Red Cross gives tips to protect your home, family during freezing temperatures

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As cold weather sweeps into the region, the Red Cross is urging residents to prioritize safety while keeping their homes warm.

RELATED: Freeze Watch for Monday and wintry mix remains likely

The Red Cross said heating equipment is the second leading cause of house fires, making it critical to take precautions as temperatures drop.

Amber Bierfreund, Communications Director for the Red Cross of Northeast Florida, highlighted the risks families face when trying to stay warm.

“It is really life-saving and life-changing,” Bierfreund said. “Even if everyone makes it out of the home safely, which we hope that always happens, but we know that it doesn’t. Even if everyone makes it out OK, you still lose everything.”

Heating safely: space heaters, fireplaces, and more

To minimize fire risks, it’s important to use space heaters with caution.

RELATED: Here are JEA’s tips to protect your home, save money ahead of freezing temperatures

First responders recommend keeping space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, such as furniture, curtains, or bedding.

They should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet, never into an extension cord or power strip and they should not be left unattended.

RELATED: City of Jacksonville opens Warming Center ahead of expected cold weather

If you’re using a fireplace, take extra steps to prevent sparks from igniting furniture or carpeting.

“Have a shield,” Andre Ayoub, Duval County Emergency Preparedness Division Chief, said. “Glass or some shield for sparks—so it doesn’t get on your furniture or carpeting,”

And make sure the fire is completely out before going to bed.

Check smoke detectors and plan your escape

Another essential step in winter fire safety is ensuring smoke detectors are functional.

Fires can spread quickly, and the U.S. Fire Administration warns that residents may have less than two minutes to escape a house fire. Checking your smoke alarms regularly can provide critical seconds to get to safety.

“You have to be prepared and know what to do in the instance that it happens,” Bierfreund said.

She said it’s important to know how to get out of the house and where to meet.

Look out for neighbors and loved ones

Cold weather can be especially dangerous for seniors and individuals with mobility issues.

Bierfreund encouraged residents to check in on family, friends, and neighbors. “Make sure they’re OK,” she said. “Make sure they have everything that they need.”