KEEPING the flu at bay is usually the top priority for residents when the cold creeps in, but for the Great Lakes Council they have a different flue in mind.
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The council is recommending residents have their chimney or flues inspected and cleaned by a qualified person before they begin using them during winter.
"An unclean chimney or flue results in a build-up of creosote inside the chimney, partially blocking it and slowing the flow of air through the wood heater," the council’s manager of waste, health and regulatory services, John Cavanagh, said.
"This makes it harder to light and more smoke is discharged.
"The discharge of excessive smoke can have serious health impacts for the local community."
Mr Cavanagh said it was a good idea for residents to have the roof space checked to ensure debris had not gathered around a chimney or flue, to reduce the risk of a house fire.
He said a blocked chimney may cause the wood heater to smoke back into the room, creating dangerous pollution in the home.
More information on wood heaters and wood smoke reduction is available on the council’s website under the "residents" tab.
