SAVANNAH, Ga. — With a cold front approaching the Coastal Empire, the Savannah Fire Department is offering essential tips to protect your home and loved ones from potential hazards.

In a recent social media video, firefighters provided valuable advice to help residents stay warm while ensuring safety:

Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets. Avoid using extension cords or power strips, and refrain from connecting other devices to the same outlet as your heater. These practices can lead to overheating and pose a fire risk.

Maintain a three-foot clearance around space heaters. Ensure that there is ample space between the heater and any furniture or flammable materials. This precaution helps facilitate proper air circulation and reduces the risk of fires at home or work.

Opt for UL-listed space heaters. When selecting a heater, choose one that is UL-listed, indicating it has undergone rigorous safety testing and is deemed safe for use.

Position space heaters on stable surfaces. To prevent accidents, place your heater on a stable, flat surface, minimizing the risk of it tipping over onto a carpet or other flammable materials, which could result in a fire.

Use space heaters with auto shut-off. This is a precautionary measure to ensure that, if you fall asleep, your heater doesn’t keep running, posing a potential fire hazard.

As temperatures decrease every day, it’s important to follow these Savannah Fire guidelines to have a safe fall and winter.