Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office reports Smoke Inhalation More Dangerous than Burns in House Fires
May 3, 2019
Nashville, TN – The importance of smoke alarms has never been greater in the survivability of a house fire. Most fire fatalities are caused by smoke inhalation, not by burns.
As the toxicity and speed of smoke increases, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is sharing tips on how you can keep your family safe from the toxic smoke and fumes produced by a home fire.
When a fire grows inside a building, it will deplete most of the available oxygen which slows the burning process.
Toxic Smoke Can Quickly Overcome Residents, Inhibiting Their Escape from a House Fire according to the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office.
State Fire Marshal: Most Home Fire Deaths Caused by Smoke, Not Flames
April 20, 2018
Nashville, TN – Home is the place people feel safest from fire, but it’s actually the place they’re at greatest risk. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), approximately 80 percent of all U.S. fire deaths occur in the home. Most home fire fatalities, however, are not caused by burns, but by smoke inhalation.
To help prevent these tragedies, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is reminding residents that the early detection capabilities of a working smoke alarm can mean the difference between life and death.
Most home fire fatalities are caused by smoke inhalation. A working smoke alarm can be a live safer.
Tennessee Fire Marshal’s Office says Don’t Forget Smoke Alarm Batteries When You ‘Fall Back’ This Weekend
November 4, 2017
Nashville, TN – Get an extra hour of sleep this weekend when you “fall back” for daylight saving time, but keep your peace of mind all year long by changing the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Tennesseans should turn their clocks backward one hour at 2:00am on Sunday, November 5th, 2017.
“Even alarms that are hard-wired should have their batteries replaced regularly and should be tested monthly to ensure they are providing the proper protection,” State Fire Marshal and Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak said. “Daylight saving time is the perfect time to ensure your home’s smoke alarms are working. Use the extra hour we gain this weekend to make sure your home and family are fire-safe.”
American Heart Association reports Female Smokers face greatest risk for Brain Bleeds
July 22, 2016
American Heart Association Rapid Access Journal Report
Dallas, TX – Bleeding inside the lining of the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage) is significantly more common among smokers, especially female smokers, than among people who do not smoke, according to new research in the American Heart Association’s journal Stroke.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage results from bleeding into the lining between the brain’s surface and underlying brain tissue.
Even light smoking increases the risk, but the greatest risk is among heavy smokers.
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office says Don’t Forget Smoke Alarm Batteries When You ‘Fall Back’ This Weekend
October 29, 2015
Nashville, TN – Get an extra hour of sleep this weekend when you “fall back” for daylight savings time, but keep your peace of mind all year long by changing the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Tennesseans should turn their clocks backward one hour on Sunday, November 1st, 2015 at 2:00am.
“Even alarms that are hard-wired should have their batteries replaced regularly and should be tested monthly to ensure they are providing the proper protection,” State Fire Marshal and Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) Julie Mix McPeak said. “Use the extra hour we gain this weekend to make sure your home and family are fire-safe.”
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office says make Fire Safety a Priority this Fall
November 2, 2013
Nashville, TN – Five Tennesseans lost their lives in home fires over this past weekend. Four adults and one child were killed in house fires in Hamblen, Carter, and Henry Counties. Preliminary results of the fire investigations indicate that the fires were accidental in nature.
Every day preventable fires happen in Tennessee causing millions of dollars in property damage and in the worst cases, loss of life. The State Fire Marshal’s Office wants individuals across the state to take action and talk to loved ones about fire prevention in the home. [Read more]
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports APC Surge Protectors recalled by Schneider Electric Due to Fire Hazard
October 9, 2013
Washington, D.C. – Schneider Electric is recalling APC 7 and 8 series SurgeArrest surge protectors manufactured before 2003 due to possible fire hazard. The surge protectors may overheat, melt and cause smoke and fire damage to property.
Consumers should stop using this product unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
APC 7 Series SurgeArrest surge protector
Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office says only Adults should use Portable Fire Extinguishers
September 3, 2013
Remember that in a fire the number one priority is getting out safely
Nashville, TN – A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives, but portable extinguishers have limitations. Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the number one priority for residents is to get out safely.
“Because a small fire can quickly become a large one, the State Fire Marshal’s Office recommends that portable fire extinguishers should only be used by adults who know how to operate them,” says State Fire Marshal Julie Mix McPeak. [Read more]
Tennessee State Fire Marshal reminds Tennesseans to replace Smoke Alarm Batteries as you Spring Forward
March 9, 2012
‘Change your clock, change your battery’ for daylight saving time
Nashville, TN – As clocks move ahead this weekend for daylight saving time, Tennessee State Fire Marshal and Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak would like to remind Tennesseans to change their homes’ smoke alarm batteries, as well.
“ ‘Change your clock, change your battery’ is an easy phrase to remember and practice when you update your clocks this weekend,” says McPeak. “Smoke alarms, even those that are hard-wired, should have their batteries replaced regularly and tested monthly to ensure you have the protection you need,” McPeak says. “Use this time to protect your home and family.” [Read more]
Honeywell Recalls Electric Baseboard and Fan Heater Thermostats Due to Burn Hazard
July 29, 2011
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
