Letter from Tennessee River Executive Director, Katy Hagstrom - December 2017

With the Holiday season upon us, we look forward to spending time with one another and reflect upon the last year. This year there is much to reflect upon with the recent disasters and the growth of our chapter through outreach and new volunteers. The winter season is also a time where we focus on our Home Fire Preparedness Campaign as the rate of home fires increases during cold weather.

There are many ways you too can reduce the risk of home fires in your own home:
- At least twice a year, practice your fire escape plan with all family members.
- Practice makes perfect! After each fire drill, mark down your escape time and make sure everyone can get out in two minutes or less.
- “Keep an eye on what you fry.” Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or using an open flame
- Never smoke in bed
- Matches and lighters are locked away
- “3 feet from the heat.” Furniture, curtains, dish towels and anything that could catch fire are at least 3 feet from any type of heat source.
- Large and small appliances are plugged directly into wall outlets.
- Change smoke alarm batteries every year unless it has a long-life battery.
- Replace smoke alarms every ten years.
- Test your smoke alarms each month. If they’re not working, they can’t get you out the door.

We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!
Katy Hagstrom