When the colder temperatures start to set in, many homeowners turn to their fireplace, wood or pellet stoves as an additional heat source. While fireplaces can provide warmth and comfort, they require care and maintenance to operate safely. Keep in mind the following precautions to help ensure a safe winter season.

A burst pipe, especially in freezing weather, is something no homeowner wants to deal with. Following a maintenance plan for winter can help protect those pipes – and your home – and can help prevent damage that would require an insurance claim.

Do you own anything? If not, you can stop reading. But . . . if you have physical possessions, and you’re renting, you need renters insurance.