Jacksonville: CITY OF JACKSONVILLE ISSUES HEATING SAFETY TIPS WITH CONTINUED COLD WEATHER
The Floridant/10292724

~ Jacksonville, FL - As the winter season approaches, the City of Jacksonville Emergency Preparedness Division is urging residents to take precautions to prevent home fires. According to Chief Andre Ayoub, data from the National Fire Prevention Association shows that winter is the peak season for home fires.

"Taking a few simple precautions can reduce fire risks, protect your loved ones, and keep your home safe during this cold weather," said Chief Ayoub.

To stay warm safely during the winter months, the Emergency Preparedness Division recommends following these tips:

- Use caution with space heaters: Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, such as curtains, furniture, or bedding. Always plug heaters directly into an outlet and never use an extension cord or power strip. Remember to turn off space heaters when leaving a room or going to sleep and never leave them unattended.

- Practice fireplace safety: Have chimneys inspected and cleaned annually. Avoid overloading fireplaces with wood and always use a screen or glass doors to prevent sparks from escaping. Never leave a fire unattended and make sure it is fully extinguished before going to bed.

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- Use appliances for their intended purpose: Never use ovens or other appliances not designed as heating devices to warm your home. This can pose significant fire and carbon monoxide risks.

- Install smoke alarms: Make sure working smoke alarms are installed on every floor and outside each bedroom in your home. Test them monthly and replace batteries as needed.

- Create a fire escape plan: Ensure all household members know two ways to exit each room in case of a fire and establish a designated meeting place outside.

- Be aware of carbon monoxide dangers: Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Never use outdoor appliances like grills or generators indoors as they can release dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

With dangerously cold temperatures forecasted by the National Weather Service for this evening, the Emergency Preparedness Division has activated the Warming Center Contingency Plan. This plan states that when temperatures reach 27 degrees or colder, the City of Jacksonville Warming Center will be open overnight to residents who do not have access to adequate heat.

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The Warming Center will be open from 9 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, until 9 a.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at the Legends Center located at 5130 Soutel Drive in Jacksonville. JTA buses will transport vulnerable individuals to the center, which will be staffed and have water available onsite. Residents utilizing the Warming Center should bring their own bedding, personal hygiene items, and entertainment.

In addition to the City's Warming Center, non-profit partners at area shelters are also providing cold-weather shelter services to the homeless population. These shelters include City Rescue Mission, Mission House, Sulzbacher Center (for men and women/children), and Trinity Rescue Mission.

Residents can visit JaxReady.com/StayWarmJax for more fire prevention and cold weather safety tips, additional Warming Center locations across the city that are open during normal business hours, and what items to bring to a Warming Center. Stay prepared and stay safe this winter season with these helpful tips from the City of Jacksonville Emergency Preparedness Division.

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