Why Smoke Alarms Matter

Smoke alarms are our first line of defense against fire. They detect smoke early and sound an alarm to alert occupants, giving them precious minutes to escape. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), having a working smoke alarm in your home can cut the risk of dying in a fire by nearly 50%. However, it’s not just about having smoke alarms—it's about ensuring they’re in good working order and strategically placed.

 Key Steps to Ensure Your Smoke Alarms Work for You

1. Install Smoke Alarms Properly: Place smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including the basement. For added protection, consider installing alarms in hallways and larger rooms.
2. Test Monthly: Smoke alarms can’t help you if they’re not working. Test your alarms monthly by pressing the test button. If you hear a chirp or no sound, it’s time to replace the battery or the alarm itself.
3. Replace Batteries Annually: Even if your smoke alarm is hardwired, the backup battery should be replaced at least once a year. A good rule of thumb is to change the batteries when you change your clocks for daylight saving time.
4. Replace Alarms Every 10 Years: Smoke alarms don’t last forever. Replace alarms that are 10 years old or older. Even if they seem to be working, their sensors can become less effective over time.
5. Clean Alarms Regularly: Dust and dirt can interfere with a smoke alarm’s sensors. Gently vacuum your smoke alarms once a month and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.
6. Know the Difference: Be aware of the difference between smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Both are crucial for safety, but they serve different purposes. Ensure you have both types in your home and understand their functions.

Creating a Fire Escape Plan

In addition to maintaining your smoke alarms, it’s essential to have a fire escape plan. Create and practice an escape route with your family, ensuring everyone knows how to get out quickly and safely. Make sure everyone in your household, including children, knows the sound of the smoke alarm and what it means.

 Get Involved

This Fire Prevention Week, take the opportunity to review your home’s smoke alarm system and make necessary updates. Encourage friends and family to do the same. Share the “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!™” message on social media and consider hosting a fire safety workshop in your neighborhood.

 By taking these steps, you’re not just protecting your home; you’re ensuring the safety of everyone in it. Let’s make Fire Prevention Week 2024 a time to strengthen our commitment to fire safety and ensure our smoke alarms are always ready to work for us.

 Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember: Smoke alarms save lives!  If you have any questions or need further information on fire prevention, feel free to contact the Red Bank Fire Department @ 423.877.7252 or our website for additional resources.

The Critical Importance of Fire Hydrant Visibility

 Ensuring Safety in Times of Emergency

 Fire hydrants are a fundamental part of urban infrastructure, playing a crucial role in firefighting and public safety. These unassuming fixtures, often seen at street corners or along sidewalks, can be the difference between containing a blaze and a devastating fire that causes extensive damage. Understanding their importance and the consequences when they cannot be located in an emergency is vital for community awareness and safety.

The Role of Fire Hydrants

 Fire hydrants provide firefighters with immediate access to a reliable water source. When a fire breaks out, every second counts. Quick access to water allows firefighters to combat flames more effectively, protecting lives, property, and the environment. Hydrants are strategically placed to ensure that there is always one within a reasonable distance, typically 500 – 1,000 feet in residential areas and closer in commercial districts.

Consequences of Inaccessible Fire Hydrants

 When fire hydrants are difficult to locate, the consequences can be severe:

 1. **Delayed Response Time**: Firefighters rely on quick access to hydrants. If a hydrant is obscured or not easily identifiable, valuable minutes can be lost trying to locate it. This delay can result in a fire spreading more rapidly, increasing the risk to lives and property.

 2. **Increased Damage**: The longer it takes to start combating a fire, the more damage it can cause. Buildings can suffer extensive structural damage, and the fire can spread to nearby properties, escalating the disaster.

 3. **Higher Risk to Firefighters**: Difficult-to-find hydrants can put firefighters in more dangerous situations. Extended exposure to intense heat and smoke can jeopardize their safety and health.

 4. **Potential Legal and Financial Implications**: Property owners and municipalities may face legal and financial repercussions if it is determined that inadequate hydrant maintenance or visibility contributed to the extent of fire damage.

