Morse Insurance Blog

The US Fire Administration reports that 36 percent of house fires in the US result from heating fires, highlighting the importance of properly maintaining fireplaces and wood stoves. Having a wood furnace may affect your MA insurance rates because of the inherent risks associated with having a fuel-fired appliance, so it’s imperative to take precautions to prevent a house fire.

• Keep your chimney clean. A dirty chimney can cause a house fire, because a chimney’s function is to get rid of all the dangerous gases and smoke from your home. Clean chimneys don’t generally catch fire, so it’s important to get a certified chimney sweep to clean your chimney annually.

• Keep your fireplace clean. This includes the area around it as well. Fireplaces need to be cleaned regularly, and it’s important to ensure there are no flammable materials near the fireplace.

• Use dry wood. Dry wood burns a lot easier and generates more heat. Soft wood doesn’t burn as well, and speeds up the formation of creosote, which can lead to chimney fires.

• Keep outside fire-safe. Don’t stack firewood near the home, and make sure your gutters are cleared of debris. Ensure there are no tree branches hanging over your chimney.

Taking these precautionary steps may help reduce the risk of a devastating home fire. Some fire prevention strategies – sprinklers for example – could reduce your MA insurance costs. Call us for more details or for a quote on coverage for your home.