Here are some tips on keeping your fireplace safe for the coming winter months

Follow these steps
In order to keep your natural gas or wood fireplace safe and efficient for the cold months ahead, here are some tips for keeping it up to date:

Chimney
Check your chimney for cracks, leaks or holes in the mortor and have a professional repair or replace any bricks or stucco on the exterior of the chimney. Hire a professional chimney cleaner to inspect your chimney and clean the interior of your chimney.

Children' Safety
Keep children safe in front of a fireplace by purchasing a Fireplace Screen available in most Hardware stores and specialty Fireplace stores.

Flammable Products
Never leave flammable products near a fireplace such as carpets, pillows, sheets, blankets or any other flammable items, because sparks from wood fireplaces can land a few feet away.

Pilot Light
If the flame or pilot goes out, read the manufacturers instructions for properly reignighting it.

Do not wipe the window of the Fireplace during use, as this could cause the glass to crack.

Make sure your smoke detector is up to date by checking and replacing the batteries if necessary.