GREENVILLE, Miss. — As temperatures begin to drop across the Mississippi Delta, the Greenville Fire Department is urging residents to take extra precautions to prevent fires and other winter-related emergencies.
Fire officials say the increased use of space heaters, fireplaces and alternative heating sources during colder weather significantly raises the risk of residential fires if proper safety measures are not followed.
The department advises residents to keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including furniture, curtains and bedding. Heaters should never be left unattended and should be turned off before leaving a room or going to sleep. Officials also stress that heaters should be plugged directly into wall outlets, not extension cords or power strips.
Firefighters recommend checking smoke alarms monthly and replacing batteries as needed, noting that working smoke alarms are a critical line of defense in the event of a fire. Chimneys and fireplaces should be inspected and cleaned before use to reduce the risk of chimney fires.
The fire department also cautions against using ovens to heat homes, citing the dangers of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Firewood and other combustible materials should be stored safely away from heat sources.
In addition, residents are encouraged to prepare for potential power outages by keeping an emergency kit on hand and to practice a home escape plan with family members, ensuring at least two exits from every room.
Officials remind the public that in the event of a fire or other emergency, residents should call 911 immediately.
The Greenville Fire Department says taking these simple precautions can help keep families safe as winter weather settles in.
