CHENANGO COUNTY - Do the chilly temperatures have you dreaming of cozy gatherings around a brightly lit fire?

Whether your ideal winter retreat is in the warm glow of the family room fireplace or sitting by a fire under the stars, the Chenango County Health Department says safety should be your first priority.

Follow these helpful tips to keep you and your family safe when you use fireplaces and wood stoves:

Have your fireplace and wood stoves inspected before you begin using them each year.

Always check with your local code department before installing any new or used heating appliances. Have the chimney cleaned to remove creosote, which can ignite and start a chimney fire.

Burning seasoned wood can prevent creosote.

Use a tempered glass or metal screen over the fireplace opening to keep sparks inside. Never use paper, trash or liquid fuel.

Wood or wood pellets should be the only thing you burn in your fireplace and woodstove.

Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from fireplaces and wood stoves. The openings can get hot enough to burn skin, so keep children and pets far away from them. When you’re finished with your fire, put it out before you leave home or fall asleep. When you clean up, place the ashes inside a metal can with a lid. Store the can outside, away from the house, until the ashes are completely cold.

Follow these safety tips to prevent injury around fire:

Never leave children and pets unattended around fire.

Prevent burn injuries by keeping children at least three feet away.

Store matches and lighters out of children’s sight and reach.

Never let children see you play with fire.

Keep multiple smoke alarms and CO detectors in your home and test them regularly.

Keep a fire extinguisher in your home and inspect it regularly.

Have a fire escape plan for your family and practice it each year.

In the event of an emergency call 911.

Never go back into a burning home.

If you have questions, please call Chenango County Department of Health 607-337-1660.

For additional fire safety information about fire safety go to: www.usfa.fema.gov/index.html or www.chenangofireems.com/ or www.nfpa.org/Public-Education online.

Persons with questions or requiring additional information may contact the Chenango County Health Department at (607) 337-1660.

- Information from the Chenango County Health Department