Chimney Safety 101: A Cozy Home

Starts with a Safe Flue

Cold nights are here—perfect for a crackling fire. Before you strike a match, give your fireplace and chimney a quick safety check. A little prep now prevents smoke issues, carbon monoxide risks, and chimney fires later.

Quick Pre-Season Checklist (5 Minutes)

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms; replace batteries.

• Shine a flashlight up the firebox: look for loose bricks, cracked mortar, or excess soot.

• Confirm a chimney cap is installed and intact (keeps rain, debris, and critters out).

• Check that the damper opens/closes smoothly.