The arrival of summer means family vacations, hot temperatures, grilling out, and fireworks.
During this busy season, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) and the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) remind Tennesseans to stay focused on fire safety by taking some simple steps today that could pay off long after summer is over.
“While summer is a time of rest and relaxation, it doesn’t mean Tennesseans should let fire safety slip their minds,” said TDCI Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Carter Lawrence. “Practicing a home fire escape plan, making sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working, and remembering to close your bedroom doors at night are things that every Tennessean can do today in order to have a safe summer – and a safe 2026.”
To help Tennesseans stay fire safe this summer, the SFMO shares the following summer fire safety tips to remember all summer:
Around the House
- Practice a home fire escape plan with all occupants that includes two ways out of every room and a designated outside meeting place. If a room has a window air conditioner, make sure there is still a second way out of the room. Windows with security bars, grills, and window guards should have emergency release devices. Make sure you everyone in the home can operate these.
- Ensure your home is equipped with working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in sleeping areas and on every level of your home. Need working smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors? Request them via our “Get Alarmed, Tennessee!” program.
- Keep bedroom doors closed at night. A closed door can hinder flames and smoke from spreading to other rooms and can help deprive a fire of the oxygen it needs to grow, limiting the structural damage a fire can cause and, most importantly, saving lives.
- Always unplug electronic devices that are powered by lithium-ion batteries whenever the devices are fully charged.
- Remove leaves and trash from carports and garages as combustible materials are dangerous if exposed to heated automobile or lawn care equipment components, especially those on the underside of the vehicle or lawn mower.
- Never refuel a lawn mower while it’s still hot.
- Always let lawn mowers and other gas-powered equipment cool down before storing them inside.
- Lit citronella candles and torches should be placed outdoors, out of children’s reach, and away from flammable materials such as overhangs or branches. Make sure all flames are fully extinguished before leaving the area or going to bed.
- Always observe burn bans and check with your local and state authorities on outdoor burning regulations.
Out and About
- If you and your family are going on a trip, turn off or unplug unnecessary appliances and electronics before you leave the house to reduce the risk of home fires.
- Never throw lit cigarettes out of a car as they have potential to ignite dry vegetation and other combustible materials.
- Build campfires at least 15 feet away from tent walls, shrubs or other materials that burn. Never leave the camping area without putting out the campfire.
- Ensure working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are installed inside vacation rental homes, campers, and RVs.
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