Your chimney brings so much warmth and joy into your home. It can be easy to forget that it can be hazardous if not used or maintained properly. From 2012 through 2014, there were nearly 67,000 chimney related fires reported in the United States causing over 50 deaths. At Hale’s Chimney and Fireplace Solutions, we think that this is unacceptable. We take the safety of our customers very seriously and can’t stress enough the importance of practicing safe fireplace operation and preventive chimney maintenance. As it cools down, the fireplace gets mroe and more use, now is a great time to bring national attention to fire safety in the home. That’s why we want to bring to your attention that National Fire Prevention Week is observed October 6 through October 12 this year.
What is National Fire Prevention Week?
National Fire Prevention Week was first sponsored by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) in 1922 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. National Fire Prevention Week always falls on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls. It is no coincidence that this date was chosen. It also happens to be the perfect time since people are starting to use their fireplaces again. In 1925, National Fire Prevention Week was proclaimed a national health observance by then-President Calvin Coolidge. That makes it the longest-running national health observance in the United States! The NFPA picks a theme for National Fire Prevention Week every year. For 2019 the theme is “Not every hero wears a cape. Plan your escape”. This emphasizes planning and practicing a safe route out of your home in case of a fire.
Be a Hero
You can be a hero by making sure that everyone in your family understands:
- what fire safety is
- what to do in case of a fire
- make sure everyone in your family knows their role when it comes to operating heating and cooking equipment
- how to check all fire and carbon monoxide alarms
- at least two escape routes out of the house
- the designated meeting space in a safe location outside of your home
National Fire Prevention Week is also a great time to make sure that your chimney system is ready to operate safely this fall and winter. Make sure that you have your chimney inspected by a certified sweep. Look for the certification from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Only a CSIA certified chimney technician, like the ones at here, can make sure that your chimney is safe to operate.
Let Hale’s Chimney and Fireplace Solutions be a part of your National Fire Prevention Week. If you haven’t had your chimney and fireplace inspected in the past year, you could be putting your home at risk. Call Hale’s Chimney & Fireplace Solutions at 972-562-6851 or schedule an appointment online with one of our chimney professionals today. We look forward to keeping you safe!