Video: Firefighters Give Safety Tips During Fire Prevention Week

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) — It’s Fire Prevention Week, and firefighters want you to be fire safe.

Especially as it becomes cold, because firemen say they see a lot of space heater fires.

There are some things you can do now before the temperatures start drastically dropping.

When the temperatures drop, firefighters say the chance they’ll be called to a fire, goes up.

“Statistically, heating systems comprise a fairly hefty portion of house fires, whether that be an electrical problem, or gas, or just combustibles being placed too close to a heating appliance,” said Kirk Rosenhan, Okitbbeha County fire services coordinator.

That’s why they’re using Fire Prevention Week to remind you of some safety tips.

They say if your house uses gas heat or gas appliances, have a carbon monoxide detector.

You should have a smoke detector, as well.

“That will not only alert you to a fire so you can get out,” Rosenhan said. “Most deaths are smoke inhalation rather than physical thermal burns, and then of course, two, the quicker that a fire or problem is discovered, the better opportunity we have to help, and make sure that any damage is minimal.”

Rosenhan says you should also check your smoke detector once a month, to make sure it’s working, and change the batteries every year.

“Unless you have some of the newer ones like we’re giving away that have a 10-year battery in them, and so you will want to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations,” he said.

Officials also recommend getting homeowner’s or renter’s insurance in case you do have a fire.

“Those coverages help protect you and your family’s financial well being in the event that there is a claim,” said State Farm insurance agent, Amy Shelton. “You want to make sure that this isn’t going to be something that causes long term impacts on you, and insurance helps you in that manner.”

Rosenhan tells WCBI if you don’t have a smoke detector, they’ll install one for you for free. Just contact your local fire department.