The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) has issued a series of precautions and taken steps to safeguard their equipment amidst an extended cold snap gripping Northeast Florida, with temperatures plunging to nighttime freezes and wind chills that teeter on the edge of dangerous. "Cold weather significantly increases the risk of home fires as residents turn to alternative heating sources," Fire Chief Percy Golden II warned in a statement obtained by the City of Jacksonville’s official news release. The department is heeding its own advice by protecting all water-containing apparatus from freezing, draining water tanks from spare apparatus stored outside, and shifting vehicles to prioritize indoor storage, ensuring they remain operational during these freezing temperatures.
Residents are urged to take careful heating measures to counter the biting cold. Safety tips broadcasted by the JFRD are simple but vital: space heaters, a common source of warmth, should be kept at a safe distance, at least three feet from anything flammable. Heaters should be plugged directly into wall outlets to avoid overloading extension cords or power strips and must be turned off when leaving the room or going to sleep. Fireplace safety is also critical – with the department suggesting that chimneys have annual inspections and cleanings, advising against overloading fireplaces with wood, and recommending the use of screens or glass doors to stop sparks from spreading fires that should never be left unattended.
The threat of hypothermia is also of concern, with JFRD pointing out that it is a serious medical condition where the body starts losing heat faster than it's able to produce, potentially dropping body temperature to dangerously low levels. Dressing in layers, covering the head, hands, feet, and face which are major heat-loss points, and watching for signs of shivering, confusion, and slurred speech are key steps in preventing this emergency. If hypothermia is suspected, the JFRD says to act immediately: move the person to warmth, remove any wet clothing, insulate them, and seek medical attention.
Additional reminders from the department stress the importance of never using ovens or non-heating designed appliances for warmth, ensuring smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and functional, and refraining from using outdoor appliances like grills or generators indoors. Creating and practicing a fire escape plan has been highlighted as an essential preventive measure. For those lacking adequate heat, the City of Jacksonville Warming Center will be open nightly through February 2, as per the guidance issued by the department.
