Fire Marshal launches “Be a Good Elf” campaign

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is looking to spread some cheer while saving lives with a new campaign.

“Be a Good Elf” is meant to spread awareness of fire risks and the ways they can be avoided in response to an annual increase of home fires during the holiday season.

“Fires, injuries and property loss associated with holiday cooking and decorating are all too common,” said Julie Mix McPeak, State Fire Marshal and Commerce & Insurance Commissioner.

“Fortunately, these fires can be prevented with very little time and effort. We enlisted some of Santa’s helpers to showcase a few simple precautions Tennesseans can take to decrease the risk of home fire during this festive season.”

The campaign encourages avoiding distractions and making smart choices to prevent home fires. Throughout the holiday season, the office will use social media to share fire safety tips and invites others to join the conversation by using the hashtag #beagoodelf.

The office will also provide safety posters to various Christmas tree retail lots across the state to remind consumers of Christmas tree safety tips, including the importance of keeping natural trees watered.

Other safety guidelines include paying attention in the kitchen when cooking and to avoid cooking if you are sleepy, have consumed alcohol, or have taken medicine or drugs that make you drowsy.

The office also advises to not overload electrical outlets. It is not recommended to link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe and periodically check the wires, as they should not be warm to the touch.

For more information on making your home safe, download and print the State Fire Marshal’s home fire safety checklist. Tennessee residents also can request a free smoke alarm by visiting www.tn.gov/fire.

To submit an item for consideration for Good Morning East Tennessee, email information to news@knoxnews.com. Submissions must be made at least one week before the event.