SARASOTA- Frigid air and low temps are expected on the Suncoast this weekend. While there’s plenty of ways to keep yourself warm, you should make sure to do so without creating a fire hazard.
This weekend, the Suncoast will get colder than it ever has since 2018.
“Overnight low temperatures are going to drop into the 30’s, we haven’t been this cold in nearly 4 years,” said SNN Chief Meteorologist, Justin Mosely.
SNN Chief Meteorologist, Justin Mosely says strong winds will make the air feel much colder
“The high is going to be in the middle 50s and we have a wind blowing 20 miles per hour, it can whisk all the heat from your body, so you want to layer your clothing,” said Mosely.
While the chilly weather might make you stay indoors, the Sarasota County Fire Department recommends taking extra precautions when using space heaters, as they account for more than (seventeen hundred) 1700 fires annually throughout the U.S.
“At least three feet away from any combustibles, making sure that they have direct supervision, and make sure that there are no children playing around the space heater as well and making sure the space heaters are not left on once they go to bed,” said Sarasota County Fire Department Battalion Chief, Mike Sullivan.
And if you are turning on your heater for the first time in a long time
“Can expect to smell a bit of a burning smell as there is dust that accumulates on the coils of the air conditioning units so it is normal and expected to have a little bit of that burning smell,” said Sullivan.
If the smell does not go away, it is recommended to call the fire department. And if you start a fire pit make sure it is supervised at all times. Burning clean wood, not any yard waste
“Important once you do decide to discontinue your recreational fire that you do completely extinguish that fire before you go back inside your house,” said Sullivan.
And if you plan to use a fire place or chimney make sure it has been cleaned and inspected annually.
