More than one-third of Americans use fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel-fired appliances as primary heat sources in their homes. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the fire risks when heating with wood and solid fuels.
Heating fires account for 36% of residential home fires in rural areas every year. Often these fires are due to creosote buildup in chimneys and stovepipes. All home heating systems require regular maintenance to function safely and efficiently.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) encourages you to practice the following fire safety steps to keep those home fires safely burning. Remember, fire safety is your personal responsibility ...Fire Stops With You!
Keep Fireplaces and Wood Stoves Clean
• Have your chimney or wood stove inspected & cleaned annually by a certified chimney specialist.
• Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials.
• Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces. Leave glass doors open while burning a fire.
• Install stovepipe thermometers to help monitor flue temperatures.
• Keep air inlets on wood stoves open, and never restrict air supply to fireplaces. Otherwise you may cause creosote buildup that could lead to a chimney fire.
• Use fire-resistant materials on walls around wood stoves.
Safely Burn Fuels
• Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.
• Use only seasoned hardwood. Soft, moist wood accelerates creosote buildup.
• Build small fires that burn completely and produce less smoke.
• Never burn cardboard boxes, trash or debris in your fireplace or wood stove.
• When building a fire, place logs at the rear of the fireplace on an adequate supporting grate.
• Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended. Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving.
• Soak hot ashes in water and place them in a metal container outside your home.
Protect the Outside of Your Home
• Stack firewood outdoors at least 30 feet away from your home.
• Keep the roof clear of leaves, pine needles and other debris.
• Cover the chimney with a mesh screen spark arrester.
• Remove branches hanging above the chimney, flues or vents.
Protect the Inside of Your Home
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Consider installing the new long life smoke alarms.
• Provide proper venting systems for all heating equipment.
• Extend all vent pipes at least three feet above the roof.
Warm up in the whirlpool tub then make first tracks at Mt. Sunapee Ski Resort just 4 miles away! Enjoy lazy summer afternoons in the sparkling pool or lounge on the pool side deck. This 4 bedroom home will surprise you with generously proportioned bright rooms and flowing floor plan. For more details and photos, visit www.50SiouxPath.com. Offered at $258,900.
Simplify your life and live maintenance-free! Let someone else worry about snow removal and lawn mowing. Total independence yet in a community environment within walking distance to New London's shopping center. Garage, elevator, central A/C, large common room with kitchen. Ground floor unit with patio. Was $165,000, now $138,000.
Live the life you love in this spacious 4 bedroom multi-season retreat! Light and airy open floor plan, ample storage and counter space, hardwood floor, lower level with family room and rec room. Only 4 miles to Mt. Sunapee Resort. Offered at $359,000. For more photos and details, visit www.42Burkehaven.com.
Donna Forest, Listing Broker
July 2011 housing market data from the New Hampshire Association of REALTORS® Director of Communications, Dave Cummings.
New Hampshire residential home sales rose substantially in July 2011 compared to July 2010, but the state’s Realtors stressed the same message they had been offering in prior months, when the news hadn’t been as good: Don’t consider any of it a trend just yet.
Statewide, 1,048 homes were sold in July, a 29 percent increase from the 811 that were sold in July 2010, according to data released this week by the New Hampshire Association of REALTORS (NHAR). Those homes sold at a median price of $216,000 this year, 2 percent below the $220,000 of July 2010.
The sharp increase in sales was due in part to the significant drop-off in sales of last July, which came immediately following the expiration of the $8,000 home buyer tax credit incentive.
Just as 2011 home sales through June were light compared to sales impacted by the tax credit rush through June 2010, the July 2011 sales looked strong compared to a relatively light July 2010.
“We’ve said for some time that year over year numbers won’t really tell us much until we’re completely clear of any comparisons impacted by the tax credit,” said NHAR President Tom Riley, a 35-year veteran of the real estate industry and president of Riley Enterprises in Bedford. “The further along we get in the year, the more relevant and telling these comparisons become.”
In general, Riley said, the housing market remains an issue dictated by consumer confidence. “Housing remains one of the best long-term investments available,” he said. “That hasn’t changed. What has changed is that consumers in general are feeling less secure with regard to the economy, and in many cases their own personal circumstances, and when that happens people are more likely to stay put.
“We certainly respect that, but it’s also important to point out that for those who are in a position to move, buying conditions are excellent.”
In local markets, July unit sales increased in nine of 10 counties (and stayed the same in Carroll County), while six of 10 counties saw an increase in median price, one remained unchanged, and three experienced declines.
You won't want to miss this "snug as a bug", get-away cottage in Sunapee just minutes to skiing at Mount Sunapee Resort! 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and deeded access to Mountain View Lake. Secluded back yard with deck. Kayak in the summer, ski in the winter - what more can you ask for at this price? Offered at $132,500. Visit www.MinutesToSkiing.com for more info.
The warmth of wood and beams surrounds you as you enter this elegant, custom built home. 5 bedrooms, 5 baths and beautiful views of Lake Sunapee and surrounding mountains. Open floor plan with granite fireplace in the great room. Red birch floors and multi-level living. Enjoy Brown's Hill amenities including an in-ground pool, tennis, and beach front on Lake Sunapee. Visit www.57HighRidge.com for more photos and details. Offered at $1,100,000.
Donna Forest, Listing Broker
Wouldn't you like one floor, maintenance-free living? Take a look at this Hilltop Place condo in New London, NH. Great location, close to shopping and the post office, private end unit, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and lovely view of Mt. Kearsarge in the back yard. For more photos and details, visit www.33Hilltop.com.
Marilyn Kidder, Listing Broker
For most people, selling their home is an emotional experience. Many memories are tied up in a house. As your house goes on the market, you need to bear in mind an important thing – your home has just become a commodity. It’s property. Real estate. Your goal is to have other buyers see it as their potential home. As difficult as it sounds, failure to make this emotional disconnect can cost you buyers. Part of preparing a house for sale is to de-personalize it. Remove family photos, trophies, knick-knacks, etc. This allows buyers to visualize themselves in the space without being distracted. A house with personality is great – just try to keep the “person” out of it.
For more selling tips, visit my website www.DonnaForest.com.