It’s finally cold outside as the official start of winter is right around the corner. With the temperature dropping and your heat running, you’re probably thinking about your chimney and fireplace.

Now’s the time to use this quick checklist and get your chimney ready for winter.

Winter is “go-time” for the maintenance and upkeep on your chimney and fireplace, as keeping them clean and protected will lead to a successful heating experience all winter.

Here’s your checklist of things to do with your chimney this winter:

• Call Southern Chimneys and get an inspection
  This one may seem like a no-brainer, but a lot of people forget to have their chimneys and fireplaces inspected and cleaned. A proper inspection (like the 18-point one done by Southern Chimneys) will make sure everything is looking good for the winter months ahead. You’ll get out that pesky creosote that’s built up inside, you’ll find any cracks or leaks letting moisture or critters in or out, and you can even discuss converting your wood fireplace to gas logs.
• Know your safety!
  It’s the time of year when your fire will be roaring. Are you being safe about it? Make sure you have fire extinguishers nearby and know how to use them. Install smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors if they aren’t already. Have a first aid kit handy as well.
• Be prepared
  What will you do if there’s a major power outage? It happens at least once or twice a winter in the Atlanta area. You should have a generator (with fuel), a battery-operated radio, flashlights, enough food and water for three days, pet supplies, important medications, and at least a half a tank of gas in your vehicle.
• Decorate your fireplace!
  It’s time to put the stockings up! Your fireplace and hearth are usually the star of the show in Christmas decorations.

It’s always smart to get a jump on things and schedule your chimney and fireplace work and inspections long before the weather cools down. But if you’ve waited until now, there might still be time to schedule an inspection before the worst of winter hits. Give us a call at Southern Chimneys and we’ll help answer all your chimney and fireplace wintertime questions.

This post first appeared on https://southernchimneys.com