Ithaca City Fire Department had a decrease in calls for help in 2020, down to 4,000 for the year, about 1,000 lower than 2019. That's attributed to fewer people traveling, with more people working and going to school from home.

"We had a decent safe holiday and we're glad for that but it doesn't mean we can't keep things safe going on," said Ithaca Fire Assistant Chief Tom Basher.

Basher suggests keeping your Christmas tree watered if it's still up, only putting firewood in the fireplace, and keeping your furnace free from clutter.

"There's usually an input for air on the outside of the house, depending on the type of furnace you have and if that's blocked by snow or leaves, or debris, then the furnace can't operate properly and that may cause a carbon monoxide issue," said Basher.

Basher also reminded hikers to be careful about which trails they choose. You should walk on open trails, and beware of any mud, snow, or ice.

"We've had a couple of rope rescues in the area over the last few days, people hiking and slipping. Up in Moravia, they had a dog go over the edge, they had to go rescue the dog," said Basher.

With the extra time from fewer calls, firefighters are staying trained and ready to go.

"We don't know when our next call is but no matter how far away we are from our last call we're just that much closer to our next one. So we're always training and preparing to make sure we can do whatever is needed of us," said Basher.

Basher also said more than half the department has already been given their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

"We've continued to respond since the beginning of this thing and now we just have another tool in our box, and maybe in our bloodstream that may protect us from some of the hazards that are out there," said Basher.

They are preparing to respond to thousands of more calls in 2021.