Fire Safety

Smoke Alarms... It's The Law!

Under the Pascagoula Fire Code, every home in Pascagoula is required to have working smoke alarms installed.

In the Event of Fire

  • Stop, drop and roll. If your clothes catch fire, don't run! Stop where you are, cover your face with your hands, drop to the ground and roll over to smother flames.
  • Stay low and go! Smoke is the culprit that claims more lives than the fire that makes it. Try to avoid smoky ways out, but if you have no choice, get down and crawl as low as you can to find the best remaining air as you escape.

General Fire Safety Tips

  • Install and maintain life saving smoke detectors. Install them outside sleeping areas and on each level of your home. Don't forget to test them several times a year.
  • Put some space around space heaters. Space heaters produce temperatures that can ignite ordinary home furnishings. Keep at least three feet. clear space around them and never place them close to draperies or shower curtains.
  • Practice your planned escape. The best way to survive a fire inside a building is to get out fast. Plan two escape routes from each room in your home and practice the route with the family members at least twice a year. Pick a meeting place outside away from the building and never go back in.
  • Keep an eye on smokers. Careless smokers are the number one cause of fire deaths in America. Wet cigarette and cigar butts before discarding them into garbage receptacles.
  • Matches and lighters often fascinate small children and can be mistaken for toys. Keep them put up and out of reach of small children. Adults should teach children that matches and lighters are tools for adults, not toys to be played with.
  • Cool water for burns. Everyone knows scalding water burns just like fire. Well, cool water helps to stop the burning of the skin when it occurs. If you or someone gets burned, don't use butter or some other home remedy. Place the burned area in cool water for 10-15 minutes and seek professional medical help if needed.
  • Be safe with electricity. Don't overload circuits or a problem may occur that could cause a fire. Use only proper size fuses.
  • Take care in the kitchen. Kitchen fires are the most frequent seen by firefighters. Never leave cooking unattended. If grease catches fire, place a lid over the pan and turn off the heat.