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One of the best ways to know your chimney is good to go on any given night is to simply look up into your flue with a flashlight. If you see a thick buildup of creosote—a shiny, dark substance that looks like tar—it’s best to have your fireplace professionally cleaned before you go ahead with the burn. Additionally, having your fireplace professionally inspected once per year can also help increase your peace of mind and keep your family and your home safe.

The most common causes of kitchen fires are leaving cooking food unattended, frying food with excessive amounts of oil, and leaving flammable objects near the stovetop.

A smoke alarm that beeps periodically, often every 30 to 60 seconds, usually indicates a low battery. The first step is to replace the battery. If this doesn't solve the problem, try resetting the alarm. However, beeping can also signal other issues, such as dust buildup in the sensors or the unit reaching the end of its life. Different beep patterns can mean different things; for example, multiple beeps might indicate an issue with a combination carbon monoxide detector, while a continuous, loud alarm means smoke has been detected. If a new battery doesn't stop the beeping, it's best to consult your alarm's manual, call a professional, or replace the unit.

In addition to flashing, a roof cricket can help divert water around your chimney so that it drains properly off your roof. It’s shaped like a double triangle and is installed behind the chimney so that falling water spills evenly down each side. This helps prevent water from accumulating behind your chimney, which can increase water damage and the risk of leaks. 

The International Building Code (IBC) requires cricket installation if a chimney built after 2012 measures over 30 inches in width. Chimneys constructed before that date are typically grandfathered in and aren’t required to have crickets installed.