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Don’t let LCD TV mean “Lost, Completely Destroyed” Chimney Safety Institute of America urges caution with TVs over the fireplace INDIANAPOLIS – Industry reports of dramatic price declines for flat screen TVs in 2013 coupled with millions of Americans receiving tax return checks from Uncle Sam in the weeks ahead could drive up sales of sets this spring. More sales may mean more TVs mounted above fireplaces from coast to coast. It’s a common practice today to hang a flat screen above the hearth. While extremely popular, experts at the Chimney Safety Institute of America encourage homeowners to be cautious when considering the TV fireplace combination. • Review your fireplace and chimney venting system. Some popular models of natural gas logs are designed to be vent free, and this means high levels of heat can be radiating out from the appliance. Heat and TVs don’t mix. • Check your fireplace opening for discoloration. Discoloration means some potentially hazardous byproducts of combustion are entering your home, rising above your fireplace opening and putting them into direct contact with you and your TV. • Consider industry safety standards when hiding cables. National building codes recommend a minimum of two inches clearance between combustible electrical wires and a fireplace or chimney appliance. It’s important that you carefully review mounting instructions when hanging your flat screen to reduce risk as much as possible. If you have professional installers doing the work, make sure you understand their plans for the cable and electrical wires connected to the set. • Consult a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep with safety concerns. A certified sweep is trained to put the safety of your home and family first. You can locate your local certified sweep at www.csia.org/search. For more consumer tips visit the CSIA blog Wisdom from the Hearth at http://chimneysafety.wordpress.com. About CSIA The Chimney Safety Institute of America is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to chimney and venting system safety. CSIA is committed to the elimination of residential chimney fires, carbon monoxide intrusion and other chimney-related hazards that result in the loss of lives and property. To achieve these goals, CSIA devotes its resources to educating the public, chimney and venting professionals and other fire prevention specialists about the prevention and correction of chimney and venting system hazards.