Fire Marshal Wants Working Smoke Alarms in Every TN Home

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Released on Mon, Jan 12, 2009 - 9:17 am

NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Fire Safety Inspector’s Association and Fire Team USA are sponsoring today’s The Great Debate 2008 in Franklin. The daylong, fire-prevention event will include a discussion about which type of smoke detector is most effective.

The Tennessee State Fire Marshal, Leslie A. Newman, is reminding Tennesseans that a working smoke alarm can at least double the chances of surviving a residence fire. Newman urges all Tennesseans to have working smoke alarms in their homes.

Photoelectric alarms, triggered when smoke from a fire blocks a light sensor, are more responsive to smoldering fires; ionization alarms, which are triggered when smoke prevents a chemical reaction in a sensor, are more responsive to fires with smaller combustion particles.

Regardless of the type of smoke alarm, it is crucial for Tennesseans to use working alarms in their homes. It is important to replace batteries regularly, even if they appear to be working fine. Twice a year is recommended. “Smoke alarms save lives – and a working smoke alarm is the best insurance against becoming a casualty in a house fire,” said Newman. “Firefighters too often find that in fatal fires, a home had smoke alarms but their batteries had been removed.”

Most home-fire casualties occur at night when people are sleeping. The smoke and toxic gases generated by a fire can cause you to sleep more deeply, making the chances of survival slimmer. Here is what some experts recommend regarding smoke alarms:

Smoke alarms should be installed in every sleeping room, outside of every sleeping area and on each level of the home. Make sure that everyone can hear the alarm and knows what it sounds like.
Smoke alarms need to be maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Test the alarms monthly and replace batteries at least twice a year. The beginning and end of daylight saving time are good times to replace them.
The smoke alarms themselves should be replaced every 10 years.
Have a fire escape plan and practice it with your children.
When the smoke alarm sounds, exit the home at once and meet at a set location.

For more information, visit http://tennessee.gov/commerce/sfm/.

The Department of Commerce and Insurance works to protect consumers while ensuring fair competition for industries and professionals who do business in Tennessee.