CLAY COUNTY – In January, Clay County Fire Rescue responds to more emergencies related to the cold temps, including extension cable fires (from overloading outlets with devices like space) and carbon monoxide poisoning incidents (potentially stemming from unvented space heaters).

Here is a breakdown of those safety tips:

• Inspect devices regularly check all electrical appliances and cords for damage. Replace any that show signs of wear and tear.

• Properly ventilate to ensure fireplaces and wood stoves are properly vented to the outside and have chimneys cleaned annually.

Install Alarms: Install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, testing them monthly.

• Keep the area clear. Keep flammable materials at least three feet from heaters, and never leave them unattended.

• Have a Safety Plan: Clay County Fire Rescue also encourages families to sit down with children to talk about home fire safety and to immediately call 911 if a fire does happen.

“People are going to want to stay warm, so they’re going to be using more space heaters, more fireplaces, so we do see an increase in house fires,” said CCFR Chief David Kuykendall.

“For extension cords, those are temporary usage. No heater should be plugged into those for long periods. They should be plugged directly into the wall outlet.”

Heating systems and kerosine lamps can also increase the home's carbon monoxide (CO), especially during the winter when doors and windows are closed, which prevents gases from escaping. Residents should have a working CO detector and smoke alarm and remember to test and change batteries every six months.

Kuykendall suggests residents have a fire extinguisher ready if a fire does happen.

“You should also have a fire extinguisher, know where it is, and how to use it," he said.

Kuykendall also stresses the importance of regularly maintaining heat-emitting devices and appliances.

"I wish everyone would service their heaters – their fireplaces,” he said.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, confined fires, specifically those confined to chimneys, flues, or fuel burners, account for 77% of residential building heating fires.