Sevierville Urges Citizens to Test Smoke Alarms and Check Batteries When You Change Your Clocks

Posted 11-04-22.

The City of Sevierville Fire Department is urging citizens to test their smoke alarms and check the batteries when they change their clocks for daylight savings time.

“Checking your smoke alarm batteries annually and testing the alarms monthly is a good practice,” said SFD Fire Marshal JC Green. “And a good way to remember is to check the batteries when we change our clocks for daylight savings time.”

According to the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms. In fact, the death rate per 100 reported fires was twice as high in homes without a working smoke alarm as it was in home fires with smoke alarms.

The SFD will gladly assist any City of Sevierville resident in testing and checking their smoke alarm batteries. Also, if any residence is without a smoke alarm, the SFD will provide an alarm and install it at no cost within the City of Sevierville, while supplies last.

“A working smoke alarm is the #1 thing that we as a fire department can do to prevent injury or death by fire in the City of Sevierville," said SFD Chief Matt Henderson. "No resident in the City of Sevierville should go to sleep without a working smoke alarm."

The SFD recommends that smoke alarms be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including the basement.

To receive assistance changing a battery or to schedule an appointment for smoke alarm installation, please call 865-868-1710 (or 865-453-9276 after regular business hours).

Recommendations from the Sevierville Fire Department:
• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year 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.
• Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If the alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
• When replacing a battery, follow the manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer’s instructions. Manufacturer’s instructions are specific to the batteries (brand and model) that must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.
• Smoke alarms should be tested monthly; follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for testing.
• This is also a good time to practice your home fire escape plan with your family.