10 Tips to Prevent Chimney Fires in North Carolina

This is the time of year when the nip of Old Jack Frost has many of us imagining a cozy night snuggled up in front of the fire. Wood burning fireplaces can feel like a luxury in the winter providing additional warmth and heat in the home. What most of us don’t think about is the possibility of a chimney fire. 

By following a few simple safety tips, you can enjoy your next fire without the fear of disaster.
 

1. Have your wood stove or chimney inspected by a certified chimney specialist each year and check monthly for damage or obstructions.

2. Never burn trash, paper, green wood or Christmas trees.

3. Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials. Combustible material too close to the fireplace or a wood stove can easily catch fire.

4. Keep chimneys clear and capped. Make sure tree branches and leaves are at least 15 feet away from the top of the chimney. Contagious flames or sparks can jump from the fire source, quickly igniting other close objects. Installing a chimney cap can help prevent debris and animals from blocking the opening.

5. Use a fireplace screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks.

6. Close the damper and doors tightly when you are done. A fire may appear completely dead, but a midnight draft can reignite embers and a slight breeze can blow them into your living room.

7. Store cooled ashes in a tightly sealed metal container outside the home.

8. Install and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries once a year.

9. Make sure everyone in the family respects the fire. Remind everyone not to get too close and to move carefully when in the vicinity. A fireplace screen to establish a safe perimeter is a good idea if you have small children or pets.

10. Have an escape plan in place in case of fire and review it regularly with your family members.

If you do have a chimney fire, close the damper and doors tightly if possible. Then leave the house and call 911. With the right home maintenance practices you can avoid chimney fires and enjoy the cozy, ambiance of your fireplace on cold mountain nights. We are available to answer any questions you have regarding coverage and your homeowners policy.

>>Find a Certified Chimney Sweep in Your Area:  The National Chimney Sweep Guild &
The Chimney Safety Institute of America

Insurance for Small Retail Businesses

Do you own a small retail business? Then you’ve probably found that there is no single insurance policy that suits all small businesses. While it’s important to purchase the financial protection of insurance, it’s even more crucial to purchase the right coverage for your business needs.

• Workers’ compensation: Typically, a North Carolina small business with three or more employees is required by law to have workers’ compensation. This form of insurance helps pays for an employee’s medical costs and other associated expenses if they are injured while performing their work duties.

• Liability coverage: Although liability coverage isn’t mandatory for most North Carolina businesses, it can be a crucial coverage if someone is injured while on your business premises and files a lawsuit against you and your business for damages.

• Contents coverage: This is a vital coverage for any business to consider purchasing. Electronic equipment such as printers, fax machines, photocopiers and computers are just a few of the expensive items that could be damaged or ruined by an unexpected event. Stock, inventory, interior decorations and shop fittings and fixtures are also items vulnerable to a disaster.

• Building and property coverage: The actual structure housing your business, gates, fences, freestanding walls and car park should all be considered for insurance coverage.

Purchasing the right insurance coverage for your business may be a matter of understanding the risks your business may face and purchasing coverage to financially safeguard your business against those potential risks. The wide variety of coverage available should make your insurance choices easier.