Heading into this week, the Hopkinsville Fire Department/EMS finds itself in a unique, and special, position.
Now in the 10th year of its super-popular Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, Payton Rogers and Nathan Stewart recently told the News Edge that the return of the pink shirt — the first since 2014 — has sold out not once, but twice.
In order to keep a deadline with October’s “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” theme, a third, and final, order will be accepted through Monday. Those still wanting a shirt, one designed in house, can call HQ at 270-890-1400 and pay $20 (or a little more for 3X and 4X shirts) over the phone.
Rogers and Stewart said all proceeds are going The Pink Ribbon Network.
Rogers noted that funds raised on the sales could eclipse $5,000.
From October 21-25, the News Edge Media Group will be honoring “Think Pink Week,” which will close with a “Pink Out Celebration” set for October 25. Funds raised will go the Pink Ribbon Network.
In other Fire/EMS news:
— “Fire Prevention Week” typically lands on Fall Break, but it won’t deter Fire/EMS to continue its messaging through local schools.
Rogers said that a donation over the summer from the Hopkinsville Rotary Club allowed for the purchase of an “inflatable smokehouse,” which can be used to teach fire safety in a new and unique way.
Behind a theme of “Know The Sound Of Your Smoke Alarm,” Rogers advised families should have a meeting place well established and describe, and that adults and children should “know their way out,” and close doors before going to sleep.
Stewart, meanwhile, said that the best time to change batteries in smoke detectors and other safety devices is near time changes like the solstices and equinoxes, just to stay prepared in the home.
Most smoke detectors, he added, have a life span of about a decade, while newer detectors have lithium ion batteries, and their best placement isn’t in a kitchen — but instead on ceilings, near bedroom doors
Rogers said the newest models need to be tossed entirely after 10 years, since they are often just a complete unit, and combo detectors might not be the best idea.
Rogers and Stewart added that smoke detectors, as well as extinguishers, are extremely important for RV’s and campers, especially since response times to incidents can sometimes be more difficult in the wilderness.
Stewart said the public also needs to know about a special program Hopkinsville Fire/EMS can provide its community.
Again, that number: 270-890-1400.
