| As an owner of a wood-burning unit, you owe it | | | | Lastly, you will want to keep a fire extinguisher |
| to yourself to check its function often to ensure | | | | close to the wood burning stove--check the date |
| your home is safe from fire hazards. First you | | | | on it occasionally and also on smoke detectors in |
| should examine the wood stove and chimney | | | | the area. Much damage from fire/smoke can be |
| flues. From your roof, look for any damage or | | | | prevented by smoke alarm checks done on a |
| blockages (use a flashlight). Be sure and examine | | | | regular basis. Keep extra batteries on hand and |
| the stovepipes for any creosote build-up. If there | | | | you will be able to change them without much |
| is any, get the chimney and stove cleaned by a | | | | hassle. |
| professional. | | | | Yearly maintenance can keep many problems |
| In addition, when you burn, only burn seasoned | | | | from arising with your wood burning stove so be |
| wood; two-year-old wood is a good guideline. | | | | aware of these safety tips/checks. You can do |
| Another huge safety point is to keep all | | | | cleaning and inspecting of wood stoves along with |
| combustible materials away from the unit to avoid | | | | your other home checks each season. Cleaning |
| igniting them. Children should be taught to avoid | | | | and inspecting a wood burner takes very little |
| the stove to prevent burns--ensure that | | | | time and once you perform these services, you |
| unsupervised children and pets are both kept | | | | will become familiar with what to look for. If you |
| away from the wood-burning unit at all times. | | | | are more comfortable, call a heating specialist. |