Many San Franciscans have working fireplaces and woodstoves in their homes. While these can be prime amenities of any room, they also pose certain earthquake risks and fire hazards. If you plan on enjoying the warmth of a cozy fire this winter, don’t skimp on your maintenance responsibilities, which could entail anything from regular cleanings and inspections to an investment in seismic retrofitting.

• Older fireplaces and chimneys were almost always built of brick or stone. Unfortunately, structures made of these materials do not fare well in earthquakes. To make a basic assessment of the seismic strength of your chimney, first take a good look at it. Do you see any cracks in the masonry, especially near the top (the section most likely to topple during a quake)? Next, take a small metal tool, such as a screwdriver, and scrape at the mortar between the bricks. Does it easily crumble or remain intact? Finally, inspect any retrofitted fastenings already in place (look for these on the interior attic side of your chimney, as well as on the outside of your house). Make sure retrofitted metal straps are still strong and taut. Check for any signs of rust or weakness.
  
  Even if your older chimney seems to be in good shape, you should still consider having a licensed inspector or engineer assess its condition. Unfortunately, even solidly built chimneys, especially if they are tall and thin, can be badly damaged by lateral seismic shaking. However, no matter its size or shape, if your chimney is not currently braced or anchored, then you should waste no time in ordering an inspection and undertaking any necessary retrofitting measures. The investment could save you much more time, trouble and money in later years.
  
  See the Institute for Home Business and Safety’s Is Your Home Protected from Earthquake Disaster? A Homeowner’s Guide to Earthquake Retrofit, page 32, for a helpful diagram of chimney bracing and strapping.