News
Time to Change Batteries in Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms
October 26, 2020
By: Dwayne Page
With winter on the way the DeKalb County Fire Department reminds you to change batteries in your home smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. The message is simple and it’s easy to do. Please take a few minutes to make sure life-saving alarms have fresh batteries so you, your family, and your home are protected. This week would be a great time to swap those batteries with Central Standard Time returning Sunday morning, November 1 at 2 a.m.
Lieutenant Dustin Johnson, the DeKalb County Fire Department’s Fire Prevention and Safety Officer, reminds DeKalb County residents that after batteries are changed in alarms, take a few extra minutes to test your alarms and remind family, friends, and neighbors to do the same. Not all smoke alarms have batteries that have to be replaced each year. Some newer model alarms have batteries that last up to 10 years. However, it is still very important to test and clean your alarms. You can clean and maintain them simply by using compressed air to remove dust residue that accumulates on alarms that can cause the alarm’s sensor to not operate properly.
Eighty percent of child fire fatalities occur in homes without working smoke alarms. It’s a tragic statistic that can be prevented. Changing smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, testing those alarms, and reminding others to do the same are some of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce these tragic deaths and injuries. “The vast majority of our house fires happen between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most families are sleeping,” said Lt. Johnson. “Smoke alarm installation and maintenance is a simple, effective way to reduce home fire deaths. Children and senior citizens are most at risk, and a working smoke alarm can give them the extra seconds they need to get out safely.”
If you do not have working smoke detectors, you can contact Lt. Johnson at (615) 598-2080 and he will arrange to have smoke alarms installed in your residence at absolutely no charge.
“A working smoke detector doubles your chance of surviving a home fire. So, why would you not want you and your family to have this protection?” For more information about fire safety, visit the DeKalb County Fire Department’s FaceBook Group page or the department’s website at www.dekalbfire.com
DeKalb Circuit Court Clerk Office closed until November 4 due to COVID-19
October 26, 2020
By: Dwayne Page
DeKalb County Circuit Court Clerk Susan Martin has announced that she and some members of her staff have tested positive for COVID-19 and for that reason the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office is closed until Wednesday, November 4.
In making the announcement, Martin said “if someone was scheduled to be in court this week, it will be postponed until next week so if your court case is set for this Wednesday, October 28 or Thursday October 29 then you will need to come next week, November 4 or 5”.
“I am sorry for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding during this time,” said Martin.
DeKalb County Urged to Turn Red During “Red Ribbon Week”
October 25, 2020
By: Dwayne Page
The DeKalb Prevention Coalition invites the community to take a visible stand against drug abuse by celebrating Red Ribbon Week from October 23-31.
Red Ribbon Week raises awareness of drug use and the problems related to drugs facing our community, and encourages parents, educators, business owners, and other community organizations to promote drug-free lifestyles.
This year’s theme is “Be Happy, Be Brave, Be Drug Free!
(Click the link below to take the National Red Ribbon Campaign Pledge and be a part of the creation of a drug free America)
The campaign is intended to bring together parents, schools, and businesses with a mission to keep kids and communities drug free.
To help promote Red Ribbon Week, the community is urged to display red ribbons on your mailboxes or outside doors and to support two “Wear Red Days “ this week, October 27 & 29. If you have an outside sign, please post this year’s theme on it for the week.
In 1985, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique S. “Kiki” Camarena was killed by drug traffickers. Shortly after his death, citizens from his hometown of Calexico, California, began wearing red ribbons to remember him and commemorate his sacrifice.
The first official Red Ribbon Week celebration was created by the National Family Partnership in 1988. NFP continues to coordinate the campaign for families, schools and communities across the nation each year. Since then, the red ribbon has symbolized a continuing commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs in our communities.
“Red Ribbon Week gives us the opportunity to be vocal and visible in our efforts to achieve a drug-free community,” said Lisa Cripps of the DeKalb Prevention Coalition “Research shows that children are less likely to use alcohol and other drugs when parents and other role models are clear and consistent in their opposition to drug use and the misuse of prescription drugs.” Visit GetSmartAboutDrugs.com for more information about Red Ribbon Week or visit the DeKalb Prevention Coalition facebook page.
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