(WENY) -- October 8th through the 14th, 2023, is National Fire Prevention Week. Local fire departments are having open houses to promote fire safety and what to do in case of a fire as the cold weather and winter months approach.

Whether it's a fireplace, chimney, or space heater, it's important to know what to do before you use them regularly.

"We urge people to make sure they get their wood stoves checked out by a professional [and] the chimney swept by a professional before use. We also encourage people to have someone come in and check their furnaces [to] make sure they're serviced, make sure they're running properly, [and] filters are changed," said Captain of the Town & Country Fire Department, Steve Walters.

Capt. Walters said one of the leading causes of fires in the area is because of negligence.

"I would contribute a lot [of fires] to wood stoves, space heaters [and] candles this time of year. People have flammable objects way too close to these objects, and they catch fire and combust," said Capt. Walters.

If you use a space heater, you should never plug it into an extension cord. Mike Riker, Captain of the Elmira Heights Fire Company said it's important to not leave a space heater running close to something. He also said if you use a furnace or chimney to make sure it's cleaned to avoid any issues.

"You always want to make sure [the chimney] is clean every year. If you don't, your crystals will build up and it will catch on fire and you're going to have little problems or major problems. Always make sure you get your furnace checked. Every year, like in September, make sure they get completely checked out," said Capt. Riker.

While you can't plan for a fire, you can work to prevent one. In the event of a fire, it's important to know what to do.

"Have a plan in place so everybody knows how to escape if there's an emergency in your house. Have a place to meet outside so when emergency crews arrive on scene we [can] make sure everybody's out of the residence," said Capt. Walters.

Capt. Walters said people should change their smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector batteries every six months.

"Those two things are the most vital things to have in your house and they save lives," said Capt. Walters.

The Watkins Glen Fire Department's Open House will start at 6 p.m. on Oct. 11th.

The Town and Country Fire Department's Open House is  Thursday, October 12th, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Horseheads Fire Department's Open House will start at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13th.

The Pine City Volunteer Fire Department's Open House is on Oct. 14th from noon to 4 p.m.

For more safety tips, kids activities, and lesson plans from the National Fire Prevention Association, click here.