Press Release: Bethany-Salem has moved!
While we have kept our website up to date with our progress, we have issued a general press release with local media to alert those without internet access or not aware of our website.
For Immediate Release:
On 7 January 2012, history was made as Bethany-Salem Fire Chief Al Godin keyed into the mic to relay to Pickens 911 that the NEW station 8 fire station on Henderson Mountain Road had fire trucks responding from there. This station built with SPLOST funds, has allowed Bethany-Salem Fire Department to move out of it’s cramped quarters on Highway 108. While the exterior is complete, much work is needed to be done on the inside, the hope is to have station ready for “company” in the late spring.
This station brings a lot of opportunity and already we’re seeing membership ranks tilt upward. Something any volunteer fire department is desirous of and of course we welcome all persons on our Monday night training sessions, whether it be as a firefighter or a support person. As former assistant chief Bill Craddock said many times “Everyone has a job on a fire scene”. We have a lot of things in the “thinking stages” and we hope to be able to provide re-engagement with our “customers” in more than just responding to 911 calls in the future.
You can also follow our progress through our new station website www.bethanysalemfd.org. We are using a platform that enables us to be able to update and post quickly.
We’ll do a official “thank you” at the open house, but we have extreme gratitude for Sole Commissioner Rob Jones, County Fire Chief Bob Howard, Builder Jeff Roland and Electrician J.I. Reece along with Amicalola EMC and City of Jasper for helping us bring this project together.
Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning
It bears repeating with the weather situation that are being predicted to the west of us. And the spring..
A Tornado Watch is where conditions are “Favorable” for the development of tornadoes. Where warmth, instability, winds and moisture are “just right” for a tornado to occur. This is where you REVIEW “The Plan” so everyone knows where to go in case of warning and where they might be and everything charged and ready (cell phones, flashlights).
A Tornado Warning is where a tornado is spotted either on radar or visually by trained weather spotters to the National Weather Service. This is where you IMPLEMENT “The Plan” for tornado warnings, (seeking shelter, ensuring friends and family in the warned area are taking cover) including Pets.
Because of the broad generality that warnings can create (Cherokee County size as an example) The National Weather Service is using Polygon technology to deliver warnings. NOAA weather radios don’t have this capability (yet), but Code Red and the real smart weather apps do, So even if the tornado warning is for Pickens County, you should listen or use one of the technologies listed above to see if your in the Polygon or “warned area”. Listen for your community name as it’s important for the folks that live in those communities know that they are in the path, and need to take action NOW.
We are looking at social media such as Facebook for sending information, look for that in the next year or so.
Two possible structure fire calls Saturday both by lightning
Station 8 along with other automatic aid stations were paged to two calls Saturday afternoon regarding possible structure fires, after a line of storms struck the area around 11am through 12:30pm. The two calls were in The Preserves and Saddle Ridge Subdivision. While both calls were indeed lightning strikes, damage was very minimal with no injuries reported.
First Historic Meeting at New Station
The department held it’s first real meeting Monday 16 January, where elections and decisions made for the upcoming year were made. We will be having pics from this historic meeting soon. Also, stay tuned as we work to announce a date for the Open House.
Chief Al Godin relaying to Pickens 911 Bethany Salem Fire Department is now responding to calls at the new station!!
On Saturday 7 January 2012, the Bethany Salem Fire Department relocated the main response apparatus to the new station. While we have a LOT of work to do regarding the inside, we’re now at a point where we have room to work and develop a great COMMUNITY Fire Station. As we’re still in construction mode, we’re not ready for “company”, as we work to get our interior constructed and complete, tentative plans is a Open House for the community in the spring. Details on that and interior construction as plans are formulated.
Happy New Year!
As we wind down 2011, we look upon the accomplishments this department has made and look forward to even more goals and challenges next year. 2012 looks to be shaping up to be a very busy year for the department as we work to provide service for our community and stakeholders.
From Fire Chief Al Godin and his command staff and firefighters:
Happy New Year!
Toaster Recall are you effected?
Toasters Recalled by Hamilton Beach Due to Fire Hazard
12/19/2011 08:52 AM EST
When the toasters are first plugged into the outlets, the heating element can be energized although the toaster lifter is in the up or off position, which can pose a fire hazard if the toaster is near flammable items. The Hamilton Beach recall involves model 22602 toasters. The model number is printed on the bottom of the toaster. The toaster has a chromed steel exterior, a front control panel with a rotary toast shade selector and function buttons arranged in an arc, a front removable crumb tray and “Hamilton Beach” printed below the control panel.
The full recall notice is below.
What it takes..
A lot of citizens don’t realize the amount of training it takes to be a volunteer firefighter. That there is no difference between a “career” firefighter and a volunteer firefighter. Both must engage in rigorous and continuous training in dealing with fire scenes and events, as well as the growing need to respond to EMS calls which account for a vast majority of calls for service.
Other training involves:
Haz-Mat
Scene Safety
Propane Gas management
Driver Training
Search and Rescue
among other needs. Much of this training is performed during off hours, weekends and nights away from their families. Bethany Salem is blessed in having many members having their spouses or kids assist as needed mostly in a support or administrative role.
Quite a few career firefighters started their career or help start Bethany Salem, with one member now chief of a suburban metro county’s fire department.
Other members have engaged in recovery efforts for 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina incidents. It’s these folks, volunteers that have went out to make a difference in the community.
Christmas Party/Awards Dinner a good time had by all
Bethany Salem Fire Department had it’s annual Christmas Party and Awards dinner at the County Administration Building.
Special Guests:
Rob Jones, Sole Commissioner
Bob Howard, County Fire Chief
Sloan Elrod, EMS Director
Jeff Roland, Contractor of replacement station
Eddie Robinson, Assistant Chief, Cherokee County
Guest speaker was Lt. Greg Clyburn, Uniform Patrol head Holly Springs Police Department
Frank Riddick Award (Most Calls) Assistant Chief Jon McPherson
Bill Craddock Award (Most Training) Travis Hodges
Support Member of the Year Award: Joy Moses
Firefighter of the Year: Keith Moses
Congratulations!
Photos added
We’ve added more photos to show progress of our replacement station. We are hopeful that this will be complete atleast the shell by the end of the year.
Station construction update..
As you may have seen in our postings, the construction of the replacement station is coming along well, with concrete and beams are set in place. After the main building is complete, the interior of the building will need construction. This is where the community can assist in investing into the facility greatly. Firefighters especially those that have been around a while are becoming excited that this long needed facility is finally taking shape.
