Summer’s just around the corner—right?  Well, to get those warm thoughts going, how about 5 tips for enjoying your firepit this summer?

1. Make sure you have a firepit.

This one kind of goes without saying.  If you don’t have a firepit, then you won’t be able to enjoy your time with your firepit, now will you?

2. Check the Local laws for fires.

Make sure that you know what you can burn and when, and make sure you know about smoke ordinances that may exist.  In New York State, for instance, there was a law passed last October that discussed what could be burned and when.  I know that many in my family believed that they could no longer have their campfires in their yard, but though the law talked about burning waste, there was no restriction on yard waste except the time of year.

3. Check with your neighbors.

Since more than likely any smoke that you would produce would go in their yard, you may want to check that they don’t have a problem with you using your firepit.  Better yet, invite them over to your yard for hot dogs and smores and use it as a good chance to build neighborhood unity!

4. Make sure you have working equipment.

Make sure your firepit is in good working order, that it’s not going to fall down, that you don’t have it located next to trees, and that you are observing safe practices while operating it.  The last thing that any one wants is for someone to get burned or your house to burn down.  Make sure that you can enjoy your firepit without worry.

5. Have plenty of food and fun!

Make sure to pack plenty of chocolate bars, graham crackers and marshmallows—or anything else you want to put over your fire.  Make sure that you have plenty of matches or a lighter and lots of wood and kindling to get it started.

Because, you know that once you have a firepit you’ll want to use it every chance you get!