Fall Wood Stove Checklist

Posted on May 11, 2022 at 3:12 PM by Town & Country Insurance

Fall is upon us and many of our customers are preparing for the colder temperatures that come with the season. Following is a checklist that should be followed to help prevent wood stove malfunction and possibly a fire:

  • Check to be sure that the spark arrestor on the flue is sealed, attached and able to contain embers.
  • Check the flue pipe for any corrosion, leakage or other defects.
  • Have the flue cleaned by a professional. There should be no build-up of creosote or ash within the flue.
  • Have the unit itself inspected for missing tiles, cracks and other deficiencies that might render the unit unsafe.
  • Be sure that the area around the stove is clean and absent of any flammables (36 inches minimum) in the immediate area of the installation.
  • Don’t stack firewood near the stove itself (see above). Nothing flammable should be left on the stove itself.
  • There should be a fire resistive floor or pad at the front loading area (at least 16 inches from the door of the stove). A Class “A” or “ABC” rated fire extinguisher should be readily available or nearby in case of a malfunction that could lead to a fire.

This publication is intended for general information purposes only, and is not an insurance policy. State Auto and Town & Country Insurance do not warrant that reliance upon this document will prevent accident or losses, or satisfy federal, state or local codes, ordinances or regulations, nor guarantees results based upon use of this information. Eligibility, coverages, discounts and benefits may vary by state. Coverages described are subject to definitions, limitations and conditions. Please read the policy forms and endorsements for details.
 
 

Information provided by State Auto Insurance Company.

Categories: Property Insurance