Wood-burning Stove Safety

January 29, 2025||inPersonal Insurance|cooking safety, fire safety, general safety, home, home maintenance, home safety, homeowners insurance, personal insurance, safety

The top source of fires in American homes comes from fuel-burning appliances—such as a wood-burning stove. That’s why it’s vital to follow proper precautions when using your wood-burning stove. Consider the following guidance to ensure safe operation of your stove—keeping you, your family and your home protected against the risk of a fire.

Wood-burning Stove
Click here to submit an inquiry to Murphy Insurance or call us at 800 222 8711
  • Read the instructions for your wood-burning stove and follow them carefully.
  • Inspect the firebrick liner in your stove, if you have one. Should the liner show signs of wear, replace it immediately and do not use the unit until the liner is replaced.
  • Don’t use flammable or combustible liquid (e.g., gasoline, kerosene or lighter fluid) to start a fire.
  • Burn wood recommended by the manufacturer only.
  • Don’t burn plastic, wood or garbage that has been painted or treated with chemicals.
  • Be sure to have properly maintained smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and an approved multipurpose fire extinguisher in your home.
  • Never close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. Doing so will cause the fire to heat up which will force toxic carbon monoxide into your house.
  • Take extra care when disposing of hot ashes. Remember that these embers may remain hot for several days.

Prioritize Routine Inspections and Maintenance

Solid fuel units (including wood-burning stoves) tend to require significantly more upkeep than other heating systems. Failure to conduct regular inspections and maintenance could lead to the development of cracks, leaks, warping, baffle gaps or creosote buildup in your wood-burning stove—all of which can cause a fire.

With this in mind, be sure to have your stove inspected at least once every year by a qualified professional for potential problems, and make repairs as needed. In addition, conduct monthly maintenance practices of your own to keep your stove in good (and safe) condition.

For more home maintenance guidance, check out our other blog posts. For help with your homeowners insurance, contact us today

Read Other Blog Posts

What to Do When a Hurricane Threatens

Get Ready for Hurricane Season in New England: What You Need to Know

While New England is not typically directly in the hurricane "strike zone" like the Gulf Coast or the Southeast, that doesn’t mean we’re immune to the dangers of hurricanes and tropical storms. With that in mind, it's important to have a plan as hurricane season approaches and be sure you understand your insurance coverage.
Read more
Driver

Defensive Driving Tips

Using proper defensive driving techniques will help keep both you and other drivers safe on the road. With this in mind, be sure to implement the following defensive driving guidance the next time you get behind the wheel.
Read more
Women talking

Understanding the Insurance Knowledge Gap Among Gen Z

Surveys reveals that many Gen Z adults feel overwhelmed by insurance and lack understanding of basic coverage terms, leading to gaps in their protection. However, by working with trusted insurance professionals, they can gain clarity and make informed decisions about essential coverage for their future.
Read more
Murphy’s Law Now Officially Sponsored by Murphy Insurance

Murphy’s Law: Now Officially Sponsored by Murphy Insurance

Murphy Insurance is now the official sponsor of Murphy’s Law—because if anything can go wrong, it probably already has. To mark the occasion, we’re rolling out a tongue-in-cheek lineup of “coverage” for life’s most ridiculous moments, from lost socks to seagull snack theft. While these faux policies are just for fun (for now), our real team is always here with real coverage for life’s unpredictable turns. Happy April Fools Day from Murphy Insurance—when Murphy’s Law strikes, call Murphy Insurance.
Read more
Auto Insurance in Hudson MA

Auto Insurance in Hudson, MA: What You Need to Know

If you live in Hudson, MA, or the surrounding areas, securing the right auto insurance is essential. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend traveler, or a first-time driver, having the appropriate coverage ensures protection on the road and compliance with Massachusetts’ legal requirements.
Read more
Car close-up

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run

When you’re involved in a vehicle collision and the other driver takes off without exchanging insurance information, this is commonly referred to as a hit-and-run. Review the following guidance to understand what information to collect and who to contact following a hit-and-run incident.
Read more
Pest Prevention Keep Your Home Pest-Free with Proactive Measures

Pest Prevention | Keep Your Home Pest-Free with Proactive Measures

Pests can cause structural damage, contaminate food, and pose health risks, making proactive prevention essential since home insurance doesn’t cover pest-related damage. Key prevention tips include proper food storage, maintaining outdoor vegetation, regular home inspections, and keeping living spaces clean to minimize pest attraction. For persistent issues, professional pest control may be necessary, and Murphy Insurance is available to provide guidance on home protection and insurance coverage.
Read more
Stairs

How to Prevent Falls at Home

Falls are one of the most common and dangerous accidents that occur at home and on the job—especially on staircases. In order to determine whether there are fall hazards within your home, be sure to ask yourself these key questions.
Read more
Outdoor Maintenance: Protecting Your Home and Enhancing Your Curb Appeal

Outdoor Maintenance | Protecting Your Home and Enhancing Your Curb Appeal

Regular outdoor maintenance not only enhances your home's curb appeal but also prevents costly damage and potential insurance issues. Key tasks include cleaning gutters, inspecting the roof, maintaining landscaping, power washing exteriors, and ensuring outdoor structures like fences and decks are in good condition. Staying proactive with seasonal upkeep helps protect your home, reduce long-term repair costs, and maintain insurance coverage eligibility.
Read more

Visit Our Homeowners Insurance Page

Homeowners Insurance

At Murphy Insurance, we take great care in assessing your options for homeowners insurance to ensure that you receive the most favorable value. Our dedication to serving you entails collaborating with highly-rated insurance providers and conducting comprehensive assessments of available choices. Our goal is to achieve the ideal equilibrium between affordability and coverage that suits your unique needs. Please let us provide you with a customized homeowners insurance quote.