Don’t play with fire: Fireplace safety rules to live by

On a cold winter’s night, there’s nothing better than the warmth of a fireplace. But as with any flame source, following some simple rules can help keep your family safe.

Fireplace safety DON’Ts:

• DON’T burn cardboard boxes, trash or debris in a home fireplace.
• DON’T ever leave any fire unattended.
• DON’T use flammable liquids of any kind to start a fire.

Fireplace safety DOs:

• DO have your fireplace inspected annually by a professional chimney sweep.
• DO only build small, manageable fires. They will burn more completely and produce less smoke.
• DO use a glass door or mesh metal screen to prevent embers from escaping.
• DO open your damper when the fireplace is in use and close it when it’s not in use.
• DO always have a working fire extinguisher nearby.

Always following these basic precautions will help ensure your fireplace provides safe, comforting warmth all season long.