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Fireman’s Fund uses CSIA expertise to provide chimney safety to clients (PLAINFIELD, Ind., Dec. 22, 2014) The Chimney Safety Institute of America and Fireman’s Fund, a major property insurance company, are partnering to bring more awareness of chimney safety and the need for chimney inspections to Fireman’s Fund clients. “The partnership the Chimney Safety Institute of America has with the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company will benefit their clients by making them aware of risks associated with their chimney,” said Frances L. Kelly, executive director of the CSIA. “Many homeowners are unfamiliar with what goes on inside their chimney and the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep is the appropriate specialist to educate them about their use.” There are close to 1,500 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps in 49 states, so Fireman’s Fund policy holders will have many options available to them when they use csia.org/search to locate a CSIA professional in their zip code. If there is not a CSIA professional close by, the policy holders can still find a bevy of resources on the CSIA homeowners’ page to guide them to what they should be looking for as they seek an inspection. Since July we’ve collaborated with Matt Hunter, Loss Prevention Leader, Personal Risk Services, of Fireman’s Fund, and his colleagues. Their goal was to produce their own white paper as well as other digital and print materials, using our expertise to aid in their reporting. “Fireman’s Fund recognizes that CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps are qualified inspectors and are often prepared to provide the services required to correct problems with the venting system,” said Ashley Eldridge, director of education with CSIA. “We were happy to be contacted to participate in their white paper and other publications, and appreciate that they refer to CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps as their primary resource. “Chimney sweeps are doing much more than sweeping chimneys,” Eldridge continues. “They can guide consumers to an appropriate fuel-burning appliance and make recommendations for the venting system. Having your chimney inspected and any necessary corrections made will reduce the risk of fire and make it possible to lower insurance premiums and increase confidence and enjoyment of your fireplace.” Fireman’s Fund so far has produced three pieces of content. “Fire Season Is Upon Us: What You Should Know” is a great primer on the ever-present threat of chimney fires that are realized nearly every day in the U.S. “A chimney and flue system is a complicated mechanical system that requires regular inspections, just as HVAC systems, plumbing systems, and electrical systems do,” says Matt Hunter, Loss Prevention Leader for Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, in this post. “The only way to know if you have a problem with your chimney is to have it inspected regularly.” The article continues, “The Chimney Safety Institute of America (csia.org) is a network of 1,400 Certified Chimney Sweeps in North America. The group has committed to an additional 48 credits of continuing education every three years, so they are current with the latest techniques to diagnose proper draft and flow, and spot potential fire dangers.” Another helpful item from Fireman’s Fund is this special white paper. There is also a piece on “Chimney Maintenance on High-Network Homes.” All three are good basic resources that should alert the homeowner to schedule an annual chimney inspection using our free zip-code locator at csia.org/search.