PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAMS

In addition to responding to fire and medical calls, the Reidsville Fire Department provides many public service programs to the community.

ALUMINUM CAN PROGRAM  

In 2008, the Fire Department again collected aluminum cans in the wire bin located on Williams Street beside Fire Station #1. The citizens and various business establishments of Reidsville continue to voluntarily throw these cans into the bin on a regular basis.

In 2008, a total of $1,263.65 was received from the sale of these cans, and was spent for smoke detectors and batteries which were given to city residents, free of charge. Purchases of videos and handout materials for the department’s Public Education and Fire Prevention Programs were also made.

SMOKE DETECTOR PROGRAM

The smoke detector program was continued for the year 2008, and is still available to all residents of the City of Reidsville at no cost. In 2008, the Fire Department replaced or installed 48 new smoke detectors as well as checked or replaced 80 batteries in existing functioning smoke detectors.

CHILD SAFETY SEAT PROGRAM

In 2008, the Reidsville Fire Department continued the North Carolina Safety Seat and Seat Belt Inspection Program, as prescribed by the UNC Highway Safety Research Center. Currently, two personnel hold national certification as Child Safety Seat Technicians. The Fire Department received a grant from Wal-Mart Corporation for $1,000.00, which are used to purchase child safety seats and distributed to families that are financially unable to afford the proper restraints for their child. Station #1 on Scales Street is the designated inspection site.

EXPLORER PROGRAM  

During the year 2008, the Fire Department Explorer Youth Program has continued to grow and prosper. Currently the program has 8 members, with a waiting list of candidates who wish to become involved. This program in conjunction with the Boy Scouts of America, focuses on career oriented training, leadership skills and community involvement.

BLOOD PRESSURE CLINICS  

Blood Pressure Clinics are available upon request and can be taken daily at the Fire Department, free of charge to our citizens.

HOME INSPECTION PROGRAM  

A fire and life safety inspection will be made of residential property for hazards, along with recommendations on home fire escape planning for the entire family, upon the request of a City resident.

PUBLIC FIRE EDUCATION PROGRAM  

The Department’s Public Fire Education Program continued in 2008. This year the department decided to continue teaching all Fire Safety Programs for children in Pre-School through the 5th grade, focusing on 2nd grade. This program is designed to help children and their families to create a safer home environment by teaching them to make positive choices about their personal safety and well being.

The following are examples of the classes that continue to be taught each month:

• SAFETY FOR THE HOLIDAYS
• WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CLOTHES CATCH ON FIRE
• KITCHEN AND ELECTRICAL SFETY
• BURN SAFETY
• FIREFIGHTERS ARE OUR FRIENDS
• FIRE SAFETY TRAILER
• REVIEW AND CERTIFICATES
• FIRE DRILLS IN THE SCHOOL
• HOME ESCAPE PLANS

In addition to the school programs, classes were taught to various groups and organzations up to and including senior adults. A total of 5,051 persons participated from 210 organizations for a total of 252 hours of instruction.

To learn more about these programs or classes, contact Fire Station No. 1 at 336-349-1024.