Tag Archives: Fire Safety

Smoke alarms are more accessible than ever thanks to the Get Alarmed Program, available across the Upper Cumberland. Central View Deputy Chief Kyle Winnett said the State Fire Marshal’s office provides fire departments with smoke alarms that they will install in homes free upon request. Winnett said it is important to have a working fire alarm in a region that ... Read More »

Wildfires can impact the Upper Cumberland at higher rates due to the rural nature of the area. Division of Forestry Communications Leader Tim Phelps said the entire region is more prone to wildland fires. Phelps encouraged people to prepare wildfires by keeping roofs clear of flammable debris such as leaves and branches, storing firewood away from their houses, and keeping ... Read More »

Now is the time to make sure you chimney is ready for the coldest of the winter months, with a chimney inspection needed annually. Local Fireplace Dealer Bob Marengo said excessive smoke is a telltale sign that a chimney needs to be cleaned. “A chimney fire is an uncontrolled fire,” Marengo said. “And it can get up to 2000 degrees ... Read More »

Practicing proper fire safety becomes even more important given additional risks during the holiday season. Cookeville Fire Chief Benton Young said December and January are the busiest months for his department. Young said flammable decorations and distracted Christmas dinner cooks are the most common causes of house fires. “December 24 and 25 around the holidays there are some of the ... Read More »

Keeping your family safe from fires this winter can come down to proper installation and maintenance of your wood-burning stove and fireplace. Local firefighter Rick Vlahos said one of the greatest dangers of a wood stove is failing to install it properly. Vlahos said that using the right type of wood in stoves and fireplaces is vital as well. “Putting ... Read More »

Candles may present fire dangers if you do not taking the right measures this holiday season. Livingston Fire Chief Rocky Dial said the placement of a lit candle can prevent accidents from happening. “Make sure that you are setting them on a surface that is non-combustible like paper or something like that,” Dial said. “Make sure to place them on ... Read More »

Fire safety, another important conversation to have while preparing for the Halloween weekend. Jackson County Central Fire Chief Jeff Conn said jack-o’-lanterns on front porches present fire hazards if not properly displayed. “To me, it’s very important to make sure that we don’t have anything very close to those that could be flammable, especially if it is windy,” Conn said. ... Read More »

Tennessee Tech Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator Brent Carter said the university does everything it can to be prepared for fires. September is Campus Fire Safety Month. Carter said that he would like to see students treat minor events with as much care as they would major events. “I think at times you know whether a fire drill goes off ... Read More »

In planning for fun at campouts and making s’mores by the campfire, you should also plan for fire safety. Jackson County Fire Chief Jeff Conn said a common mistake among fire-users is not being cautious when starting fires, especially when using accelerants. “A lot of times when the people use a product like that, they’ll get really close to it ... Read More »

With several major home fires occurring across the Upper Cumberland over the last two weeks, fire safety is not to be taken for granted. Sparta Fire Chief Kirk Young said families should practice an escape plan every other month to prepare for a home fire. “When you get a plan, everybody that lives there knows what is going on if ... Read More »