Have your furnace and chimney inspected and cleaned before the heating season
Added
Book a qualified professional to inspect and clean your heating system and any chimney or fireplace each year before you start using them for the season. Late October is a good time, before the winter rush.
The result
Result: NFPA: heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths, and nearly half of home heating fires (46%, 2020-2024 averages) happen December through February.
Source
NFPA: Home Heating Safety (opens the original source in a new tab). Check it for the latest numbers before you act.