NASHVILLE – With the first day of winter (Dec. 21) less than two weeks away, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Nashville Fire Department, and the National Fire Sprinkler Association are urging Tennesseans to remember fire safety this winter to help reduce home fires.
Today, representatives from all three groups gathered at the Nashville Fire Department Training Academy in Nashville to demonstrate the dangers of a Christmas tree when not properly maintained and the benefits of a working home fire sprinkler system. Photos of the event can be downloaded here.
“I am grateful for our partners both nationally and here in Tennessee who share our goal of saving lives and preventing fire fatalities,”said Tennessee State Fire Marshal and Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Commissioner (TDCI) Hodgen Mainda.
“I remind my fellow Tennesseans to stay warm and safe this winter by following our fire safety tips and making sure that the smoke alarms in their homes are working properly.”
During winter, the risks to homeowners rise as fire deaths increase by almost 75 percent across Tennessee. Heating equipment is the leading cause of home fire deaths nationally and the second leading known cause in Tennessee. The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office recently debuted new television and radio commercials to raise awareness about the importance of fire safety during Tennessee’s coldest months.
Consumers who need working smoke alarms are urged to contact their local fire department and ask if they participate in the SFMO’s “Get Alarmed, Tennessee!” free smoke alarm program. Since the “Get Alarmed, Tennessee!” program began in November 2012, volunteers from over 530 Tennessee fire departments and civic organizations have distributed over 217,000 working smoke alarms across the Volunteer State.
Since the program’s inception, 279 people have been alerted by working smoke alarms installed through “Get Alarmed.”
“It’s important to stay warm during Tennessee’s frigid winter months, but it’s equally as important to practice good fire-safe behavior, too,”said TDCI Assistant Commissioner Gary Farley.
“Before winter arrives, take the time to ensure that you and your family know two ways out of every room in the event of a home fire.”