Temperature Drop Rises Concern About House Fires in Twin Tiers

The sudden, extreme drop in temperatures has officials issuing the same cautions to residents that come with the start cold weather: be extra careful with heating sources. 

While furnaces should have been inspected and undergone maintenance weeks ago, authorities are asking residents to be vigilant when trying to keep warm with alternative heating sources like fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters.  Never leave any of those devices unattended, keep anything flammable well away from heat sources and make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are operational and have been tested. 

Especially during sudden downward swings in temperatures, the number of residential fires traditionally increases.

Daytime and night wind chills are expected in the minus single digits January 17.

Anyone who has to be outside should make sure all extremities, like ears, noses and fingers, are covered, limit time outdoors and make sure pets have access to shelter out of the wind and cold as well as free-flowing water and food.

Seasonable temperatures are expected through the Monday Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Day holiday with the high only projected to be around 20.