Smoke Alarms Distributed In High-Risk TN Areas

The state fire marshal's office says it has distributed more than 25,000 smoke alarms to homes in high-risk areas across Tennessee. Research and a risk assessment conducted by the office in 2011 showed that smoke alarms were present in only 28% of the residential fatal fires in Tennessee. The data showed that the state has 78 highest risk communities out of the more than 1,200 census areas. Fire officials are targeting those areas, as well as homes across the state where smoke alarms are not being used. Officials noted that newly installed smoke alarms helped save the lives of 19 people in a multi-family residence in Memphis last month. Ultimately, officials hope to install 90,000 smoke alarms in households across Tennessee.