With cold weather just around the corner, make sure that your home heating systems are safe, suggests the Sycamore Fire Department. Heating fires account for 36 percent of residential fires in rural areas every year. Often, these fires are due to creosote buildup in chimneys and stovepipes. All home heating systems require regular maintenance to function safely and efficiently.

It’s important to have furnaces inspected to ensure they are in good working condition. Have the furnace or boiler serviced annually, and leave repairs to qualified specialists. Do not attempt repairs yourself if you notice a problem.

Be sure all furnace controls and emergency shutoffs are in proper working condition. Make sure flue and pipe seams on furnaces and boilers are well supported and free of holes and cracks. If the flue is installed into a masonry chimney, make sure there are no cracks or loose bricks.