COLUMBUS, Ga. ( WRBL ) — Leaves are changing colors and the weather is beginning to cool off. Many are starting to turn on heaters and fireplaces which have gone unused for months.
To help stay safe this time of year, Columbus Fire Chief John Shull offered a few tips to keep in mind.
“For one, don’t have a heater that’s too old. You want to have the safety mechanism in it where if you accidentally hit it or it falls over it cuts off,” Shull said, also advising to check cords for fraying and exposed wires.
Shull also emphasized it’s important to refrain from plugging heaters into extension cords.
“It’s not designed to take that sort of resistance over time. … Plug those straight into the wall,” Shull said.
Homeless veteran gets makeover through local nonprofit
For fireplaces, Shull recommended removing any excess soot present. Any outdoor bonfires held in Columbus need to be approved by the fire Marshall, Shull said.
He added it is important to keep flammable items, children and pets away from heat sources.