Fire Marshall Chaney says…

“Smoke detectors save lives” Mike Chaney, who is the Insurance Commissioner for the State of Mississippi and thus the State Fire Marshall as well, says that 25 people have perished in fire related deaths this year alone. “Of all those incidents, only four of the homes had working smoke detectors,” adds Chaney. “I encourage people to install smoke detectors and check them regularly.  The devices are inexpensive and easy to maintain.  All you have to do is press a button and change a battery once in a while.” Chaney attributes several of the deaths to people using improper means to stay warm during inclement weather.  He noted that last Friday’s Panola County fire started due to a kerosene heater placed too close to a bed, which ignited a structure fire which killed four. “A citizen rescued eight others from that fire, which was inside a mobile home,” Chaney said Monday, an 85-year-old New Hebron man was killed when his home caught fire.  A house fire Tuesday morning in Bay Springs resulted in the death of woman in her 30s. Here are a few fire safety tips:

• Install a smoke alarm on each level of your home.
• Maintain fresh batteries.
• A fire plan is a must!! Include at least two escape routes from every room in the home.
• When planning your escape, designate meeting place that is a safe distance from the house.  A neighbor’s yard is often the best place to go.
• Conduct a “Home Fire Drill” at least twice per year.