Huntsville, AL – As colder weather settles across Alabama this week, the National Weather Service in Huntsville is urging residents to take precautions when using space heaters to stay warm indoors.
According to the NWS, portable heaters cause a significant number of home fires each winter, often due to improper placement or unattended use. Officials outlined six essential safety steps to help residents heat their homes safely: keep heaters level on hard, nonflammable surfaces; maintain at least a 3-foot radius around them; and establish a kid- and pet-free zone.
Residents are also reminded never to leave a space heater running while sleeping or away from home. The NWS further advises homeowners to have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home and to plug heaters directly into wall outlets, avoiding extension cords that could overheat.
The National Fire Protection Association notes that space heaters account for nearly half of all home heating fires nationwide. Simple precautions — such as turning off heaters before bed and keeping them clear of curtains or bedding — can make the difference between safety and tragedy.
With overnight lows expected to dip into the 30s this week across North Alabama, officials encourage families to review these safety steps now before temperatures fall further.
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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