When the colder temperatures start to set in, many homeowners will turn to their fireplace, wood or pellet stoves as an additional heat source. While fireplaces can provide warmth and comfort, if you are not careful, they can also be a hazard. Keep in mind the following precautions to help ensure a safe winter season. Keep Your Chimney Fireplaces and Wood Stoves Clean Have your chimney, fireplace, wood or pellet stove inspected and cleaned by a licensed chimney specialist. They should be maintained annually to help ensure they are functioning safely and efficiently.  Be sure to keep the area around the hearth clear…

There were 3 explosions, 60 to 80 structure fires, 25 injuries, and 1 death resulting from the natural gas pipeline explosion in Merrimack Valley earlier this month. More than 8,500 gas customers were affected, according to Columbia Gas. It will be months before residents and business owners and their employees recover. As we continue to hear their stories, many people who were not affected are wondering if a gas explosion can happen to them — and if it does what can be done about it. In this article we answer several questions about what to do after a gas explosion as…

The Importance of Ladder Safety March is Ladder Safety Month  You need to use a ladder for some household jobs, such as cleaning the leaves out of your gutters or touching up the paint on your exterior trim. However, if you reach just a little too far, you may suddenly find yourself on the ground! A fall from a ladder can cause major injuries, some of which can be fatal.