How do I know if my chimney is safe to use?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

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Q: Can I use water to put out a fire in my fireplace?

• <div><p>You should only use water to put out a fire in your fireplace in an emergency situation. Even then, it is better to use a fire extinguisher to put out a fire quickly. Make sure every room in your house that has a fireplace also has a fire extinguisher&mdash;and that everyone in your household knows how to use one.</p></div>

Q: Can you close off a fireplace?

• <div><p>Yes, you can close off a fireplace both temporarily and permanently with extremely wide price ranges. Temporary solutions involve fireplace plugs that can be inflated to block air and deflated to open the fireplace, covers, and boards. Permanent methods of shutting off fireplaces usually involve bricking up the fireplace or covering it with drywall. No matter the method, it&rsquo;s probably best to hire a professional.</p></div>

Q: Can a short circuit start a fire?

• <div><p>Short circuits can cause fires, electrical burns, and electrocution, which can lead to serious injury or even death. That&rsquo;s why it&rsquo;s important to take preventative measures to prevent short circuits, like getting annual electrical maintenance and an electrical inspection every two to five years, depending on the age of your home.</p></div>

Q: What are the benefits of hiring a professional for oil-fired chimney maintenance?

• <div><p>DIY cleaning is possible, but professionals ensure thorough soot removal and check for hazardous creosote buildup.</p></div>

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Fire Pit Installation questions, answered by experts

You should only use water to put out a fire in your fireplace in an emergency situation. Even then, it is better to use a fire extinguisher to put out a fire quickly. Make sure every room in your house that has a fireplace also has a fire extinguisher—and that everyone in your household knows how to use one.

Yes, you can close off a fireplace both temporarily and permanently with extremely wide price ranges. Temporary solutions involve fireplace plugs that can be inflated to block air and deflated to open the fireplace, covers, and boards. Permanent methods of shutting off fireplaces usually involve bricking up the fireplace or covering it with drywall. No matter the method, it’s probably best to hire a professional.

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.

Short circuits can cause fires, electrical burns, and electrocution, which can lead to serious injury or even death. That’s why it’s important to take preventative measures to prevent short circuits, like getting annual electrical maintenance and an electrical inspection every two to five years, depending on the age of your home.

DIY cleaning is possible, but professionals ensure thorough soot removal and check for hazardous creosote buildup.

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