Check your chimney and make sure is clear of clutter or little critters who may have built a home there. It is also important to confirm they chimney draws up smoke and fire properly. You can do this by lighting rolled up pieces of newspaper in your fireplace to verify their are no obstructions in your chimney.
To avoid a chimney fire, it is important to clean out your chimney annually or hire a professional to do this for you. As you use your fireplace, creosote can build up in your chimney and cause major problems. Remember: when hiring a chimney sweep to clean out your solid fuel venting system, make sure they are CSIA certified.
What are some things you check when preparing your home for winter?
