Very close..
Our interior construction is rapidly closing in on completion, with flooring, cabinets and doors to be installed as well as touch up trim work. One of the many accomplishments we have made is using as many local businesses where possible. We still have a lot of work to do, but we will be very close to being “company ready” in the next few weeks. I can assure you this facility will be a great enhancement to the community.
Thanks for your patience
Power Tool Safety Link
With the weather being nice, it’s a good time to get projects completed. However, there’s also a risk of injury if your not careful. The link above from the power tool institute provides safety guidelines to follow through.
Changes afoot..
One of the elements with this website is we’re able to make changes in a scale based on department and community needs. We will be adding a Page 2 in the near future with links, and photo galleries as well as our fundraisers. We’re also looking at adding other aspects of social media as time moves forward.
They came to become firefighters..
With our new facility close to completion, we are already providing access as a training facility for several members of our community that have joined to become volunteer firefighters. We will establish a photo gallery and track their process during this difficult, but not impossible task.
Snake Advisory 2 (for pets)
Patrick Ireland has sent out another informative posting regarding snake bits that impact pets. Again if your bit by a snake, the best advice we can advise is to call 911 for immediate medical attention.
Bethany Salem Fire Department Working Calendar
In an effort to better communicate our schedule for better stakeholder and citizen engagement, we are deploying a calendar online for your review. This calendar will advise of training events, meetings, and fundraising activities. Unless otherwise specified activities will be held at our main station on 200 Henderson Mountain Road. Please click on the title above for access or now one of our links.
Update: Station Progress
Painting of the interior of the station is drawing to a close. Drop ceiling and other base work is being completed as time and funds are available. We will advise on a Open House date in the near future.
Burn Ban in effect 1 May through 1 October
Effective 1 May 2012, Georgia Environmental Protection Division will ban outdoor burning of any kind in Pickens and 53 other counties. This is to address air quality issues known to cause problems especially those of sensitive health groups.
While burning is strictly limited to vegetation and wood products outside of this time frame, NO BURNING is permitted and no permits will be issued during this time frame.
Snake Advisory
One of our mutual aid partners along with “snake expert” Patrick Ireland has brought to our attention the concerns of snake habitation especially with the mild winter we have had. Taking upon information provided by Cherokee Fire and Emergency Services and Patrick Ireland, we our offering this basic guide on snake knowledge on the link above. Please follow the precautions as outlined, and if attacked by a snake, take IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ACTION by calling 911.
Lawn Mower Safety Tips
In the past week other fire districts in Pickens have had to respond to calls regarding injury by lawnmower. The link above provides information on ensuring safety with lawnmowers. Be safe, be aware and don’t take risks especially with steep grade slopes.
This video was shared by one of our future firefighters. Thanks..
Quick action saved residents from tragic results
At 19:50 hours Monday, station 8 and mutual aid partners were dispatched to a structure fire in the Mountain Lake community off of Henderson Mountain Road. While the visible fire was extinguished rapidly by residents before initial responders arrived. Crews from station 8 and 11, worked to ensure the fire had not penetrated the structure and other potential hotspots that are not normally visible, by penetrating the wall and and use of thermal imaging. Once it appeared there were no additional hot spots, crews then worked to ventilate the structure from smoke and released the residence back to homeowners once conditions were safe. One minor injury that refused transport was reported.
It’s critically important that all homes have working smoke detectors. This incident serves a reminder that fire prevention and safety is key to prevent more tragic results.
Photo album updated to last weekend regarding Bethany Salem Fire Replacement Station
Click on the link to access.
Calls for service in 2011
One of the key measuring sticks that defines any public safety agency is calls for service. Last year Bethany Salem Fire Department was paged out to 335 calls for service. That’s almost 1 call a day. 55.2% of calls were medical in nature. Considering that in 2000, the department was paged out to 142 calls for service, the need for department response is growing, therefore the need for a new station and resources in which to handle these calls for assistance.
