As a stretch of cold-weather months approaches in central Mississippi, the Vicksburg Fire Department (VFD) is working to spread the message that following basic safety tips for staying warm can help locals avoid the disasters that often come with winter fires.

“Home fires are significantly more prevalent during the winter months than at any other time of the year,” Vicksburg Fire Chief Derrick Stamps said. “As you embrace the warmth and comfort of your home this season, it’s crucial to prioritize fire safety. Alarmingly, half of all home heating fires occur in December, January, and February, highlighting the dangers that come with the colder weather.”

The good news, Stamps said, is avoiding fires caused by heating devices and other winter activities is an easy task.

“Heating equipment plays a major role, being a contributing factor in one out of every six home fires and resulting in one out of every five fatalities caused by home fires,” he said. “Stay vigilant and ensure your heating appliances are safe to help protect yourself and your loved ones this winter.”

Stamps said some basic safety tips include:

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from any heat source, like fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, or space heaters.
• Plug only one heat-producing appliance (like a space heater) into an electrical outlet at a time.
• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that burns. Think about using battery-operated flameless candles.
• Have a qualified professional clean and inspect chimneys and vents every year.
• Store cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep it outside at least 10 feet from homes and any nearby buildings.
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Also, install alarms in the basement.

And Stamps said VFD is ready and able to install free smoke detectors in any home in need of the devices.

“Enhance your home’s safety with a fantastic opportunity from the Vicksburg Fire Department,” Stamps said. “Take advantage of free smoke alarms and professional installation to better protect your family. Act now. Safety is just a phone call away.”

Anyone in need of a smoke detector may call the VFD Central Fire Station at 601- 636-1603.