The region has been feeling the chill the past few days, and that has people turning to their fireplaces. But there are some safety tips to keep in mind at this time of year.

Keeping your chimneys clean is especially important when it comes to preventing dangerous fires. Experts say you should have your chimney looked at by a professional every year.

Any fire you burn should only be three to four hours long, and you should never burn any kind of garbage.

A local chimney sweep who's been in the business for decades says it's important for homeowners to be proactive.

"Their fireplace is both safe and unsafe and the thing that makes or breaks the difference there is them and what they do," said David Doherty, owner of Mr. Chimney Man. 

Doherty says older wood stoves are often the most problematic, while factory fireplaces are mostly safe.