RFD holds fire safety class for seniors

By Staff
Melissa Cason
Elderly citizens are twice as likely to die in a fire as an average resident.
That number quadruples once the person reaches the age of 85.
This statistic alone is reason enough for the Russellville Fire Department to present fire safety classes in the community, especiallyto the senior citizens.
The department held a class at Englewood Drive Apartments Monday to help educate the residents about what to do in the event of a fire, and what procedures to follow.
"We present these classes on fire safety for our senior citizens about once per year, but we are trying to have them twice a year," Russellville Fire Marshal Bobby Malone said.
The department works to prevent fires before they start rather than waiting to put them out.
"We believe in stopping fires before they start," Fire Chief Joe Mansell said.
In addition to the classes, the department goes to businesses, nursing homes and other places upon request to talk about fire safety.
The department also goes to local schools annually.