Cold weather tips and warnings

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JACKSON, Tenn.– A few warnings for dealing with extreme cold as west Tennessee anticipates overnight lows dipping into the teens through the weekend.

‘Tis the season to turn up the heat and state fire marshals say about eight percent of all home fires start with heating equipment.

With the chances of using space heaters and fireplaces increasing over the next few days–firefighters say it is best to keep objects at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, stoves and space heaters.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office also recommends not using the oven to heat your house and having chimneys professionally cleaned yearly.

From the living room to the garage, staff at King Tire in downtown Jackson said cold temperatures could cause your car to give you a few warning signs.

“When it gets hot or cold you start noticing a lot more is wrong with your car than you originally think,” Luke Wilson, with King Tire said.

Wilson said drivers could see indicator lights calling for more air pressure in tires or dead batteries. He recommends giving vehicles a few minutes to warm up before setting out for the day.

According to state fire marshal’s office data, between 2011 and 2015, Tennessee fire departments responded to more than 2,500 home structure fires involving heating equipment.