Pikeville Volunteer
Fire Department
Pikeville Volunteer Fire Department
Fire Prevention: Every Second Counts
In a fire, every second matters. The difference between a safe escape and a tragedy can come down to preparation—and fire safety education is essential for everyone, not just school children. Teenagers, adults, and seniors all face risks during a fire, making it vital for every household to understand how to stay safe.
Did you know?
If a fire breaks out in your home, you may have less than two minutes to escape. That’s why early warning from a working smoke alarm, combined with a practiced fire escape plan, can be life-saving.
Take time today to review your fire safety steps. A few minutes of preparation could make all the difference.
Top Tips for Fire Safety
– Install smoke alarms on every level of your home—inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
– Test alarms monthly. If they’re not working, replace the batteries immediately.
– Create a fire escape plan with your family and practice it at least twice a year.
– In case of fire: Get out. Stay out. Call for help. Never re-enter a burning building for any reason.
Free Smoke Alarms: “Get Alarmed, TN!”
The Pikeville Volunteer Fire Department proudly participates in the “Get Alarmed, TN!” initiative, offering free smoke alarms to eligible residents in our community.
This grant-funded program, administered by the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO), was launched in November 2012 to promote fire safety education and reduce fire-related injuries and fatalities. Through the program, participating fire departments receive 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms and educational materials to install in at-risk homes across the state.
PVFD is committed to helping Pikeville families stay safe. If you or someone you know may qualify for a free smoke alarm, reach out to us—we’re here to help protect what matters most.
Smoke Alarms & Accessibility Devices
The Pikeville Volunteer Fire Department offers free smoke alarms through the “Get Alarmed, TN!” program—and we’re committed to making fire safety accessible to everyone.
For individuals who are hearing impaired or hard of hearing, specialized smoke alert devices (commonly known as “bed shakers”) are available at no cost. These devices must be requested individually and will be installed by our department to ensure proper setup and safety.
Eligibility for Free Smoke Alarms
You may qualify if:
– You do not currently have a working smoke alarm in your home
– Your existing smoke alarms are more than 10 years old
– You reside at the property where the alarms are being requested
– Your home is not new construction (new residential builds are not eligible)
If you meet these conditions, we encourage you to reach out. Fire safety starts at home—and we’re here to help.
Smoke alarms provided through the “Get Alarmed, TN!” program are not guaranteed and are available by request only. This is an installation-based program—alarms will not be shipped.
Once your request is received, the Pikeville Volunteer Fire Department will schedule installation within 6–8 weeks, depending on availability. Due to staffing limitations, we are only able to install alarms within our designated fire service district.
If you reside outside our district, please contact your local fire department for assistance through the program.
Knox Box Program: Secure Access When Seconds Matter
Imagine a fire alarm sounding—and the fire department arriving only to break down your front door, only to discover a false alarm. It doesn’t have to be that way.
The Pikeville Volunteer Fire Department proudly participates in the Knox Box Key Safe Program, offering residents and business owners in Pikeville and surrounding service areas a secure way to provide emergency access to their property—without damage or delay.
Each Knox Box is keyed to a single master key controlled by the fire department. These keys are securely stored inside a lockbox on each fire apparatus and accessed only during emergencies. Fire personnel will not use Knox Boxes for non-emergency situations, even at the request of the property owner.
This program is designed to be used in emergencies only. Fire department personnel will not access the keys inside the safe for non-emergency situations, even for the building owner or homeowner who possesses the key safe.
“In the past, PVFD accepted individual keys for quick access, but as our fleet grew, managing hundreds of keys became unsustainable,” explains Assistant Chief Dylan Hankins.
“Searching for the right key during an emergency wastes precious time. The Knox Box system is a safer, more efficient solution.”
– Standard homeowner boxes start at approximately $320
– Advanced models are available
– Installation assistance is available with a donation to PVFD
Several local businesses have already installed Knox Boxes, with more on the way.
🛒 How to Order
Visit www.knoxbox.com to purchase your box.
Before ordering, please verify that you reside within the Pikeville Volunteer Fire Department’s service district, as each department uses a unique key system. If you live outside our district, contact your local fire department to see if they participate in Knox Box or a similar program.
For questions or assistance, call us at (423) 447-6222 or email knoxbox@pikevillefire.com.
Pikeville Volunteer Fire Department Service District
If you have any questions, or to set up a time for installation, please call the PVFD at (423)447-6222 or email us at CityofPikevilleFD@gmail.com.
