Set your clocks and check smoke detectors
With Tennessee ranking second nationally in instances of fire death rates, the state fire marshal’s office is reminding Tennesseans to remember to change the batteries in their smoke detectors as they “spring forward” their clocks today.
“It’s important to get in the habit of changing the batteries in your smoke alarms every six months and the best way to do that is to do it along with the time changes,” said state fire marshal Paula Flowers.
Statistics show there were 155 fire-related deaths in Tennessee in 2003. The same study also shows the risk of a fire fatality is twice is high in structures were there is no working smoke alarm. Flowers pointed out it is key to remember to routinely replace the batteries so a home remains protected.
In addition to keeping batteries fresh, the fire marshal also suggests: smoke alarms be installed outside sleeping areas on each level of a house, that an additional alarm be installed in any room in which a person routinely sleeps with their door closed, that the alarm be tested frequently and the alarm be replaced in full every 10 years.
The fire marshal also suggests each family have an escape plan and a meeting place outside their home in case of a fire.
She also stressed the importance of getting out of the house immediately when the alarm sounds and not lingering to collect belongings.
More information on home fire safety and programs on how the elderly and disabled can obtain free smoke alarms may be found on the Internet at www.tennessee.gov/firesafety.