Free CPR, home safety programs offered
RUSSELLVILLE — The Russellville Fire Department is offering free CPR classes, smoke detector installation and home safety inspections as part of an expanded effort to help residents prevent emergencies before they happen.
One of the department’s newest offerings is a non-certified CPR class beginning May 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Station One. Classes will be offered about every three months and are limited to 30 people.
Fire Chief Joe Mansell said CPR training can make a life-or-death difference before emergency crews arrive.
“I’ve worked on two people in recent years, one at the mall in Florence and another at a school function in the county,” Mansell said. “If you know how to do CPR, there’s a chance you’re going to save somebody’s life.”
To reserve a spot, call Capt. Chris Watkins or firefighter Aaron Lynch at 256-332-8761.
The department continues its free smoke detector program for city residents.
Mansell said firefighters have gone door to door in neighborhoods and plan to continue outreach efforts to make sure homes have working alarms.
Fire Marshal Justin Green and firefighter Michael Hall offer free home safety inspections to help identify hazards, such as overloaded extension cords, blocked exits and unsafe escape routes.
The city council recently approved a RFD request to purchase a Bullard XR virtual reality fire extinguisher simulator through a $9,500 grant with the total cost listed at $9,644.
The system allows schools, businesses and homeowners to practice using a fire extinguisher without discharging a real extinguisher or creating a live fire. “You’re holding a regular fire extinguisher and the nozzle is a VR control system,” Green said. “You can aim toward the ‘fire’ and squeeze, just like you would a regular fire extinguisher.”
Green said the simulator makes training easier for businesses and schools because it avoids the cost and inconvenience of recharging extinguishers after practice.
“When we go to a business and have to take a fire extinguisher off the wall, that’s one less they have because they’ve got to get it recharged,” Green said.
Before the summer begins, the department offers free pool safety testing to check for electrical hazards, along with blood pressure and glucose checks at both fire stations when personnel are available.
This summer, firefighters plan to work with Russellville City Schools to distribute home and fire safety information for children who may stay home alone during the summer break.
“We noticed that a lot of kids stay at home in the summertime by themselves,” Green said. “We wanted to try to make sure that they had some type of safety program that they’re aware of.”
Those interested in any of the department’s community programs can call 256-332-8761, go to the Russellville Fire Department Facebook page or go by a station for information.
