Fire safety 101

Fireplaces should always have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of an emergency.

When making a fire it is always best to tie one's hair back and to wear clothes that fit well as to avoid clothes and hair catching on fire.

Keep dry materials for fires away from the actual fireplace until they are used. Kindling, paper and seasoned wood should be kept at a decent distance to prevent sparks from igniting a pile of fireplace materials.

Fireplace screens are a necessity when using a fireplace. These screens prevent hot ash from flying out of the firebox and into the house.

Check all fireplace fixtures (damper, mesh screens, and be sure the flue has been checked within the last year) to make sure they are in proper working order.

It's important to have fire detectors in place and working properly in the event that there is a fire.