Sioux City Fire Rescue has been responding to an increase in fire calls recently.
Deputy Fire Marshal Joe Rodriguez said that's largely due to people using supplemental heat, like ovens, in their homes with the colder weather.
He said you never know when a fire will happen, so it's best to be prepared.
That includes having a working smoke alarm on every level of your home.
Those should be checked once a month and the batteries should be changed at least twice a year.
Rodriguez said another important thing to have: carbon monoxide detectors.
"We want these by your bedroom so when you are sleeping, it alerts you to wake you up to say hey there is an issue with carbon monoxide," said Rodriguez. "A lot of people make the mistake of putting it downstairs in the basement but you won't be able to hear it in the basement."