WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - The U.S. Fire Administration says home fires occur more in the winter than in any other season.

Nearly one in eight home fires involve heating equipment. The upcoming cold snap might have you reaching for more ways to stay warm, but it's important you stay safe.

Those national winter fire trends are seen locally in central Wisconsin as well.

SAFER Deputy Fire Chief Eric Lang says things like misuse of candles, space heaters, and fireplaces tend to lead to an increase in fires.

However, it's not the only way the cold weather affects fires. The cold can impact the firefighters themselves.

"We try to get more resources to the fire scene so that we can swap out personnel and keep them warm," Lang said.

Their equipment also takes a toll.

"We have challenges with water freezing on our turn-out gear, water freezing on the trucks. If we have too much water, it'll freeze on the ladder, it can affect the operability of the ladder itself," Lang explained.

So to keep you safe and warm, Lang has some at-home tips.

"Number one, make sure if you're going to be using a fireplace and burning wood, you're using clean wood. Make sure that the chimney is cleaned out and serviced," he said.

Proper use is important for electrical devices too.

"Space heaters should be plugged into the wall and not into a power strip," Lang continued. "When you're done using it, unplug it. Candles -- make sure you put them out. Don't leave them lit, don't go to bed with lit candles."

Everyone is at risk of a fire. Insurance agent Kevin Malovrh recommends taking notes of your belongings on an electronic device ahead of time, to make sure you make the proper claims.

"When the loss happens, boom, they give you a bank lesson. What did you lose? And then it's deer in the headlights. Look, they don't have a clue," Malovrh said. "You need to validate what you have and that is going to be the Max they payout."

He says the difference between having coverage and not is night and day. Malovrh recommends a replacement cost policy over an actual cash value policy.

"That means you're going to go garage sale shopping compared to buying brand new," he explained.

Malovrh says you might want to keep your sentimental items in a more protected location. The companies will pay out based on their market value, which might not match the value you personally hold in them.

He also recommends having multiple fire extinguishers in known locations around your home.