To address it's nation-leading fire-death rate, the state of Mississippi launched Safe at Home — Preventing Fires in Mississippi, a homegrown, statewide public-education campaign.

Supported by a coalition of fire service members, state and local officials, clergy, educators, medical providers, and community leaders, Safe at Home is designed to reach each community and each person in Mississippi with important messages and resources to improve fire safety. The program is a project of the National Fire Protection Association with funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Domestic Preparedness.

“We are pleased that our department and our community were chosen to participate,” said Jimmy Avery, chief of operations for the Tupelo Fire Department. “We welcome the additional information and support to boost our public outreach efforts. The timing of this launch, as temperatures begin to drop and home fire risks increase, is ideal.”

As part of the campaign, residential fire safety messages, as well as information on smoke alarms and escape planning, will be distributed widely and be made available through Safe at Home’s Web site, and toll free telephone number, 888-MSFIRE1 (888-673-4731).

“Safe at Home is about life and death," said Tammy Peavy of the State Fire Marshal’s office. "Mississippi has the highest rate of fire deaths in the country.… So far this year, 62 people have died in fires throughout the state. This is beyond tolerable. By working with Mississippians to help them recognize fire risks they may face every day, we hope to save lives.”

Many Mississippians aren't aware of the fire dangers posed by their daily activities: Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Families also risk accidental fires caused by space and electric heaters as well as when ovens and stoves are used for winter heat. Smoking fires are the No. 1 cause of fire deaths because they usually occur when smokers fall asleep and put themselves and others in the household at risk.

"Even small changes in household behavior, like staying near the stove while cooking, moving heaters away from things that can catch fire, and smoking outside, can save lives.” said Judy Comoletti, NFPA’s assistant vice president of public education.