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 today, 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.
