Lonely Valley CME Church Fire Safety Workshop

On October 7, 2025, the Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) joined a collective effort with Lonely Valley CME Church and discussed how to prevent fires within and outside the perimeter of one’s home. The Betheden Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) based in the southeastern parts of Winston County facilitated this critical session Gail Triplett, Chief of Betheden VFD, and Temika Triplett, Public Information Officer at Betheden VFD, engaged the audience with an eye-opening presentation about fire safety, prevention, and emergency preparedness.  Their message focused not only on protecting our homes but also on protecting the lives of the people who respond to fires.

 Chief Triplett began the session by emphasizing the importance of accessibility and visibility for firefighters responding to emergencies.  He explained that gates should be fifteen feet wide and set thirty feet from the end of the road to allow fire trucks and emergency vehicles to enter quickly.  He also reminded residents to ensure that mailboxes are clearly marked with visible house numbers that can be easily read from the road, especially at night.  Simple actions like keeping driveways clear and addressing signs visible can save valuable time during emergencies.  Chief Triplett also discussed common hazards around homes, such as propane tanks, gas containers, oxygen tanks, and generators, advising that these items be stored safely away from houses and heat sources to reduce the risk of fire or explosion. Informational officer Mrs. Triplett focused on fire prevention and preparedness.  She shared alarming statistics showing how non-working smoke alarms contributed to many fire-related deaths between 2023 and 2025. She stressed the need to test smoke detectors monthly and replace them every ten years.  She also provided detailed safety tips, including cooking precautions such as never leaving stoves unattended, avoiding loose clothing, and never pouring water on grease fires. Heating safety guidelines included turning off space heaters before sleeping and avoiding improper heating sources like ovens or kerosene.  Finally, she urged families to create and practice a clear escape plan with two exits per room, accessible windows and doors, and a designated outdoor meeting place. 

 When the program was opened to the audience, one of the attendees expressed the need to apply the information provided regularly.  She compared the need to exercise an emergency plan often at home to the monthly fire drills they must complete with students, ensuring they understand what to do in case of an emergency.  Indeed, to continue to save the lives of Mississippians, we must continue to educate and provide resources to assist those at risk.  Lastly, WCSHC wants to give thanks to Pastor Walter Lowery and Lonely Valley Church congregation for hosting this event. Additionally, we convey thanks to Sandra Jackson and others for organizing this educational event.