Provide Smoke Alarm Installations
The City of Alcoa Fire Department has been receiving 10-year battery smoke alarms from the State Fire Marshal’s Office since 2012 through a grant which is available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This statewide distribution of smoke alarms launched in November 2012 is part of the State Fire Marshal’s efforts to both educate and equip Tennesseans to incorporate fire safety into their daily lives. The alarms are free, but must be installed by the fire department or a partnering organization that has been trained by the fire department.
“We are excited to be able to partner with the State Fire Marshal’s Office in providing these smoke alarms for the citizens here in Alcoa,” said Chief Roger Robinson. “Fire can spread through a home in a matter of minutes and smoke alarms can give residents the warning needed to get out safely.”
The fire department will be visiting homes in the 1300, 1400, and 1500 blocks of the Springbrook area for the next seven Saturdays from 9:00am to noon to ensure residence in those areas have an up to date working smoke alarm. In addition to having working smoke alarms, follow these other important tips to make sure your home is fire-safe:
- Always stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food.
- Check to see that matches and lighters are kept up high in a cabinet with a childproof lock.
- Develop a home fire escape plan with two ways out of every room and an outside meeting place. Share and practice the plan with every member of the household.
- Keep portable space heaters and candles three feet away from anything that can burn, including people, furniture, and pets.
- Always turn off portable space heaters when you leave the room or go to bed.
- Have the chimney cleaned and checked regularly.
- Do not smoke in bed.
- Make sure that all matches and ashes are cool before being thrown away.
- Make sure that extension cords are in good condition and are used to power small items only – never major appliances.
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