Orlando Fire explains how to safely warm up during Florida cold front
When you live in Central Florida, you're used to spending time outdoors, but this weekend it's likely many of us will not want to step outside our home with the forecast chilly weather.
And while we find ways to stay warm, experts say do it with caution.
Candles, space heaters and stoves. While they can turn up the heat, if they're not used properly, they'll have you turning to firefighters.
"The smoke that's produced has carbon monoxide in it and can cause people their demise and we don't want that to be a problem for anybody. It's a dangerous circumstance for children and pets," District Chief of Orlando Fire Walter Lewis said. "It can get knocked over. They can be burned."
Lewis says things that can burn should be kept at least three feet away to avoid accidents.
"We advocate that you don't use those, but make sure you stay very vigilant. Don't leave them unattended and if you are going to leave the house or leave the room or go to bed, please make sure you turn them off," Lewis said.
As temperatures are forecast to dip this weekend, the fire department says avoid using candles or your stove as a heating source.
Be extra careful if you use a space heater, and if you turn on your heat for the first time in a long time, you may experience a burning smell due to collected dust.
Playtime outside will have to be cut short for your furry friends because vets say just like us, they too need to stay warm.
"They can get hypothermia just like we can. If you've got a dog that traditionally lives outside, this is the time to take a little extra care of him and make sure he comes inside and has a nice warm meal," Dr. Alex Emerson with Animal Clinic of Casselberry said.
And when the warm sunny weather is back, we'll probably all want to take a dip in the pool.
In the meantime, experts say protect yours at home by running your pump constantly.
Make sure fountains and water features have water running through them.
Keep your heater just warm enough to avoid any freeze, and if you use solar to heat the pool, bypass the thermostat so water runs through the solar system.