Last week, Biloxi firefighters were called to four fires: three kitchen fires and one trash fire.
Since cooking fires are the No. 1 cause of home fires and home injuries, firefighters are reminding residents to never leave the kitchen unattended when cooking.
According to a 2013 survey by the insurance firm Liberty Mutual, nearly half of the company’s consumers said that they left the kitchen to either talk or text someone or to check emails while cooking.
“The major cause is unattended cooking.” Fire Chief Joe Boney said. “And a large cause is from those age 25 to 35 who just walk away, many times, for some small distraction.”
Boney advises citizens, that if they experience a cooking fire, to leave the house and call 911.
Also, it is important to make sure that you have a working smoke detector in your home.
The Biloxi Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Division offers free smoke detectors to residents who need them and, in addition to installing smoke detectors, firefighters will check test existing smoke detectors and offer free safety tips to homeowners.
Call the fire department at 228-435-6200 to request the free service.
Meanwhile, the Biloxi Police Department reported 2,514 calls for service, making 99 arrests last week and the Community Development Department issues 60 permits with a total valuation of more than $850,000.
See the cooking safety flyer
See the free smoke detector sign up form
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