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ATLANTIC BEACH—This weekend, North Carolina residents will feel some of the coldest air temperatures of the season. As households try to stay warm, officials say it is also important to stay safe.
 
Lt. J. Scott Bell of the Atlantic Beach Fire Department, said there are more fire hazards for homes during cold weather months. However, firefighters say people can use a variety of heating sources to battle the chill but do not turn a cold shoulder to safety.
 
"Many people don't realize that during the winter months, fires are more likely to occur.  The balance being associated with home heating sources. Fireplaces should have a quality screen or a tempered glassed doors to prevent ashes and sparks from flying out," said Bell.

Experts say people should pay close attention to where people place portable heaters. Cecil Sherrill, of Total Comfort Heating and Cooling, said the heaters can be very dangerous.
 
"Some of the electric heaters have an exposed element or something that will get hot enough, that if a drape or curtain or piece of furniture gets up against it, it could create a fire hazard," said Sherrill
 
According to Lt. Bell, there should be at least 36 in. of clear space around any portable heater whether the heater is kerosene or electric. Sherrill said people should always have a carbon monoxide detector if they are burning any type of fuel indoors.

The detectors need to be replaced no longer than every five years.  The expiration dates for the detectors can be found on the back. 
 
"Carbon monoxide is a silent but deadly killer.  You can't smell it, you can't taste it. When you're in a space with it and you're using these type of heaters, you have to ask yourself, 'how much of a dose of poison can I take?'," said Bell.

Firefighters also remind pet owners not to make sure their pets do not get too close to heaters because they could knock them over and get burned or potentially start a fire.