Cannon County Rescue Squad, Inc., in collaboration with the Cannon County Fire Departments, trained local citizens on fire extinguisher utilization and smoke detector installation on June 2nd. The Rescue Squad was the recipient of grant from FM Global to promote home fire prevention and safety.
During the Cannon County Good Ole Days, participants were registered into the program for a chance to win a home fire extinguisher and smoke detector. Children and families that visited the Rescue Squad Mobile Command Trailer received safety reflective bracelets as well.
This was the first grant of this type targeted by the Rescue Squad to promote family safety. The Squad is actively pursuing federal funding and private foundation grants to promote fire prevention and safety in Woodbury and Cannon County. “We hope to be able to offer this program annually. We not only want to be a response agency during times of emergencies and disasters, but we want to help our citizens promote Cannon County and be a safer place to live and work”, said Tim Bell Chief Operating Officer.
The U.S. has the fifteenth (15th) highest fire mortality rate of developed countries in the world. Tennessee has the sixth (6th) highest fire mortality rate in the U.S. Regionally, the southern states account for nine (9) of the ten (10) highest fire death rates in the country. Tennessee children under five (5) years of age account for 8.3% of fire victims, however they only make up 6.4% of the population.
According to a 2010 study by the U.S. Fire Administration, Tennessee ranks nearly two times higher than the national average for fire-related deaths. Statistically, Tennessee experienced 101 fire related deaths per year (10 year average, 2005-2014). This is an average of 1.06 deaths per county per year.
Michael Underhill, Cannon County Fire Chief and Rescue Squad CEO said, “If we can get citizens to properly install smoke/carbon monoxide detectors in their home, we will decrease deaths related to home fires. Working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers have proven to save lives in residential fires.” In a statement about the grant, Woodbury Fire Chief Joe Loftus said, “This was a great opportunity for the fire departments and the Rescue Squad to work together on public safety. We are partners in response, and now we are partners in community outreach education. We are working together as a group to offer more programs in the community.”
For more information on becoming a volunteer responder with the Cannon County Rescue Squad, Inc., visit our website at www.CannonCountyRescue.com and contact Michael Underhill, CEO, at 615-904-5002 or by email at MUnderhill@CannonCountyRescue.com .
To follow us on Facebook, like our page: https://www.facebook.com/CannonCountyRescue .
To follow us on Instagram, like cannoncountyrescuesquad, #cannoncountyrescuesquad.
For more information on becoming a volunteer firefighter in your community, please contact Chief Underhill and he will put you in contact with the fire department administrative staff nearest your home.
