Pellet stoves are safer than wood stoves in many ways. They don’t produce as many creosote deposits as wood stoves do, they create less smoke, and the flames are contained, decreasing the risk of any sparks or embers creating a house fire. Pellet stoves also burn more cleanly and efficiently than wood stoves do.

No material is genuinely fireproof, so there’s no genuinely fireproof safe. Any material would break down if exposed to a hot enough temperature for long enough. That said, safes can withstand certain house fires. Manufacturers use the term “fireproof” synonymously with “fire resistant.”

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.

Disposable fire extinguishers are good for anywhere from 10 to 12 years, but check the documentation that accompanied your specific model to make sure. Additionally, there are rechargeable models out there that last 12 to 20 years, but they require a professional inspection every six years.