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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE ISSUES HEATING SAFETY TIPS WITH CONTINUED COLD WEATHER

January 08, 2025
As Duval County faces dangerously cold temperatures, staying warm is a top priority for many households. However, the increased use of heating equipment during winter brings a heightened risk of home fires, three of which occurred overnight. The City of Jacksonville Emergency Preparedness Division is urging residents to follow essential heating safety practices to stay warm and safe.
“Winter is the peak season for home fires,” said Andre Ayoub, Chief of the City of Jacksonville Emergency Preparedness Division, citing data from the National Fire Prevention Association. “Taking a few simple precautions can reduce fire risks, protect your loved ones, and keep your home safe during this cold weather.”
 
Tips To Stay Warm Safely
 
Use Caution with Space Heaters: Ensure space heaters are at least three feet away from anything that can burn, such as curtains, furniture, or bedding. Plug heaters directly into an outlet—never use an extension cord or power strip — and turn them off when leaving a room or going to sleep. Never leave space heaters unattended.
 
Practice Fireplace Safety: Have chimneys inspected and cleaned annually. Avoid overloading fireplaces with wood, and always use a screen or glass doors to prevent sparks from escaping. Never leave a fire unattended, and ensure it is fully extinguished before going to bed.
 
Use Appliances for Their Intended Purpose: Never use an oven or other appliance not designed as a heating device to warm your home. This poses significant fire and carbon monoxide risks. 
 
Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Ensure working smoke alarms are installed on every floor and outside each bedroom in your home. Test alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed.
 
Create a Fire Escape Plan: Ensure all household members know two ways to exit each room and establish a designated meeting place outside in case of a fire.
 
Be Aware of Carbon Monoxide Dangers: Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Never use outdoor appliances like grills or generators indoors, as they can release dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
 
Warming Center Open for Third Night in a Row
 
The National Weather Service is forecasting dangerously cold temperatures, with wind chills, or “feels like” temperatures in the 20s for this evening. A Freeze Warning is in effect for Duval County tonight through tomorrow morning.
 
With this incoming cold weather, the Emergency Preparedness Division has activated the Warming Center Contingency Plan. The plan states that when temperatures reach 27 degrees or colder the City of Jacksonville Warming Center will be open overnight to residents who do not have access to adequate heat. Accordingly, it will be open:
 
Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 9 p.m. – January 9, 2025, 9 a.m.
 
The Legends Center
5130 Soutel Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32208
 
JTA buses will transport vulnerable individuals to the Legends Center, which will be staffed and have water available onsite. Residents utilizing the Warming Center should bring their own bedding, personal hygiene, and entertainment items.
 
Our non-profit partners at area shelters are also providing cold-weather shelter services to the homeless population. These shelters include:
  • City Rescue Mission, 234 W. State Street, 32202
  • Mission House, 465 11th Ave. N, Jacksonville Beach, 32250, overnight operations at St. Paul’s by the Sea Episcopal – Parish Hall, 1150 5th Street N, Jacksonville Beach, 32250
  • Sulzbacher Center
    • 611 East Adams St., 32202 – Men
    • 5455 Springfield Blvd. 32208 – Women and Children
  • Trinity Rescue Mission, 622 W. Union Street, 32202
 
Stay JaxReady with More Information
 
Residents can visit JaxReady.com/StayWarmJax for more fire prevention and cold weather safety tips, additional Warming Center locations across the city that are open during normal business hours, and what items to bring to a Warming Center.