Give dangerous chimneys the brush off by ensuring they're swept at least once a year.

The sweeping process also reduces the risk of dangerous fume emissions, such as carbon monoxide, that may be present in the appliance, chimney or flue."

Yearly evaluation of chimneys is necessary to ensure that the chimney has adequate draft, is free of debris and cracks, and has no loose or missing mortar joints.

Prefabricated chimneys are subjected to vibration from wind and the joints can become misaligned.