How New Yorkers Can Make Sure Their Wood Stove Is Winter Ready
With the winter winter approaching, it's time to make sure your wood stove is ready to keep you warm during the colder months.Here are some tips to make sure your wood stove is winter-ready.
Get Your Wood Stove Checked
Have your wood stove checked annually by a professional. This will ensure that your stove is working safely, and ultimately saving you money on heating costs.
Clean Your Wood Stove
If you heat your home with a wood stove, it's important to clean it before the winter season is here. Get rid of any soot and ash so that you get proper ventilation and stop any potential fire hazards.
Check Your Chimney Flue
Have your chimney flue checked for any buildup of creosote and then clean it to reduce the chance of fire. A clean chimney can also improve the efficiency of your wood stove.
Replace Detector Batteries
It's important to replace the batteries in your smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide detectors. If you didn't do it when you set your clocks back, then do it now to make sure your and your family are safe.
Prepare for Emergencies
Get your emergency supplies together including a battery-operated radio, flashlight, water, medications, non-perishable foods, a telephone that doesn't need electricity, extra blankets, a first aid kit, and more.
Use Safe Heating Sources
If your heat goes out during a winter storm, use other kinds of heat sources like a well-vented wood stove or portable space heaters. Always follow manufacturers' instructions and dress warmly.
Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that can be produced by poorly vented heating sources. Make sure to use fuel space heaters with the right kind of ventilation and keep looking for symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Follow Fire Safety Measures
Fire hazards increase in the winter, so it's important to take precautions. Always keep a screen around an open flame, never use gasoline to start your fireplace, and have your chimney checked for build up.
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