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Even though it doesn’t officially start for another month and a half, it’s clear winter is on its way to Troup County. With colder nights rolling in, now is a good time to go over a few safety tips when it comes to heating your home and staying warm.

This may be just a small taste of what the weather will be like when December and January arrive, but now is a good time to get ready for the cooler months. Just this week we have already seen the temperature drop to the 30s and 40s. 

If you have a wood fireplace, make sure you have it and the chimney inspected and cleaned before lighting the first log. When the time changes this weekend, that’s typically a great time to change the batteries in your smoke detector.

Colder weather also brings a higher risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is produced by burning fuel in cars, trucks, portable generators or furnaces.

If you regularly use space heaters, please follow the safety instructions for the device you are using. Make sure the heater is on a level surface and out of reach of children and pets.

Speaking of pets, it is also important to not forget if you have outside pets, bring them inside, so they are protected from the elements.

If left outdoors during freezing temperatures, pets can freeze, become disoriented, injured or die.

It is also recommended that owners whose pets will be outside for any length of time make sure that pets have a warm, dry place that is big enough for them to move around in comfortably but small enough to hold body heat so that they can stay out of the wind and precipitation.

According to the U.S. Humane Society, the floor of the shelter should be raised a few inches from the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw.

The doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

These are just a few tips to keep everyone in Troup County safe during the cold months.

If you have more concerns, visit Cdc.gov for more tips on staying safe and healthy during winter months.

There will be cold nights ahead the remaining fall and as we get into the winter months. Stay warm Troup County.