A cleaning can save families thousands in repair costs Chimneys are responsible for roughly 20,000 home fires every year, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America. As families begin using their heating systems more often amid the dipping October temperatures, Hunter Insurance encourages families to have their chimney swept by a licensed professional. “The first week of October is usually dedicated to chimney safety, and it is for a good reason,” said Brian Hunter, president of Hunter Insurance. “Fires from chimneys can cause catastrophic damage to a home if they are not extinguished promptly, but the positive news is that these seasonal fires are entirely preventable.” Fire safety experts suggest that homeowners get an inspection done every year to ensure the safety of their family. Yearly inspections are recommended because it doesn’t take too long for blockages to build in chimneys or liners, especially if homeowners are burning wood that creates more creosote than should be expected. Pine wood is one type of wood that creates an excess of soot and the highly flammable creosote, which are byproducts of burning wood. Hunter says it is better to hire a certified specialist to clean your chimney because of the health…

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