A frosty Tuesday morning in York County + Home heating safety tips

Overnight temperatures will dip into the 30s – about 10 degrees below normal for this time of year, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a frost advisory for York County and much of northern South Carolina from 2 to 9 a.m. Tuesday.

A frost advisory for York County and much of northern South Carolina is in effect until 9 a.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Experts say a Canadian high pressure system is moving through the area, bringing cooler temperatures and isolated freezing or frost.

The unseasonably cold temperatures could kill outdoor plants if they are not covered. Pet owners are advised to take precautions with outdoor animals.

Forecasters issued the frost advisory for northern South Carolina, the Charlotte area and Georgia’s northeast mountain region.

Temperatures are expected to warm up this week, with nightly lows in the 40s Tuesday and Wednesday and daytime highs in the upper 60s Tuesday and 70s Wednesday.

Flint Hill’s Fire Chief David Jennings sent the following tips for cold weather/home-heating safety:

▪ Make sure your smoke detectors are working in case of chimney/furnace/heating fire

▪ Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything flammable, including furniture

▪ Properly dispose of woodstove ashes

▪ Have your home’s chimney or furnace serviced by a professional

▪ Test carbon monoxide monitors in your home

▪ Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors

▪ Use only heavy-duty extension cords for alternative heat sources, such as space heaters

▪ If you smell a possible natural gas leak, move outdoors and call 911

Jennings says the National Fire Protection Agency has found heating to be the second leading cause of house fires. One of every 20 space heater fires in the past five years has caused a fire death, he said, with December through February traditionally being the peak months for house fires.

Heating is also the leading cause of carbon monoxide poisoning, Jennings said, so he advises people to make sure they have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms on each floor of your home. Test the alarms once a month and change the batteries twice a year.

Some local residents will use pellet stoves, space heaters or fireplaces as alternative and less expensive heating options, Jennings said. Mostly, those are safe choices, but can be dangerous if not used properly, he said.

Space heaters should be placed only on floors never on tables or furniture, and never closer than three feet to flammable materials such as beds, drapes or curtains, or furniture.

For more information on heating and fire safety, call the Flint Hill Fire Department at 803-548-4805.

This story was originally published October 19, 2015 at 11:50 AM with the headline "A frosty Tuesday morning in York County + Home heating safety tips."