Check your smoke alarm as time springs forward
So far, there have been 22 fire deaths in Mississippi in 2025. There were no working smoke alarms in at least 15 of those cases. Compare that to the 72 residential fire deaths in 2024, when there were no working smoke alarms in 44 of the cases. That means that smoke alarms weren’t working or weren’t installed in 61 percent of the homes where fire deaths happened.
“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,” said State Fire Marshal and Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney. “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.”
The Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office recommends the following safety tips:
- 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.
- Smoke alarms should be placed in every sleeping area and common hallways and on every level of the home.
- Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
- A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall.
- 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 once out of the home.