With cold weather bearing down on New York City, families must take extra precautions when lighting candles, cooking and heating their homes.

The FDNY says in December, January and February, home heating equipment is the second-leading cause for fires in homes. They say if your home is in need of some warmer temperatures, be sure to follow some guidelines:

Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from bedding, curtains and materials. Have a qualified technician install new equipment. And keep a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace.

Officials responded to a fire at a storefront on Third Avenue just days before Christmas that they say was caused by multiple space heaters.

FDNY officials also say candle fires have tripled over the last 10 years. They remind anyone using candles to remain vigilant and never leave candles unattended.