As this year’s Fire Prevention Week (FPW) nears its end Saturday, City of Vicksburg officials took the opportunity during Thursday’s meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen to again inform the public of ways to stay safe, especially as cooler temps will soon bring the use of more heating devices to area homes and businesses. 

Vicksburg Fire Department (VFD) Investigator, Inspector and Safety Specialist Nathaniel Williams said this year’s FPW, which runs from Oct. 6-12, is used to shine a spotlight on all aspects of fire safety, but has a special emphasis on smoke alarm usage.

Williams said VFD is installing free smoke alarms in homes this year for any residents in need who call the Central Fire Station at 601-636-1603.

“We’re doing a campaign with the State of Mississippi,” Williams said. “We do it all for free. Smoke alarms for the citizens of Vicksburg.”

While heating devices often play a role in fires during the fall months, Williams said the number one cause of fires across the country remains incidents related to cooking.

“We ask that if you’re frying – and if you haven’t purchased a fire blanket, purchase a fire blanket – if you’re having a grease fire, throw flour on it; please do not throw water on it. And don’t leave your cooking unattended.”

Williams also said it is important that residents have a fire extinguisher and know how to use it, keep space heaters at least three feet away from all objects, and have a fire evacuation plan that includes two ways to exit a structure, as well as a designated meeting place. 

“If you have gas in your home, it’s good to have carbon monoxide detectors, because that is odorless, it’s invisible, and it can kill. And everyone should have a fire extinguisher in their house. We use the acronym PASS: pull, aim, squeeze and sweep. And if you don’t know how to use one, you can call the Vicksburg Fire Department and we’ll get together, and we will show you how to use it.”

For more information about FPW and smoke alarms, visit fpw.org.