Our View – Take caution with cool weather

By Staff
Two weeks into October, and it's finally going to feel like fall.
We've made it through yet another Alabama summer, although admittedly this one was much milder than we're accustomed to. And if the weather forecasts hold true, we're about to get our first dose of sub-50's temperatures Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Football fans across the Tennessee Valley should be excited about the cool front, because Friday night should feel like real football weather for the first time this season.
Cool weather is a welcome change and a wonderful sign of the changing of the seasons, but there are things to keep in mind when the mercury drops.
For one, think about taking care of your tender plants and pets. It might not be cold enough to put your pets in danger, but make sure they're comfortable if they live outdoors.
Also, if you're planning on turning your heaters on for the first time, please use caution. It's a good idea to get gas heaters maintenanced before turning them on for the first time, and electrical heaters, when not used properly, are a leading cause of house fires.
Did you move a piece of furniture in front of a heater over the summer? Make sure your heaters have plenty of space around them to prevent fires, and visually inspect the electrial wires connected to your heater to make sure there are no exposed wires or potential electrical hazards.
Keep in mind these simple precautions, and we'll all enjoy the cooler temperatures. With fall in evidence, that means the holidays can't be far behind, and we all look forward to that.