A common question on social media this week asks, “Is it too early to turn on the furnace?” Western and Central New Yorkers struggle with that every year, and with many cold nights and mornings, homeowners may consider fireplaces or electric heaters as they hold off on firing up the furnace. That’s all well and good as long as homeowners put safety first. Fire Prevention Week runs from October 3 – 9, 2021, and AAA Insurance has tips to keep homeowners safe.

Nothing beats the cold like a warm wood-burning fireplace. But homeowners need to maintain and service both the fireplace and chimney. New York State Homeland and Security Services (NYSHSS) recommends an annual chimney inspection by a qualified chimney sweep. 

Regular chimney inspections can help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, which can occur if the fireplace and chimney are poorly ventilated. An experienced chimney professional can also tell if a chimney’s walls have a buildup of creosote, a flammable by-product of burning wood. Creosote is a fire hazard that can ignite and lead to chimney fires. It’s also toxic; exposure to creosote can irritate the eyes and skin and cause respiratory issues. 

In addition, a chimney sweep can determine if the temperature of a chimney flue is too high, which can lead to a chimney fire. Once the fireplace and chimney have been inspected and serviced (if needed), it’s important to practice good safety habits to prevent a dangerous fire.

AAA and NYSHSS recommend the following maintenance practices for your fireplace and chimney: 

1. Burn only well-seasoned hardwoods.
2. Install a chimney cap.
3. Install a carbon monoxide detector.
4. Have a chimney sweep ensure that the chimney has an appropriate liner.

Be sure a wood or coal stove is installed at least 36 inches away from the wall and keep combustible materials far from the stove and chimney connector. NYSHSS also recommends placing an approved stove board under the unit to protect the floor from heat. 

AAA Insurance recommends that homeowners create a home fire escape plan and use caution when cooking and using appliances. Also, set a reminder for smoke alarm replacement and testing. According to the National Fire Protection Association, properly installed smoke alarms cut the risk of home fire deaths in half. Nearly two-thirds of home fire deaths occurred in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. 

“Smoke detectors save lives,” said Stacey McConnell, Vice President of Insurance at AAA Western and Central New York. “Fire Prevention Week is a good time for homeowners and renters to make sure they are equipped with a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector. It’s also a good time to review insurance needs.”

For information about auto and home insurance, call to speak with a AAA insurance agent at (888) 671-7044 or visit your local AAA Travel & Insurance Center.

AAA Insurance