Tennessee State Fire Marshal Warns Tennesseans of Fire Hazards Posed by Medical Oxygen
February 23, 2017
Eight Fire Fatalities Involving Medical Oxygen Occurred in Tennessee in 2016
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) reminds consumers that homes where medical oxygen is used need specific fire safety rules to protect people from fire and burns.
“We urge Tennesseans to take extra care when using medical oxygen in the home,” said State Fire Marshal and Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. ”Oxygen saturates fabric-covered furniture, clothing, hair, and bedding, making it easier for a fire to start and spread. Help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property by complying with the safety instructions that are provided with home medical oxygen supplies.”
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office Works to Fight Winter Fire Threat
January 10, 2017
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) urges Tennesseans to place special focus on home fire safety during what has traditionally been the most tragic week for fire-related incidents in the Volunteer State.
Since 2010, Tennessee has averaged 2.75 fatal fires (22 in 8 years) and 3.375 fire deaths (27 in 8 years) during the second week of January according to SFMO data. This is the highest number of both fires and victims for any week of the year and is nearly double the rate of the average week.
House fires can be prevented.
Tennessee State Fire Marshal Urges Tennessean to Heat Homes Safely
December 9, 2016
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) reminds Tennesseans to keep safety in mind as they heat their homes during the winter season. Residents are urged to use extra caution with the use of alternate heat sources, such as portable heaters.
“We cannot stress enough the importance of following safety precautions when heating your home during the colder months,” said Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Julie Mix McPeak. “Employing just a few basic steps this winter can help ensure that your family is kept as safe as they are warm.”
Tennessee fire departments responded to 2,572 home structure fires that involved heating equipment from 2011-2015.
Tennessee State Fire Marshal says Cook Safely this Thanksgiving Season
November 23, 2016
Thanksgiving is the Leading Day for Home Fires Involving Cooking Equipment
Nashville, TN – As families prepare to gather for Thanksgiving Day feasts this Thursday, November 24th, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) urges Tennesseans to avoid careless cooking habits that can lead to fires.
Cooking safety is a key component to the SFMO’s recently launched holiday safety campaign, developed in response to an annual increase of home fires during the holiday season.
“The excitement of a Thanksgiving get-together can lead to distractions for holiday cooks,” said State Fire Marshal and Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak.
An estimated 2,000 Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings are reported to U.S. fire departments each year according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office Launches “Be a Good Elf” Holiday Safety Campaign
November 21, 2016
Nashville, TN – ‘Tis the season for cheerful decorations, family gatherings, and…home fires? Unfortunately, the holiday season means greater risks of fire hazards as homeowners spend more time indoors in kitchens and installing electrical holiday decorations.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) announces today a new safety campaign to spread awareness of holiday fire risks and the ways they can be avoided. The campaign was launched in response to an annual increase of home fires during the holiday season.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRsjqGZFjLU[/youtube]
State Fire Marshal Reminds Tennesseans of Danger Posed by Dry Weather
November 7, 2016
Nashville, TN – With dry conditions, low water levels, and little to no precipitation forecast throughout most of Tennessee for the foreseeable future, the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) reminds Tennesseans to make fire prevention and fire safety a top priority this fall.
“Drought conditions are increasing the threat of wildfires in Tennessee counties, specifically those in the eastern portion of the state,” said State Fire Marshal and Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “We urge Tennesseans to heed any burn bans currently activated in their community. By employing just a few basic fire safety precautions, the public can help prevent the devastating loss of life and property.”
Tennessee State Fire Marshal Warns of Fire Risks Associated with Smoking Materials
October 1, 2016
Nashville, TN – With state fire statistics consistently indicating smoking as a major of cause of fire loss, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) reminds Tennesseans that care must be taken with cigarettes.
Fires caused by smoking materials have had a devastating impact on the Volunteer State. The Tennessee Fire Incident Reporting System shows that during 2011-2015, Tennessee fire departments responded to 3,916 smoking-material fires.
Wherever you smoke, use deep, sturdy ashtrays. If ashtrays are not available, use a metal can or pail.
Tennessee Fire Data Shows Increase in Child Fire Fatalities during June, July
July 14, 2016
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding parents and caregivers of the necessity of fire safety education following an analysis of Tennessee fire data that revealed an uptick of child fire fatalities during the summer months of June and July.
Data from the Tennessee Fire Incident Reporting System shows that since 2010 there is an observed increase in fire fatalities and multiple fatality incidents involving children under 17 in the months of June and July.
Twenty-five percent of all Tennessee house-fire victims under the age of 17 died in fires in June and July.
Child Fire Fatalities have increased in Tennessee.
Tennessee State Fire Marshal says Use Care in Selecting Off-Campus Housing
July 10, 2016
Nashville, TN – As the summer season winds down, college students begin preparations for the fall semester. While some will be first-time students moving into residence halls, many will be moving off-campus and living on their own for the first time.
The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) urges students and their parents to choose fire-safe off-campus housing and discuss fire safety practices in order to prevent potentially life-threatening situations.
From January 2000 to May 2015, there were 85 fatal fires in U.S. dormitories, fraternities, sororities and off-campus housing, resulting in 118 fatalities.
Check for Fire Protection Features Before Signing a Lease, Moving In
State Fire Marshal’s Office Urges Safety with Outdoor Grilling
June 9, 2016
Nashville, TN – While summer is the perfect time to gather with family and friends for a BBQ, the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) warns that it is also the peak season for outdoor grilling fires. The SFMO reminds outdoor cooks to make fire safety a priority as they start up the grill this summer.
From 2011-2015, Tennessee fire departments responded to 206 fires involving grills, hibachis or barbeques. Those fires resulted in four civilian injuries, four firefighter injuries and $6.2 million in property damage, according to the Tennessee Fire Incident Reporting System (TFIRS).
“Practice safety whenever you grill,” said State Fire Marshal and Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “Place your grill well away from siding, deck railings, eaves and overhanging branches. Never leave a grill unattended.”
Outdoor Grilling
