Huntsville, AL – As colder air moves into north Alabama early next week, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Huntsville is urging residents to stay warm safely by following key space heater precautions.
According to the NWS, temperatures are expected to drop significantly across the Tennessee Valley, increasing home heating use. The agency posted a reminder Friday highlighting common fire prevention steps when using space heaters indoors.
Officials recommend keeping heaters at least three feet away from furniture, curtains, or other flammable materials. Children and pets should also be kept clear of the units to avoid burns or accidents.
“Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet—never use an extension cord,” the NWS post advised. “And always turn the unit off before leaving home or going to sleep.”
Safety experts also recommend placing heaters on a flat, nonflammable surface and ensuring smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
The warning comes as the region prepares for its first widespread cold spell of the season, with overnight lows expected to dip near freezing in some areas. Residents are encouraged to check on elderly neighbors and ensure proper ventilation when using heating appliances.
For updates, follow @NWSHuntsville and monitor local forecasts as temperatures drop through early next week.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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