Give your fireplace a safety checkup.

Winter always seems cozier when there's a fire in the hearth. But this year, before you light the logs, take time to consider safety.

A dirty or damaged chimney can lead to harsh consequences, such as chimney fires or carbon monoxide seepage, says Ashley Eldridge, technical director for the National Chimney Sweep Guild, in Indianapolis. To avoid danger, make chimney inspection an annual event.

First, use binoculars to check the chimney's exterior for cracks and missing bricks, and ensure that the flue (the pipe that allows smoke to travel upward) isn't obstructed by trees. Next, inspect the inside of your chimney by opening the damper (the door into the flue). Shine a flashlight up the flue and use a screwdriver to gently scrape the inner walls.

If you find damage outside or quarter-inch-thick soot deposits inside, contact a professional chimney sweep. A cleaning takes about an hour, and usually costs between $35 and $100.

Before hiring a sweep, contact several to compare services, prices and references, and check that they are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America.