ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- As winter approaches and temperatures start to drop, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) wants to make sure residents are heating their homes safely. According to data from the National Fire Protection Association, half of all home heating fires happen in December, January, and February.

According to FASNY Secretary John D'Alessandro, if you have an oil or gas furnace heating your home, you should have it inspected and cleaned as soon as possible. Homeowners should also have their chimneys cleaned and inspected each year.