With cooler weather quickly approaching here are some quick tips for using your fireplace this winter.

Before you light the fire:

1. Check and make sure the damper is open
2. Use a screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks
3. Keep all combustible and flammable materials a safe distance from the fireplace opening – including holiday décor
4. Avoid wearing loose or flowing clothing
5. Be sure your smoke detector is working
6. Keep a portable fire extinguisher handy
7. Practice your home escape plan

While the fire is burning:

1. The United States Fire Administration has recommended seasoned wood only- avoid the use of greenwood, lumber, treated wood or construction scraps
2. Use only one or two small logs or one medium log that is dry and well cured
3. Be sure the fireplace screen is fully closed
4. Keep small children away
5. Keep anything that will burn at least three feet away from the fire
6. Never use paper, cardboard, plastic or other similar combustible material – this will burn rapidly, causing a flash fire
7. NEVER LEAVE THE FIRE UNATTENDED]

After the fire is out:

1. Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving home or going to bed
2. Store cooled ashes in a tightly sealed metal container
3. Do not close the damper until the fireplace has completely cooled