NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WMOT/TNS) -- Fire departments across Tennessee will be distributing and installing free smoke alarms this weekend.
It’s part of the state’s annual effort to raise fire safety awareness. The State Fire Marshal’s Office says it’s placed 88,000 free alarms in Tennessee homes in the last three years.
Spokesman Kevin Walters says the Fire Marshall is trying to get at least one alarm in every home, but recommends an alarm in every bedroom. He notes that sleep is a factor in nearly one-third of fire deaths.
"The point is to get out the house as fast as you can. The alarm sounds and you should be leaving the house as quickly as possible. We want people to know how they would get out of their house in the event of a fire and to have a meeting point for their family members. "
In the most recent analysis completed by the Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association and other community groups, the number of fire deaths was on the increase in Tennessee, while the number nationally is declining.
October is also the month the State Fire Marshall encourages residents to change the batteries in their smoke alarms.