There's nothing quite as nice and cozy as a warm, crackling fire in the fireplace on a chilly day. However, please remember that if you don't take some simple safety precautions, that fire could turn deadly.

Keep your family safe and warm by following these fireplace safety tips:

• Inspect your fireplace. Ensure that it has adequate protective linings and smoke ducts. Check to make sure that the chimney is clear and in good repair.
• If you are installing a fireplace insert, it should be at least four feet from any combustible materials.
• Have your chimney inspected annually, and cleaned as necessary, by a CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) Certified Chimney Sweep. This reduces the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning due to creosote buildup or obstruction in the chimney. To locate a certified sweep, visit www.csia.org.
• Keep the top of your chimney clear of tree limbs and other debris.
• Install a chimney cap to keep debris and animals out of the chimney.
• Always open the damper before lighting the fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. This will avert the buildup of poisonous gases, such as carbon monoxide.
• Fuel your fire safely. For burning firewood in wood stoves or fireplaces, choose well-seasoned wood that has been dried for at least six months to a year and stored properly.
• When building your fire, place firewood at the rear of the fireplace on a supporting grate. To start the fire, use a firelighter.
• NEVER use gasoline, charcoal lighter, or other fuel to light or relight a fire as the vapors may explode.
• NEVER keep flammable fuels near a fire. Vapors can travel the length of a room and explode.
• Don't use coal or charcoal in a fireplace. Burning these materials may pose the danger of carbon monoxide buildup. Do not burn trash or gift wrap in the fireplace because polystyrene foam and other coated materials can generate deadly fumes.
• Do not overload your fireplace. Large fires can lead to overheating of wall or roof materials, particularly if the fireplace is constructed of metal.
• Always use a screen around the fireplace to keep sparks from flying out and to protect children and adults from accidental clothing ignition.
• Warn children about the dangers of fire. Do not let them play with fire.
• Keep flammable materials such as carpets, pillows, furniture, or papers away from the fireplace area.
• During the holidays make sure your Christmas tree is not close enough to be ignited by a spark. Be especially careful of accidentally igniting holiday wrapping papers.
• Always make sure that your fire is completely extinguished before going to bed or leaving your home.