It's downright cold in the New Orleans Metro area. With overnight freezes and wind chills falling to low 20s, some people have had to resort to hazardous ways to heat their homes.
Leaving stoves on and even using electric heaters can be dangerous when used improperly.
Louisiana State Fire Marshal, Bryan Adams, spoke with WWL's Tommy Tucker and says he has one very important message for everyone.
"Check your smoke alarm. It is your first line of defense if a fire breaks out."
Fire Marshal Adams would also like the public to know about Operation Save A Life.
"We have smoke alarms that you can have free of charge. If you call your local fire department, they will bring them out and install them fee of charge."
Adams also advises to make sure any portable heating devices are three to five feet away from other objects, never plug them into power strips or extension cords but directly into the wall, and never use the stove or oven to heat the home.
