This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” is a reminder for Alcorn County families to take a second look at how they charge phones, laptops, e-bikes, scooters and power tools. The Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office and the National Fire Protection Association are backing the campaign, according to the Daily Corinthian.
Why Mississippi Is Paying Attention
Mississippi sees more than 6,000 house fires each year. Lithium-ion batteries power many of today’s everyday devices, and damaged or misused batteries can overheat and start fires.
Safe Charging Tips
Use the charger that came with the device.
Stop using any battery that is damaged, swollen or overheating.
Don’t charge devices under pillows, on beds or on couches.
Check Alarms and Plan Your Escape
Fire safety experts also recommend testing smoke alarms and practicing a home escape plan. Evan Gibens, county fire coordinator and EMA director, said prevention starts before the fire department is ever called.
Jon R Myers is the executive editor of Alcorn County News and the founder of the Mississippi News Group, which he started in 2013 to cover communities across North Mississippi. He also founded the Mississippi Sports Group in 2006, which grew from a single community publication into a statewide network covering high school and college athletics. He reports on local government, public safety, schools and community life in Corinth and Alcorn County, working from public meetings, agency records and interviews with the people involved. Contact him at editor@alcornnewsms.com with news tips or corrections. For a correction, include the article link and supporting source material.
Stay connected
Your community. Wherever you are.
Follow Alcorn County News on Facebook for local news from Corinth and across Alcorn County.
