GAINESVILLE- With the increased use of heaters, firefighters are reminding Gainesville residents that heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths.

 

At a cost of $9 hundred million dollars annually in property damage, house fire season is warming up just as temperatures are cooling down.

 

Half of all heating fires occur in December, January and February.

 

The preview of cold temperatures ahead however, is giving Gainesville residents a chance to prepare for things like chimney cleanings.

 

“Make sure there’s no leaks or cracks within the chimney," says JoaAnne Rice, Gainesville Fire Rescue Assistant Chief. "Because you want those flames and smoke to go up and out of your house, and certainly any embers stay within the fireplace.”

 

Furnaces are equally as important to have checked before the thermostat is turned up this winter.
 

Heating and air specialist can make sure that the heating system is burning cleanly and properly removing carbon mononxide from the home.

 

In addition to a smoke detector, Gainesville Fire Rescue recommends having a carbon monoxide detector in your home.