Mississippi homes get free smoke detectors
The state is distributing 30,000 new units to residents in Jackson and other cities.
By Nadia Rahman ·
Residents in Mississippi can receive new smoke detectors at no cost starting this week. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is distributing 30,000 units to local fire departments across the state. Firefighters are handling the direct distribution to homes.
Mike Chaney, the Mississippi state fire marshal, stated that the state currently has the highest number of fire deaths per capita in the nation. He noted that many detectors in the state are either missing or failing to function correctly.
The Jackson Fire Department has received 500 of these units. Robert Elbert, a division chief in emergency services for the Jackson Fire Department, said the agency will install the devices for residents. "We install detectors, we’ll come out and put batteries in. One call and we’re on the way," Elbert said. Residents request the free alarms by calling their local station.
Steve Benham, assistant fire chief for the Jackson Fire Department, explained that the new models have a 10-year life span. He contrasted this with older detectors that required annual battery checks. "The old smoke detectors, every year there would always be something out there to make sure you change it during Christmas or New Year’s. But these have a 10-year life span," Benham said.
Local residents expressed concern about the reliability of existing equipment. Rev. Thomas Ball in Jackson said he often sees homes without working detectors. "I hear sometimes the battery might go out or it may not beep when it needed it," Ball said. Linda Hartwell, another resident, highlighted the risk for older adults. She said many elderly residents do not understand how the devices help them.
Burn bans remain in effect in various parts of the state due to dry conditions. Kenneth Farrish, a Jackson resident, said early detection is vital for safety. "You want to get an earlier jump on any particular fire that’s brewing in your house. So, that would be important," Farrish said. Hartwell pointed to recent fires in city apartment complexes as evidence that the devices save lives in older housing.
In addition to Jackson, several other departments received the free detectors. These locations include Vicksburg, Hinds County, Pearl, Brandon, the Reservoir, and Ridgeland.
