Checking your flue liners for woodburners and gas fires for debris ahead of winter is always advisable, but homeowners can also take other precautionary measures.

Taking steps to avoid debris collecting in the chimney in the first place will reduce the risk of fires and any need for a major clean-up operation by a chimney sweep.

Speaking to KLTV earlier this week, Texas Smith County fire marshal Connie Wasson explained: "If you have large fire in your chimney and you have tree limbs hanging over your home be sure to cut those limbs that are hanging close to your chimney so that that can't go up in the trees."

Choosing to install a chimney cowl is also a good way of preventing larger pieces of debris from making it into flues.

However, it's worth checking these during or after heavy weather and strong winds, to ensure they have not been displaced.