Five Organizations Combine Efforts to Install 1,000 Smoke Alarms in Middle Tennessee
NASHVILLE – To commemorate the 100th smoke alarm canvass through the lifesaving “Get Alarmed, Tennessee!” program, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) will coordinate volunteers from four agencies who will attempt to install 1,000 free smoke alarms in a day’s time in Middle Tennessee communities on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018.
Firefighters and volunteers from Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department, the Rutherford County Fire Department, the Hendersonville Fire Department and the Nashville Area Chapter of the American Red Cross will assist the SFMO as part of Saturday’s installation event.
The canvass is being held ahead of the first day of winter (Dec. 21) in order to raise awareness about the increased frequency and deadliness of winter fires. State fire data shows that Tennessee saw a 24% increase in structure fires and a 74% increase in fire deaths during the months of November through February last year. Working smoke alarms are crucial to providing an early warning to residents that danger is present. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 3 out of every 5 fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
Since the “Get Alarmed, Tennessee” program began in 2012, over 185,000 smoke alarms have been distributed to Tennessee fire departments. These alarms are installed in areas that have an increased risk for home fires. So far, smoke alarms distributed through the “Get Alarmed” program have been credited with saving 254 lives.
WHO: The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office, Nashville Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, Hendersonville Fire Department, Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department, and Rutherford County Fire Department.
WHAT: “Get Alarmed, Tennessee” smoke alarm installation. Volunteers are asked to dress in neat, but comfortable fashion. “Get Alarmed Volunteer” orange emergency vests will be used for identification purposes.
WHEN: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. (The canvass will be held rain or shine.)
WHERE: Volunteers will be meeting in separate locations in Nashville, Murfreesboro, and Hendersonville. Volunteers interested in participating in the canvass event should contact their local, participating fire department. State and local officials will meet at Murfreesboro Fire Department Headquarters (202 E. Vine St, Murfreesboro, TN) and be available to members of the media. Members of the media interested in attending are asked to please contact TDCI Communications Director Kevin Walters at (615) 253-8941 for more details.
For more information about the “Get Alarmed, Tennessee” program, visit tn.gov/fire.
About the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance: TDCI protects the interests of consumers while providing fair, efficient oversight and a level field of competition for a broad array of industries and professionals doing business in Tennessee. Our divisions include the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Insurance, Securities, Consumer Affairs, Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy, Regulatory Boards, Tennessee Emergency Communications Board, Tennessee Corrections Institute, and TennCare Oversight.
To check a license of a professional regulated by the Department, go to http://verify.tn.gov/.