The Sevier County Fire Administrator would like to remind citizens that as temperatures drop and winter nears that we ask everyone to take precautions to help prevent fires.  
 
For the Home

• In the event of a fire, call 911, get out, close the door, and don’t go back in.
• Practice your escape plan.
• Change your SMOKE ALARM batteries when the time changes.    
•  Ensure your address is visible from the roadway and both directions of travel. 
• Don’t leave candles unattended or within reach of children or pets.
• Sleep with doors closed; in the event of a fire, it buys you time to get out. https://youtu.be/bSP03BE74WA
• Ensure escape ladders are in place for areas of the home that are above ground levels.
• Check your fire extinguisher for the readiness of use and accessibility. https://youtu.be/BLjoWjCrDqg

Heating

• Have chimneys and fireboxes cleaned and inspected before use each season.
• Check electric heaters function to ensure cords are not worn or damaged. Using extension cords with heaters can cause overloading or creating short circuits.  
• Dispose of hot or smoldering ash appropriately.
• Keep all flammable/combustible materials away from heat sources.
• Refrain from the use of candles for heating.
• Gas heaters designed for exterior use should not be used as an interior heating source.

Cooking

• NEVER apply water to grease fires. https://youtu.be/JfIRx764-88
• Keep BC or K extinguishers available while cooking.          
• Remember to turn the stove off when not in use. Keep pot handles turned so that they will not stick out beyond the front of stoves. Never set combustibles on top of the stove, even temporarily. https://youtu.be/946coF10rgY
• When using a portable deep (turkey) fryer, operate outdoors and ensure food products are dry (not frozen with ice attached) before submerging. https://youtu.be/7gn895y4wkc
• Grill only in designated areas, and never leave the grill unattended when in use. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AYBZzLDO04

Decorations & Lighting

• As the holidays approach, be sure to take into consideration what your decorations are made of. Use fire retardant spray to treat decorations before use and only use away from heat sources.
• Live Christmas trees are beautiful but can be extremely combustible as they dry. Ensure proper hydration and keep away from heat sources. https://youtu.be/xr6b9b8FYKk
•  When using lighted decorations, be sure not to overload circuitry, or alter the design. Use only according to manufactory recommendations.  

CO Safety

• Never allow vehicles to warm up inside garages.  
• Ensure CO alarms are in place and operational where gas appliances are in use.
• Never run generators or CO-emitting engines indoors.  

Outdoor Fire Safety

• Keep leaf litter and debris clear from around and on the home's roof.
• Keep water hoses handy during dry seasons.
• Store firewood, propane tanks, and other combustibles away from structures.
• Position vehicles so you can leave in the event of an emergency.
• Only burn debris using safe practices after obtaining a permit. For burning permits or debris, and burning regulations, visit Burnsafetn.org.

 
For additional information or to request a smoke alarm installation, please contact your local fire department or Sevier County Fire Administrator by calling 865-774-3603 or emailing dpuckett@seviercountytn.gov.