"Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful." That is, until the fire spills out into your family room.

As Jack Frost continues to move in, it's important that you take the extra precautions of "winterizing" your fireplace before you have to live in the snow.

1. Perform a chimney sweep to clean away creosote, which when lit, can create an additional 3,000° to an already burning fire.

2. Clean out soot and dust build-up along the insides, the flue and even the bottom of the chimney. Layers of soot and dust can create erosion, clog the chimney, diminish heat output and even back up carbon monoxide.

3. Hire a professional to conduct a thorough chimney inspection, especially if your chimney hasn't been used in more than six months. Be on the lookout for leaks, cracks, loose bricks or joints, animals and debris, all factors that can potentially cause structural damage and serious problems.

4. Service the damper, which is used to restrict air flow and keep warm air inside the home when the fireplace is not in use.

Following these all-important - and possibly life-saving - tips will allow you to light a delightful fire without having to deal with a frightful mess.