Winter time is holiday time which means lots of cooking and entertaining, and unfortunately, lots of opportunities for home fires to occur, mainly due to our heating units.
That's why fire officials advise home owners to have their heating systems checked *before* they turn it on for the first time.

"Have your furnaces cleaned and checked by a qualified person. Ensure that it's functioning properly and that all safety shutoffs are working." says Prestonsburg Fire Chief Bobby Carpenter.

The season also tends to bring out holiday decorations and according to firefighter Tim Johnson we should avoid having any type of flame around these items.

"Try to avoid candles and any kind of open burning flame, especially unattended." Johnson says.

But firefighters say being prepared for a fire plays the biggest role in fire safety.

"The fire code and building code in all new construction requires that a smoke alarm be located in every bedroom, outside any sleeping area, and on every floor." Carpenter adds.

Check these detectors on a monthly basis to make sure they are working properly.

Most importantly make sure you have two possible escape plans in case a fire breaks out.