Firefighters warn of unsafe heating habits as frigid temperatures loom for Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department stated that it receives more fire calls when temperatures drop rapidly, primarily due to people heating their homes incorrectly.

And with temperatures expected to drop into the upper 20s and low 30s in some parts of Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida this week, they’re making sure homeowners are aware of potential fire safety hazards.

“Whether it’s a liquid fuel operator or electric heater it is to make sure you practice all the safety precautions,” said Damian Bell, Deputy division chief of fire prevention.

Bell encourages people to make sure that they are not using defective appliances that are old and have passed their life span.

Other Fire Safety Tips

• Do not repair electric heaters
• With liquid base heaters, do not fuel them inside the house
• Keep your heater in a well-ventilated room
• Do not refuel while the heater is running or hot
• Do not go to sleep with your fireplace or heater on
• Purchase carbon monoxide detectors
• Maintain a three-foot radius around your heating appliance
• Make sure your smoke detectors work
• During the holidays, don’t leave food unattended
  • Ensure that cooked turkeys are dry inside and out before being submerged in oil - water and oil don’t mix
  • Keep a distance of at least 10 feet from the structure when frying turkeys