JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Be prepared for another cold night. Jacksonville's Most Accurate Weather Team is forecasting morning temperatures in the low to mid 30s once again.
Staying safe is just as pertinent as staying warm in weather like this. Here are some safety tips while you cozy up in this cold weather.
SPACE HEATERS:
- Keep space heaters 3+ feet from anything flammable (such as couches, curtains, beds and newspapers)
- Keep it on a flat and secure surface where it cannot be knocked over
- Plug it directly into the outlet
- An extension cord, power strip or surge protector could overheat and create a fire
- Make sure the plug fits snugly into the wall outlet - poor connection can result in fire
- Do not place the power cord underneath rugs or carpets
- Don’t leave it unattended
- Even if you're temporarily leaving to the room to head to the kitchen or bathroom, or if you're taking a nap or going to bed, turn it off
- Keep out of reach of children and pets
- Keep it elevated
- Barricade it off in a way that still allows the heater ventilation
- Look out for signs of malfunction
- Turn off the space heater if the plug, outlet, or faceplate is hot
- On a gas heater, make sure the flame is blue in color
FIREPLACE & CHIMNEYS:
- Have them professionally inspected and repaired
- Have your chimney swept
- Creosote is a highly combustible substance that collects on the inner chimney walls and could cause a chimney fire if the fireplace is in use
- Make sure the damper or flue is open
- Don't close the damper until the embers are completely out
- Check for bird nests and other items or debris that could trap smoke
- Do not burn paper or wet/green wood
- Keep a glass or metal screen in front of fireplace to prevent sparks from flying out of the fireplace
- Put the fire out completely before you leave the house or go to sleep
- Allow ashes to cool for several days if possible, then put ashes in a metal container with a lid, wet them down, and leave them outside at least 3 feet from your home
To ensure safety with both a space heater and fireplace, make sure to have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
