Cooler temperatures mean winter safety concerns, rising heating costs

Temperatures will warm-up over the course of the week, but we're still in for some colder night time temperatures.

Cedar Rapids Firefighters say the second leading cause of fire in the winter months is heating accidents.  So before you crank up the furnace or turn on the fireplace, there are a few things you might want to do first that could prevent an accident and save you money.

It's time to heat up your home, but it might cost you.

“Any little amount you can stop colder air from coming into your home, the cheaper your heat bill will be,” said True Value Shift Manager Ron Ivins.

Just a few items can start the weatherizing of your home.

“You can cover the windows with plastic, we've got kits,” said Ivins.

Another thing to think about is water freezing in your pipes, but there's an easy fix. Foam insulation wraps around any pipe to keep water temperatures from freezing.

“Most of your covers will cost $6 to $8 and it'll save you money and it will make you more comfortable in your home,” said Ivins.

More comfortable and safe.  The second leading cause for fire during winter months in Cedar Rapids is heating accidents.

“You actually very well could be in a life or death situation,” said Cedar Rapids Fire Department's Greg Buelow.

A dirty chimney caused a fire just this past weekend.

“Often times you get condensation or a real sticky film inside of the chimney and when you start the chimney that stuff can ignite fairly quickly,” said Buelow.

Your fireplace should be cleaned yearly to run efficiently.  A carbon monoxide detector can alert your family to unsafe conditions.

“Crack in the furnace or blockage of ventilation in fireplace… this will alert you in that condition,” said Buelow.

Annual reminders to keep you safe and warm.

This is the time now to make sure the heating equipment is running properly,” said Buelow.