Video: Cold Temps Coming, Heater Safety Tips

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – This weekend will be the coldest we’ve in awhile.

With temperatures dipping below the freezing mark, it’s important to remember heater safety tips.

As the temperatures begin to drop, many will turn on their heaters.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, equipment is the leading cause of home fire deaths.

Also, half of home heating equipment fires happen during the winter months.

“Especially this time of the year, we’re normally expecting this. We have a lot of calls due to dust on top of the heaters, that will set off smoke alarms,” said Captain Melvin Junkin at the Columbus Fire Department.

Junkin says it’s important to move all furniture and objects away from heaters.

Stoves and Ovens are often used as a heating source.

For those who might bring out heaters this weekend, remember these tips.

“Especially around electric wall heaters, they do not have an off position although it says on the heater, it’s off. Its actually a thermostat so it can come on automatically even though it’s in the off position. Space heaters should be placed directly into an outlet and should not be plugged into an extension cord,” added Junkin.

Now is also a good time to remember to check your smoke detectors and make sure its working properly.