only are wood fireplaces beautiful, they’re also a great way to save on energy and utility bills. Before you light up the fireplace for the first time, however, make sure you follow these five safety tips to keep your home safe:

• Maintain your chimney: Did you know it’s recommended that chimneys be swept at least once a year to remove soot and debris? If this isn’t something you do on a yearly basis, it’s never too late to start. Another task you should be performing annually is checking that the chimney cap is secure, so outside debris or animals can’t get inside.
• Stock your rack with seasoned hardwood: You should always choose seasoned, dense wood that has been dry for at least six months. This will keep the fire burning smoothly with less thick, dark smoke that causes build-up in your chimney.
• Check your surroundings: One of the most important fireplace safety tips to follow is to check that your smoke detector is working properly, especially the one nearest the fireplace. In addition to updating the batteries every spring and fall, you should test the alarm periodically. Remove all wall hangings or decorations that may be placed near the hearth. During warmer seasons, you may tend to decorate around your fireplace, but when it’s being used, it should be clear.
• Install a carbon monoxide alarm: Almost all homes have smoke detectors installed, but a great practice of fireplace safety involves carbon monoxide alarms as well. Slow burning fires can contribute to higher levels of carbon monoxide in your home, which means if you have a fireplace, you should definitely have one installed.
• Remove ashes and debris after a fire: Last but not least, cleaning your hearth is an important aspect of fireplace safety. Remove all ashes and debris left behind. To safely dispose of ashes, they must be completely cooled. Water them down before disposal.

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