GFD REMINDS RESIDENTS TO TEST, REPLACE OR INSTALL SMOKE DETECTORS
Invite a Gallatin Firefighter to Install a Free Smoke Detector in Your Home
GALLATIN — The Gallatin Fire Department is announcing their goal to install more free smoke alarms in 2022 than the year before through the “Get Alarmed, Tennessee!” program. The program provides free installation of smoke detectors for local residents who can’t afford them or need assistance with connecting them properly. In 2021, fire fighters installed 122 smoke detectors throughout the City of Gallatin.
“Having a smoke alarm is essential for home safety as even a small fire can be devastating,” said Gallatin Mayor Paige Brown. “Whatever your situation, all you have to do is contact our Fire Marshal and we’ll make sure your home is safer for the next ten years.”
Working smoke alarms combined with fire safety education and other fire prevention methods have contributed to Tennessee improving its overall rate of fire fatalities. Once ranked among the highest states in the country in its rate of unintentional civilian fire deaths, Tennessee’s recent fire data from 2019 shows a 10% decrease of fire deaths which follows an overall national downward trend.
“As emergency responders, we normally react when a fire or medical emergency is underway,” said Gallatin Fire Marshal Mark Hall. “This program gives us the opportunity to prevent injury or property damage, and that’s a great use of our time and resources.”
Started in 2012, “Get Alarmed” is an in-home fire safety education and smoke alarm installation program created to help reduce the risk of home fire deaths. The smoke alarms are purchased with funds via a federal grant. To date, more than 191,000 smoke alarms have been installed in Tennesseans’ homes. Additionally, 231,500 smoke alarms have been distributed to fire departments across the state.
When installing smoke alarms in a home, the Gallatin Fire Department reminds consumers of the following tips and best practices:
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
- Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (long-life batteries) are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
- For smoke alarms with any other type of battery, replace batteries at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, replace only the battery.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
- If your home has smoke alarms that are hard-wired in to your home, the Gallatin Fire Department will recommend to continue using that type of smoke alarm. These alarms allow you to know if a fire is detected anywhere in your home and activates every alarm in the house.
If you are interested in having a free smoke detector installed in your home by a Gallatin Fire Fighter, please contact Fire Marshal Mark Hall at 615-452-2771.
