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Heating with a wood burning stove or fireplace can keep you warm and help save on heating bills. But it can also present safety concerns not associated with merely adjusting the thermostat.

Creosote buildup, hot ashes and broken dampers can cause problems ranging from minor inconveniences to major house fires. The following guidelines from Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance can help keep your home and family safe and warm while heating with wood this winter.

Keep wood dry. Burning dry, well-seasoned wood will reduce buildup of creosote in your chimney.

Clean the chimney. Even seasoned firewood can cause creosote buildup. Always use the proper chimney brush. Chains or heavy objects on a rope can damage the flue lining in masonry or UL listed metal chimneys.

Check black stovepipe. Stovepipe that connects your stove to the chimney is made of thin-gauge metal that should be replaced every couple of years. Clean it regularly and make sure all joints are secured with at least three sheet metal screws.

Test operation of all moving parts. Test damper and clean if needed. Make sure doors, ash clean-outs, grating and air inlets are operating properly.

Check your fire extinguisher and smoke alarms. Safety equipment can save lives and prevent major fires. An extinguisher and smoke alarms are essential in every household. Make sure they're in working order!

Remove ashes regularly. Ash buildup can block air movement in the firebox. When removing, always use a metal container with a tight fitting lid. Hot embers can be hidden in the ash, so move the container outdoors, away from your home as soon as possible.

Check for overheating. A magnetic surface thermometer will tell you at a glance if your stove or stovepipe is too hot. Overheating can ignite creosote and cause a chimney fire. Any surface near the stove, such as walls or furniture that is too hot to touch is in danger of igniting. Refer to safe installation distances in your operator's manual.

Clean chimney during the season. Chimneys require regular cleaning, especially if you use your stove or fireplace frequently.

Warn children and guests about the hot stove. And always keep matches and lighters out of children's reach.

Stay with your fire! Never leave a fire unattended. Always close dampers and air inlets well before leaving. Allow the fire to burn out if you are planning to leave home.