1 - FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURERS INSTRUCTIONS - Carefully follow the manufacturers instructions for installing and maintaining your chimney or appliance. If you do not have instructions, call the manufacturer. For masonry chimneys, call your builder.
2 - INSPECT AND CLEAN YOUR CHIMNEY REGULARLY - The Ontario Fire Code requires homeowners to maintain the safety of their chimneys and inspect them at least once a year. Your chimney could have a problem you cannot see. If in doubt, consult a WETT certified chimney sweep.
3 - CHECK STOVEPIPES AND CONNECTIONS - Ensure screws are located at every joint. Also look for leaching(dark staining or white powder) at every joint. This could be a sign of chimney trouble - consult a WETT certified chimney sweep.
4 - CHECK FOR CREOSOTE - Creosote can form quickly and is a major cause of chimney fires. Check chimney and flue pipes often and clean when necessary, never let creosote or soot build up.
5 - CHECK WALLS FOR EXCESSIVE HEAT - If the wall around the chimney is very hot, it could be a sign of improper installation of the chimney or stove pipe. Check with a WETT certified chimney sweep.
6 - INSTALL A RAIN CAP - A rain cap should be installed on top of all metal and masonry chimneys. If you have a spark screen around the chimney cap, inspect it regularly for blockage.
7 - WATCH FOR SMOKE COMING INTO THE ROOM - This could indicate a blockage in the chimney or a faulty damper control mechanism. Check with a WETT certified chimney sweep.
8 - PROTECT FLOORS AND WALLS FROM HEAT AND SPARKS - Keep compbustibles safely away from your appliance. Always use a proper fitting screen for your appliance.
9 - REGULARLY CHECK SIGNS OF PROBLEMS - Your heating appliance, flue pipes and chimney can deterioate over time. Look for corrosion or rust stains on the outer shell of a metal chimney and check for buldges or corrosion in its liner. Loose bricks, crumbling mortar, broken liners, dark stains or white powder can indicate problems with masonry chimneys. These should be fixed immediately by a qualified mason.
2 - INSPECT AND CLEAN YOUR CHIMNEY REGULARLY - The Ontario Fire Code requires homeowners to maintain the safety of their chimneys and inspect them at least once a year. Your chimney could have a problem you cannot see. If in doubt, consult a WETT certified chimney sweep.
3 - CHECK STOVEPIPES AND CONNECTIONS - Ensure screws are located at every joint. Also look for leaching(dark staining or white powder) at every joint. This could be a sign of chimney trouble - consult a WETT certified chimney sweep.
4 - CHECK FOR CREOSOTE - Creosote can form quickly and is a major cause of chimney fires. Check chimney and flue pipes often and clean when necessary, never let creosote or soot build up.
5 - CHECK WALLS FOR EXCESSIVE HEAT - If the wall around the chimney is very hot, it could be a sign of improper installation of the chimney or stove pipe. Check with a WETT certified chimney sweep.
6 - INSTALL A RAIN CAP - A rain cap should be installed on top of all metal and masonry chimneys. If you have a spark screen around the chimney cap, inspect it regularly for blockage.
7 - WATCH FOR SMOKE COMING INTO THE ROOM - This could indicate a blockage in the chimney or a faulty damper control mechanism. Check with a WETT certified chimney sweep.
8 - PROTECT FLOORS AND WALLS FROM HEAT AND SPARKS - Keep compbustibles safely away from your appliance. Always use a proper fitting screen for your appliance.
9 - REGULARLY CHECK SIGNS OF PROBLEMS - Your heating appliance, flue pipes and chimney can deterioate over time. Look for corrosion or rust stains on the outer shell of a metal chimney and check for buldges or corrosion in its liner. Loose bricks, crumbling mortar, broken liners, dark stains or white powder can indicate problems with masonry chimneys. These should be fixed immediately by a qualified mason.
Augusta Fire Rescue
Tips For Safe Heating
