RFD providing box fan program for residents

With temperatures hovering in the high 90s and low 100s for over two weeks now, Russellville Fire Chief Joe Mansell knows how important it is to stay as cool as possible, and he’s hoping his department can help city residents do just that.
Mansell said the Russellville Fire Department’s box fan program is currently underway thanks to a $500 donation from Sen. Roger Bedford.
The program, in its third year in the city, is a way to provide box fans to residents who do not have another source of air conditioning available in their residence.
“With temperatures as hot as they have been the past couple of weeks, we want to make sure that people who don’t have access to air conditioning at least have a fan to keep the cool,” Mansell said. “I know when it’s this hot it doesn’t seem like a box fan will do much, but anything is better than nothing.”
Mansell said they try to get the fans out to elderly city residents and city residents on fixed incomes first and then distribute the other available fans on a first come, first served basis.
“If someone needs a fan or knows of someone who is in need of a fan, all they have to do is call or come by Station 1 and we’ll get the paperwork filled out for them to take one home,” Mansell said. “We appreciate Roger helping make this possible because we know this program helps a lot of families in the area.”
Mansell said they also still have several weather radios through the weather radio program the Franklin County Fire and Rescue Association has been promoting where county residents can pick up a weather radio that will help them be prepared in the event of severe weather.
“Our goal here at the fire department is just to always be working with our community and making sure we are doing all we can to help them,” Mansell said. “These programs like the box fan program, the weather radio program and the smoke detector program are just ways we can give back to the community and make sure they are as safe and prepared as they can possibly be.”
Fans and radios are limited so call the RFD at 256-332-8761, ext. 11, as soon as possible to be part of any of these programs or to find out more information.