Donation to Benefit Families with Young Children, Senior Citizens  

Local Fire Departments to Distribute, Install Detectors Donated by Blue Ridge Energies During National Fire Prevention Month

For Immediate Release 

Contact: Renee R. Whitener, Director of Corporate Communications, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation, Phone: (828) 758-2383, Pager 800-471-1323, or E-mail:  Renee Whitener


Hickory, North Carolina (October 29, 2001) – “Making sure something doesn’t happen” is an unusual job description at first glance, but most people would agree it’s a noble and worthy calling for Hickory Fire Department Educator Terri Rhodes .

“Educating the public about fire prevention is my job and the job of all fire departments,” said Terri. “I feel successful when nothing 
happens as far as fires occurring because that means lives have      been spared, homes and jobs are in tact, and the community is safe from the tragedy that a fire can  create.”
 
During National Fire Prevention Month in October, the community and children specifically have many opportunities to learn about fire prevention, Terri said. Another area of prevention is carbon monoxide poisoning, which can result from various sources, such as vehicles idling in attached garages, chimneys or appliances that have blockages or malfunctions, improper usage of gas appliances, improper ventilation or even smoking in the home. 

“There’s a simple way to prevent many tragedies or close calls, and that’s to have properly installed smoke/carbon monoxide detectors in your home and place of business,” said Terri. “It’s sometimes difficult for senior citizens, families with young children, or others who have substantial financial burdens to purchase a good detector. So that’s why we’re extremely grateful that Blue Ridge Energies is donating one hundred combination smoke/carbon monoxide detectors for use in Catawba County,” she explained.

Blue Ridge Energies, which is a propane and hearth products provider with offices in Hickory, Lenoir, Boone, West Jefferson and Sparta, presented the donation on Saturday, October 27, during the Today’s Carolina Home Show held at the Hickory Metro Convention Center. 

“We’ve served Catawba County for a little more than a year, and the reception from the community has been tremendous,” said Glenda Christian, business development manager. “We wanted to do something meaningful to give back to the community,” added Charles Beck, vice president of Blue Ridge Energies. “We care about the communities we serve and want to work with others in the community in ways that benefit those who live and work here,” Beck said.

The Hickory Fire Department coordinates with other fire departments across Catawba County under the umbrella of a county program to ensure deserving households receive these important detectors and that they are installed properly, said Terri. Senior citizens and families with young children are given priority, she said, adding that 278 of the detectors were installed in Catawba County last year under the program.

“We are very pleased to accept Blue Ridge Energies’ donation,” Terri said. “These devices are somewhat expensive, and many families simply can’t afford to purchase one. We will never know how many lives they’ve saved, but we know that detectors do save lives by giving advance warning of danger so that families can escape and sometimes even save their homes,” Terri said. “It’s all about prevention.”

To apply for a smoke/carbon monoxide detector, contact Hickory Fire Department at 323-7521. 

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