I recently noticed that the back metal wall in our fireplace looks loose. When I push on it with a fire poker, it bows a little. Freak out! I love our cozy winter fires, but am acutely aware that our delightful fire could burn the house down. So what to do? Clearly we need to get a chimney check, which turns out to be tip #1 in the top ten provided by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Here’s how to stay safe, from their site.

1. Get an annual chimney check. Have chimneys inspected annually, and cleaned as necessary, by a qualified professional chimney service technician. This reduces the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisonings due to creosote buildup or obstructions in the chimneys.

2. Keep it clear. Keep tree branches and leaves at least 15 feet away from the top of the chimney.

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You never know what the future holds, but many emergencies and crimes can be easily prevented with just a little preparation. Incorporate these three simple safety tips into your normal routine to make 2010 a year of safety and prosperity for you and your family!

• Shred all junk mail
Criminals can use junk mail to order products or credit cards in your name and establish steal your identity. It’s even important that you even shred the return envelopes, as many of them have barcodes, which contain your personal information.

• Set the lock your doors and set alarm EVERY time you leave the house
Raise your right hand and repeat after me, “I will set the alarm every time I leave the house,” and then do it. As many as 30% of all home intrusions are classified as “unlawful entries” because the criminals don’t have to force their way inside. They simply walk in through an unlocked door or window.

As great as our Monitronics home security alarm systems are, they don’t work when they’re not activated. Please, lock your doors and set your alarms!

• Have a safety plan for fire, emergency, or other natural disaster
Do your kids know what to do in case an emergency or inclement weather strikes while they’re home alone? Do you and your family know what to do in case a fire strikes in the middle of the night? The Szloseks from Palmyra, Tennessee did and thanks to their quick thinking and Monitronics monitored smoke and fire alarm system, they escaped their house in time to avoid serious injury or even death.

We at Monitronics would like to wish you a safe, healthy, and prosperous 2010 for you and your loved ones! For total protection against burglary, fire, and carbon monoxide poisoning, consider installing or upgrading your Monitronics home security system.

As you spread holiday cheer, Monitronics wants you to be fire smart, especially when it comes to your Christmas tree. That beautiful decoration can turn a small fire into a huge one in a matter of minutes. These tips come from our friends over at the National Fire Protection Association.

Picking the tree
* If you have an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant.
* Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

Placing the tree
* Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 1–2” from the base of the trunk.
* Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
* Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
* Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.

Lighting the tree
* Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
* Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.
* Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
* Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

After Christmas
Get rid of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

FACTS
Each year, fire departments respond to an average of 210 structure fires caused by Christmas trees.
* 48% of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems.
* A heat source too close to the tree causes 27% of the fires.