Hover board Fires Prompt Safety ConcernSelf-balancing scooters, popularly known as hover boards, are undoubtedly the hot ticket item on many holiday wish lists. Unfortunately, the growing worldwide number of injuries and fires involved with these devices is prompting the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) and the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) to issue an advisory to consumers. Read More
Get Alarmed Program Saving Lives in Tennessee!The State Fire Marshal’s Office distributes free smoke alarms to fire departments across Tennessee, including the Smyrna Fire Department. The installation of these smoke alarms not only provides lifesaving early alerts, but it also allows individuals to meet their local firefighters, ask questions, and learn about how to keep their loved ones safe from fire.  To learn more or to schedule your alarm installation, please call 615-459-9735.  Read More
Are You Using Portable Heaters Safely?
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, an estimated 900 portable heater fires in homes are reported to U.S. fire departments each year and cause an estimated 70 deaths, 150 injuries and $53 million in property loss. Read More
Home Safety Checklist
Here is a home safety checklist from the Tennessee State Fire Marshal that relates to smoking, heating/cooling and electricity. Read More
Only Licensed Professionals Can Operate Sky Lanterns in TN
To ensure that special events are celebrated safely, the State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to remind Tennesseans of legislation passed in 2011 concerning sky lanterns. They are to be operated only by licensed fireworks professionals. Read More
Electrical Fire Prevention Tips
Residential electrical fires kill as many as 280 Americans each year and injure 1,000 more. Some of these fires are caused by electrical system failures, but many more are caused by incorrectly installed wiring and overloaded circuits and extension cords. Read More
Wildfire Preparedness
Tennessee residents often choose to make their homes in woodland settings – in or near forests, rural areas or remote mountain sites. There, homeowners enjoy the beauty of the environment, but also face the very real danger of wildfire. Read More
Outdoor Burning
As the weather slowly warms, many Tennesseans are sprucing up their outdoor property. Because these maintenance efforts often include the burning of limbs, lumber and other debris, the State Fire Marshal’s Office wants the public to be aware of outdoor-burning safety precautions. Read More
Smoking-Related Fires Are Preventable
According to the Tennessee Fire Incident Reporting System (TFIRS), 14 percent of the state’s fire deaths last year resulted from fires caused by smoking, which made smoking the leading cause of the state’s fire fatalities in 2012. Read More
Act Quickly to Treat Burns
Burns are devastating injuries. A burn accident may only take a moment, but it can affect the lives of its victims and their families for a lifetime. Knowing what to do if a burn occurs is crucial. Read More

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.


Heat Safety



Protecting Yourself from Heat Stress
Heat stress, from exertion or hot environments, places workers at risk for illnesses such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion or heat cramps.

Heat Stroke

A condition that occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature, and can cause death or permanent disability.

Symptoms

• High body temperature
• Confusion
• Loss of coordination
• Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
• Throbbing headache
• Seizures, coma

First Aid

• Request immediate medical assistance.
• Move the worker to a cool, shaded area.
• Remove excess clothing and apply cool water to their body.

Heat Exhaustion

The body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through sweating.

Symptoms

• Rapid heart beat
• Heavy sweating
• Extreme weakness or fatigue
• Dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting
• Irritability
• Fast, shallow breathing
• Slightly elevated body temperature

First Aid

• Rest in a cool area.
• Drink plenty of water or other cool beverages.
• Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.

Heat Cramps

Affects workers who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. Sweating depletes the body’s salt and moisture levels.

Symptoms

• Muscle cramps, pain, or spasms in the abdomen, arms or legs

First Aid

• Stop all activity, and sit in a cool place.
• Drink clear juice or a sports beverage, or drink water with food.
• Avoid salt tablets.
• Do not return to strenuous work for a few hours after the cramps subside.
• Seek medical attention if you have the following: heart problems, are on a low-sodium diet, or if the cramps do not  subside within one hour.

Protect Yourself
Avoid heavy exertion, extreme heat, sun exposure, and high humidity when possible. When these cannot be avoided, take the following preventative steps:

• Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers for signs or symptoms of heat illnesses.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton.
• Avoid non-breathable synthetic clothing.
• Gradually build up to heavy work.
• Schedule heavy work during the coolest parts of day.
• Take more breaks when doing heavier work, and in high heat and humidity.
• Take breaks in the shade or a cool area.
• Drink water frequently. Drink enough water that you never become thirsty.
• Be aware that protective clothing or personal protective equipment may increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Outdoor Grilling Safety
Summertime is the peak season for outdoor grilling and grilling fires. This year, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office urges outdoor cooks to keep fire safety in mind as they start up the grill this summer.

From 2010-2014, Tennessee fire departments responded to 204 fires involving grills, hibachis or barbeques. Those fires resulted in two civilian injuries, two firefighter injuries and $5.9 million in property damage, according to the Tennessee Fire Incident Reporting System (TFIRS). “Practice safety whenever you grill,” said Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Julie Mix McPeak. “Place your grill well away from siding, deck railings, eaves and overhanging branches. Never leave a grill unattended.”

Keeping safety your No. 1 priority while grilling can help make your summer cookout memorable for the right reasons.

• Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the venturi tubes - where the air and gas mix - are not blocked.
• Do not overfill the propane tank.
• Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue.
• Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the flame can flashback up into the container and explode.
• Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Supervise children around outdoor grills.
• Dispose of hot coals properly - douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.
• Never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas - carbon monoxide could be produced.
• Make sure everyone knows to “stop, drop and roll” in case a piece of clothing does catch fire. Call 911 or your local emergency number if a burn warrants serious medical attention.