A well-maintained gas fireplace is one of the safest appliances in your house. A neglected one is one of the most dangerous. Run this checklist before the first cool night of the season.

1. Working carbon monoxide detector within 15 feet

Battery test it. Replace the unit if it's more than 7 years old (sensors expire).

2. No gas smell — ever

If you smell gas, don't flip switches, don't light a flame. Leave the house and call from outside. Then call us.

3. Flame is blue, not yellow

Yellow flame tips = incomplete combustion = carbon monoxide production. Schedule service.

4. Glass doesn't have soot streaks

Soot on glass means flame impingement. Logs may be out of position from a previous cleaning.

5. Hearth area is clear

Glass surfaces get hot enough to cause third-degree burns. Keep furniture, rugs, and toddlers' play areas back per the manufacturer's clearance spec.

6. Annual professional inspection

Even if it looks fine. Especially in Florida humidity. Most CO incidents trace to a missed annual service.

7. Don't store anything in the firebox during off-season

We've found candles, decorative pillows, and once a sleeping cat. Pilot lights find them.