As Mississippians prepare to “spring forward” this weekend, State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney is reminding people that the time change is a great chance to ensure that smoke alarms are working properly.
According to Chaney, there have been 22 fire deaths in Mississippi through the first two months of 2025. Investigations into at least 15 of the cases found there was no working smoke alarm inside the home at the time of the blaze. Last year, 44 of 72 residential fire deaths were, in part, blamed on the absence of or inoperative smoke alarms.
“Daylight saving time on Sunday morning is a good reminder to test smoke alarms and talk to your family about what to do if there is a fire,” Chaney said. “If you need a smoke alarm but can’t afford one, please call your local fire department. They may be able to install alarms for free. You should also sit down with your family members, especially children and the elderly, to ensure everyone knows how to escape a home fire.”
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Chaney’s office provided the following fire safety tips, as well:
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
- Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
- Replace the smoke alarm immediately if it doesn’t respond properly when tested.
- Place smoke alarms in every sleeping area and common hallway on all levels of the home. Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
- Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet from the stove.
- Create an escape plan, and make sure all family members know where to meet upon evacuating the home.
