Members of the Russellville Fire Department have been canvassing the city in recent weeks to make sure residents have at least one working smoke detector in their home.
Firefighter Jody Hitt said the department is promoting their smoke detector program, which has been around for the past two years, so they can make sure the residents in the area are as safe as possible.
The smoke detectors the RFD is distributing free of charge to those who need one have approximately a 10-year battery span.
“We received some grant money that allowed us to keep this program going and we want everyone to take advantage of it,” Hitt said. “Smoke detectors are tools that have been proven to save lives. We have had fatality fires where, after the investigation is finished, we discovered the house was without a smoke detector, so you can see how important it is to have one in your home.”
Right now, the RFD has been focusing on distributing the free smoke detectors to elderly residents or those on low incomes who might not be able to afford one, but Hitt said the programs was open to anyone who needed one.
“Right now we are working inside the city limits to make sure all the city residents have one, but this grant will eventually allow us to distribute some of the detectors outside the city limits as well.”
Hitt said any residents who see a RFD fire truck or vehicle pull up to their residence should not be alarmed.
“We wanted to get this information out there so residents wouldn’t be scared when we show up at their house,” he said.
Hitt said with the upcoming time change this weekend, he wanted to remind residents who already have a working smoke detector in their home that this is a good time to check the batteries and make sure it’s still in good working order.
“A good rule of thumb is whenever the time changes, it’s time to inspect your smoke detector and make sure it’s still working properly,” he said. “And if someone’s smoke detector is up too high or they just want us to check it out, we’d be glad to do that.”
Hitt said anyone who might have questions about the smoke detector program or about having their current smoke detector checked can call 256-332-8761.