You Can Prevent Chimney FiresBy JHCadmin, October 21, 2009 According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 24,500 residential fires in the United States originating in chimneys, fireplaces and solid fuel appliances in 2005. These fires resulted in 20 deaths and $126.1 million in property damage."Virtually all of these fires were preventable," accounts the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Along with the National Fire Protection Association, they recommend yearly chimney inspections to help prevent those hazards.Recommendations are that you have your chimney professionally cleaned on an annual basis. In addition to not having your chimney cleaned on a regular basis, you should check for fire hazards in your home. These include:Potential Electrical Fire Hazards- Do not let trash, dust or spiderwebs build up. Unprotected light-bulbs can be another hazard as they can break.Power Delivery- Wiring can age and/or become overloaded. At that point, it is a fire waiting to happen. Don't turn one plug into multiple plugs either.Motor and Power Tools- These can overheat and also cause fire. If they become uncomfortably warm to the touch, stop using them.Physical Blocking of Registers, etc- Keep heat registers clear of items. And don't set anything on top of your wood/pellet stove. Keep items several feet away from open flame.Protect your Burners- Keep dishtowels and additional flammable items away from your cooking stove top.Unattended Flame- Do not leave candles unattended. Blow them out when going to another room or check on them often. Make sure that fabric, curtains, etc are not in reach of the flame.At Rich's for the Home, we have professional chimney sweeps! Visit any of Rich's five Puget Sound locations to schedule a professional chimney sweep.For more information about chimney safety, please visit CSIA. The CSIA is located at 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168.Recent Articles See All Sustainable Hardwood Furniture: Perfect Indoors and Outdoors Outdoor Furniture Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:June 1, 2022 What do the following have in common? Atlantic City Boardwalk New York City park benches 18th century Jesuit missions in Bolivia The Solferino Footbridge that crosses the Seine River in Paris Give up? They’re all made out of Ipé (pronounced “EE-pay”), a fine-grained, buttery-smooth hardwood from the tropical forests of Bolivia. Environmentally Friendly There’s a […] Read More Minimalist, Modern, Danish Patio Furniture by Houe Outdoor Furniture Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:May 2, 2022 We’re lovin’ “Click” furnishings, by Houe. This innovative Danish outdoor furniture is simple, comfortable, and versatile. Rich's carries Houe dining chairs, rocking chairs, tray tables, and benches. Read More Clean, Contemporary Outdoor Furniture for 2022 Decorating Your Outdoor Room Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:April 19, 2022 The hottest designs for 2022 in outdoor furniture feature clean, contemporary lines, natural tones, and weather-resistant weaves. In this article, you’ll discover the latest furnishings and fire pits manufactured by our friends at Ebel. Palermo Deep Seating New to Rich’s lineup, the Palermo deep seating collection includes a sofa, club chairs, swivel rockers, and ottoman. […] Read More Outdoor Oven: Expand Your Backyard Cooking Experience Grills Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:June 13, 2021 When cooking outdoors, the name of the game is “options.” Options to bake a pizza, roast a whole chicken, or bake cookies. The outdoor oven by Summerset adds versatility to your outdoor cooking experience. From appetizers to desserts, this oven allows you to cook, bake, and roast your favorite dishes in your outdoor space. There […] Read More The Best Spa Filtration System on the Planet Hot Tubs and Spas Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:May 31, 2021 Concerned about the cleanliness of your spa? If you’ve been in hot tub recently, you’ve likely experienced a “skim filtration system” where the filter shares the same spa water as you. We have a much better idea: a Hydro Cyclonic Filtration® System, patented by Coast Spas. Read More Coast Spas: Hot Tubs That Fit Your Lifestyle and Budget Hot Tubs and Spas Author:Rich's For The Home Posted:March 1, 2021 Rich's proudly carries Coast Spas, which feature innovative designs: curves, infinity edges, swim spas and more. Take a free "wet test" at Rich's. Read More