Every day, home fires are responsible for seven deaths in the United States, according to data from the National Fire Protection Association. 

The American Red Cross calls home fires the greatest disaster threat to American families, and they are currently implementing the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign to combat the threat.

Red Cross Volunteer Coordinator Morgan Bell said the campaign is broken down into two different parts: installing fire alarms in vulnerable neighborhoods and providing fire safety information in local schools.

“Last weekend we went and did neighborhood canvassing,” she said. “We got some statistics and identified where there had been fires and where they were likely to happen again.”

Bell and volunteers told residents they would be going around to install free fire alarms and encouraged those in need to call and schedule an appointment.

Monday, volunteers from FEMA Corps, CCC and the community, along with members of the Red Cross staff set out to implement phase one of the campaign.

“We broke up into teams,” she said. “We went out and installed them while another volunteer talked to them about fire safety information, about their new alarm and about making an emergency plan.”

Bell said Monday was a wonderful opportunity to get out and hear people’s stories.

“It’s always great to have boots on the ground and connect with people in Vicksburg,” she said.
Some of those receiving the Red Cross’ help already knew how disastrous home fires could be, like Elijah Buie, who lost his home to an electrical fire in 2009.

Buie said he was asleep when the fire started in his home and his fire alarms did not go off, but that luckily his wife woke him up and they exited to safety.

Monday, volunteers installed four 10-year lithium battery fire alarms in Buie’s home.

“I had one, but did it work? To be honest, I don’t know,” he said.

Buie said they installed one alarm in each of the three bedrooms and one in the kitchen.

“They want me to test them every year, and they showed me how to do that,” he said. “They said I’m good to go for 10 years now.”

Buie said the volunteers took their time with him and explained everything step by step.

“I feel safe,” he said. “They did a good job, a real good job.”

The Red Cross plans to set up individual appointments on a case-by-case basis, so Vicksburg residents are still encouraged to call 601-353-5445 and make an appointment if they are in need of new fire alarms.

The Red Cross is also looking for more volunteers to help with this project and others like it. To learn more about becoming a volunteer, contact Morgan Bell at 601-636-9182 ext. 3152.