House Fires Litter "Fire Prevention Week" in Mississippi

JACKSON, Miss.-- This week around the state of Mississippi is "Fire Prevention Week" sponsored by the State Fire Marshal's office.

Unfortunately it's only Tuesday and no less than three house fires have made news in-state with two being fatal.

WTVA reports the latest house fire happened to a home late Monday night in Guntown that has sent one adult and two kids to the hospital.

Also over the weekend officials from Monroe county say 74-year-old Martha Guyton died of smoke inhalation when her house caught fire and she was unable to escape for the blaze grew.

The word coming down from the State Fire Marshal's office this week is "Have Two Ways Out." That, of course, is in reference to urging people to have two ways out of the house in the case of a fire.

According to their press release, there have been 42 fire-related deaths in Mississippi so for this year.

Deputies from the State Fire Marshal's Office are giving out family escape plan tips and others at the Mississippi State Fair through Oct. 14 in Jackson.

A few recommendations from their office for planning your family's escape:

Make a map of your home. Mark a door and a window that can be used to get out of every room.

Choose a meeting place outside of your home where everyone can meet after a fire escape.

Have a grown-up sound the smoke alarm and practice your escape plan with everyone living in your home.

Keep your escape plan on the refrigerator and remind grown-ups to have your family practice the plan twice a year or whenever anyone in your home celebrates a birthday.