Tennessee State Fire Marshal Urges Fire Safety for Christmas Trees
December 10, 2015
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is reminding Tennesseans to always keep natural, fresh-cut Christmas trees watered in order to avoid the fire risk created when they are allowed to dry out.
“A dry tree is a dangerous tree,” said Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Deputy Commissioner Gary West. “Properly maintaining a cut Christmas tree’s moisture content by keeping it in water significantly reduces the chance that its needles will dry out and create a fire hazard.”
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNjO3wZDVlA[/youtube] [Read more]
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office says “Get Alarmed Tennessee” Smoke Alarm Program has now Saved More than 100
July 26, 2015
Begun in 2012, the Smoke Alarm Program Has Helped Improve State’s Fire Safety
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) announces that smoke alarms installed as part of the “Get Alarmed Tennessee” program have now contributed to helping save over 100 lives since the program’s inception in 2012.
The “Get Alarmed” program’s success will be featured next week as part of presentations given by the SFMO during the National Association of State Fire Marshals annual conference in Nashville. The annual event will be held in the Renaissance Nashville Hotel in downtown Nashville. [Read more]
Tennessee State Fire Marshal reminds residents to create fire escape plan
March 27, 2015
Nashville, TN – If you woke up to a fire in your home, how much time do you think you would have to get to safety? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one-third of American households estimated that it would take at least six minutes before a fire in their home would become life-threatening. Unfortunately, the time available is often much less.
“Fire is unpredictable and moves faster than most people realize,” said State Department of Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “Having a tried and true escape plan with two ways out is essential for ensuring your family’s safety in the event of a fire.” [Read more]
Tenenssee State Fire Marshal’s Office Marina and Dock Inspections Bring Greater Safety To Tennesseans
March 10, 2015
Nashville, TN – Swimmers and boaters can be assured of increased safety at Tennessee’s public marinas and docks thanks to new regulations that took effect January 1st.
Approved last year by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed into law May 16th, 2014 by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, Senate Bill No. 1954/House Bill No. 1892 – known as the Noah Dean and Nate Act – makes it mandatory that State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) inspectors examine the electrical wiring and equipment of all Tennessee public marinas and docks. [Read more]
Tennessee Fire Marshal’s Office reports Fire Mortality Rate in Tennessee Drops to Historic Low in 2014
January 18, 2015
Nashville, TN – The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) has announced that fewer accidental fire-related fatalities occurred in 2014 than in any year in recorded Tennessee history, based on a preliminary examination of all available historic fire records and data by SFMO specialists.
State fire records show that 72 accidental fire deaths occurred in Tennessee during 2014 which compares to 98 similar fire fatalities in 2013. The 2014 figure represents a 27 percent year-to-year decrease compared to 2013, and a 51 percent decrease compared to 2003’s 146 fire fatalities, which was the highest total for fire-related deaths in the previous 14-year sample period. Final fire fatality figures for 2014 are still pending. [Read more]
Tennessee State Fire Marshal says make good Fire Safety Habits a New Year’s Tradition
December 29, 2014
Fireworks, parties can pose risks for the unprepared
Nashville, TN – When it comes to fireworks and New Year’s celebrations, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office wants residents to make good fire safety habits a New Year’s tradition whether at home or out on the town.
“No matter how you choose to ring in 2015, be sure to do it safely,” said Gary West, deputy commissioner of the Fire Prevention Division, Department of Commerce and Insurance. “Leave fireworks to the professionals and have emergency escape plans in place for not only your home, but for public venues as well.” [Read more]
Tennessee State Fire Marshal says being alert is key ingredient in Holiday Safety Recipe
December 23, 2014
Unattended cooking is the leading cause of U.S. home fires and home fire injuries
Nashville, TN – The State Fire Marshal’s Office is urging cooks across Tennessee to practice good safety habits in the kitchen during the hectic holiday season.
Unattended cooking ranks as the leading cause of U.S. home fires and home-fire injuries and can take a devastating toll. During 2009-2013, Tennessee fire departments reported 9,847 residential structure fires involving cooking equipment. These fires resulted in 33 civilian deaths, 249 civilian injuries, and $37.6 million in direct property damage. [Read more]
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office Urges Fire Safety for Christmas Trees
December 20, 2014
Video show hazards posed by dry trees
Nashville, TN – The State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding Tennesseans with natural, fresh-cut Christmas trees to keep them in water because of the fire risk posed when they are allowed to dry out.
“Properly maintaining a cut Christmas tree’s moisture content by keeping it in water significantly reduces the chance that its needles will dry out and pose a fire hazard,” said Gary West, deputy commissioner of the Fire Prevention Division, Department of Commerce and Insurance.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNjO3wZDVlA[/youtube] [Read more]
Tennessee State Fire Marshal gives Tennesseans Tips to Heat Homes Safely
November 28, 2014
Nashville, TN – Tennessee State Fire Marshal Gary West is reminding Tennesseans to keep fire safety in mind as they heat their homes this winter season. As temperatures dip, it is important to know the proper way to use different methods of heating.
“The colder weather means many people will begin to heat their homes with fireplaces, woodstoves, and space heaters,” said West. “Cold weather months typically have a higher number of accidental fire injuries and deaths due to the use of these alternate heat sources.” [Read more]
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office Offers Electrical Safety Tips
November 14, 2014
Nashville, TN – Did you know that residential electrical fires kill as many as 280 Americans each year and injure 1,000 more? The Tennessee State Fire Marshal Gary West is informing Tennesseans on the dangers of fires that can be caused by incorrectly installing wiring and overloaded circuits and extension cords.
“Many avoidable electrical fires can be traced to the misuse of electric cords, whether through overloaded circuits, poor maintenance, or cords being placed under rugs or in high traffic areas,” said State Fire Marshal Gary West. “Simple safety precautions can reduce these occurrences and help safeguard your home from fires.” [Read more]
