As cold weather sweeps into the region, the Red Cross is urging residents to prioritize safety while keeping their homes warm.

At least three fires broke out in Jacksonville during the weekend, raising concerns about fire safety as the colder months approach.

It’s a time of year when families get adventurous in the kitchen and those cool temperatures call for the heater. But if people aren’t careful things could light up fast.

This month, Clay County Fire Rescue is offering tips on the dangers of fire hazards and how to prevent them. October is National Fire Prevention Month.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, every 24 seconds, a fire department responds to a fire somewhere in the U.S. Even the simplest things can potentially catch fire.

Firefighters are encouraging people to think twice about where they store rechargeable batteries after a dog in Tulsa got ahold of one, chewed it and set its dog bed on fire.

From learning how to save a life to connecting with those who help make the rescues happen, hundreds of Jacksonville residents got a behind-the-scenes experience of those things and more during Day 2 of the Jax Ready Fest.

The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department will be showing off its fire simulator, which helps explain how to respond to fires that can happen in everyday situations.

Friday will mark the coldest day of the season with high temperatures only in the 40s. Temperatures will then dip into the low 20s through the weekend, according to The Weather Authority.

Fire departments know that during these cold snaps, the chance of fires go up. There are some things that can be done in our homes now to try to prevent fires from happening.

Nobody anticipates their home will catch on fire; that’s why it’s important to have a plan, and that plan should include your pets.