When the weather outside is frightful and the fire feels so delightful, preventing unintended sparks is still a must. Fort Jackson safety officials say the time is now to plan for winter weather even though Jack Frost has yet to pay a visit.
Fort Jackson's fire department and safety office have a few tips to stay safe as the weather gets colder.
With holidays around the bend, Christmas trees, candles, unattended cooking and turkey fryers are impending, flammable hazards.
Unmaintained heating systems, chimneys and fireplaces are other potential sources of danger.
Taking a few simple steps can help minimize the risk of harm.
"Make sure you have your heating system professionally serviced," recommended Garrison Safety Manager Rob Ross.
If it's not operating properly and ventilating to the outdoors, carbon monoxide poisoning can result. Carbon Monoxide poisoning takes lives every year, Ross said.
He recommends getting systems in working order now, "before the cold hits."
Also important is having fireplaces and chimneys inspected before they are used for the year.
Creosote -- a byproduct of wood burning -- can otherwise build up.
"It can cause the chimney to burn," Ross said. House fires can result.
"Keep anything that will burn away from open flame," advised Doug Christensen, fire department assistant chief. He recommends at least a three-foot buffer space.
Christmas trees can become "very combustible," Christensen added. Watering prevents them from turning into makeshift tinder.
"You want to keep (the trees) moist," said fire inspector John-Mark Glaz.
Only UL listed lights should adorn them since they're tested and approved for indoor use.
Candles and other open flames need to be kept away.
Even if given a wide berth from flammable objects, "left unattended, (a candle) will burn down and potentially cause a fire," Christensen said.
Still, unattended cooking is an even more prevalent concern than unattended candles. Christensen said it's one of the biggest causes of house fires.
"Don't cook and leave," Glaz said.
Turkey-cooking, even when attended, can also be dangerous. Boiled-over oil can catch fire.
To avoid catastrophe, Glaz said it's important to fry turkeys outside, away from the house, on flat ground.
No newspaper, cardboard or other potential ignitors should be placed under the fryer or anywhere near the cooking area.
Making sure turkeys are completely thawed and that an excess of oil isn't used are two important precautions to avoid spillover of boiling oil.
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