SAVANNAH, Ga. () — As the chill of winter approaches the Coastal Empire, the Savannah Fire Department is offering valuable tips to help protect your home and loved ones during this cold spell.

Firefighters took to social media to share a series of helpful suggestions for staying both warm and safe:

Directly connect space heaters to wall outlets. Avoid using extension cords or power strips, and refrain from plugging other devices into the same outlet as the heater to prevent overheating and potential fires.

Maintain a three-foot clearance around space heaters from furniture and flammable materials. This precaution ensures a safe zone around the heater, promoting proper air flow and reducing the risk of fire in homes or workplaces.

Opt for UL-listed and approved space heaters. A UL-listed heater signifies it has undergone rigorous safety testing, ensuring it is safe for use.

Keep your space heater on a stable surface. Your space heater falling face-first on your carpet floor can cause a fire in minutes. Make sure it is on a stable surface where it cannot be easily knocked down by someone or a pet.

Use space heaters with auto shut-off. This is a precautionary measure to ensure that, if you fall asleep, your heater doesn’t keep running, posing a potential fire hazard.

As temperatures decrease every day, it’s important to follow these Savannah Fire guidelines to have a safe fall and winter.