 Factors That Can Obscure Fire Hydrants

 Several factors can make fire hydrants difficult to locate during an emergency:

 - **Overgrown Vegetation**: Trees, bushes, and other plant life can obscure hydrants, making them hard to see from the street.

- **Parked Vehicles**: Cars parked too close to hydrants can block access or visibility.

- **Snow Accumulation**: In colder climates, heavy snowfall can completely bury hydrants, rendering them invisible.

- **Urban Clutter**: Street furniture, construction materials, or debris can hide hydrants from view.

Some Solutions and Best Practices

 To ensure that fire hydrants are always accessible, communities can adopt several best practices:

 **Regular Maintenance and Inspection**: Municipalities should schedule routine inspections and maintenance to ensure hydrants are in good working condition and clearly visible. The Red Bank Fire Department schedules this twice a year and reports and deficiencies to the water company responsible for maintenance.

 **Clear Markings and Reflective Paint**: Using bright, reflective paint and clear markers can make hydrants stand out, even in poor visibility. This is also checked twice a year and the water company who owns the hydrants are notified of those that need maintenance.

 **Community Awareness**: Educating the public about the importance of keeping hydrants clear and reporting obstructions can help maintain accessibility.

 **Enforcement of Parking Regulations**: Strict enforcement of no-parking zones around hydrants can prevent vehicles from blocking access.

 **Winter Preparedness**: In snowy areas, municipalities can implement programs to clear snow from around hydrants and encourage residents to assist.

Final Thoughts

 Fire hydrants are vital for effective firefighting and public safety. Ensuring they are always visible and accessible can significantly impact the outcome of a fire emergency. By taking proactive measures and raising community awareness, we can help protect our neighborhoods and ensure that fire hydrants remain a reliable resource in times of need.

  **The Importance of Having Your Address Clearly Marked for Emergency Situations**

 In moments of crisis, every second counts. Whether it's a fire, a medical emergency, or any other urgent situation, the ability of emergency responders to quickly locate and access your home can be the difference between life and death. One simple yet often overlooked step that can significantly impact the response time is ensuring that your address is clearly marked on your property. Here’s why this is so important:

 Rapid Response Saves Lives

 When an emergency call is made, the clock starts ticking for first responders. Firefighters, paramedics, and police officers rely on clear and accurate addresses to reach the scene as swiftly as possible. If your address is not visible or easily identifiable, valuable time can be lost as responders search for the correct location. In a medical emergency, this delay can critically affect the outcome for the patient.

 Enhancing Visibility

 A clearly marked address ensures that emergency personnel can identify your home without confusion, even in challenging conditions such as poor weather, darkness, or smoke. Large, reflective numbers that are well-lit and visible from the street are ideal. These should be placed in a location that is unobstructed by foliage or decorations and at a height where they can be easily seen from a vehicle.

 Avoiding Miscommunication

 During emergencies, stress and panic can lead to miscommunication. A clearly displayed address minimizes the risk of responders being directed to the wrong location. It serves as a straightforward confirmation for dispatchers and responders alike, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and that help is directed precisely where it is needed.

 Compliance with Local Ordinances

 Many local jurisdictions have ordinances requiring homes and businesses to display address numbers prominently. Complying with these regulations not only aids emergency responders but also helps avoid potential fines and penalties. In Red Bank the minimum required is 4” numbers contrasting with the surface for which it adhered to.

 Community Safety

 Having your address clearly marked also contributes to the overall safety and efficiency of your community. It helps not only emergency services but also delivery personnel and visitors who may be unfamiliar with the area. In emergencies affecting multiple homes, such as natural disasters, clear addressing can facilitate organized evacuations and coordinated responses.

 Tips for Effective Address Marking

 - **Size and Style**: Use large, easy-to-read numbers, preferably at least 4 inches tall.

- **Contrast**: Choose a color that stands out against the background of your house.

 - **Lighting**: Ensure your address is well-lit at night, either with an external light or reflective materials.

 - **Location**: Place numbers on both your mailbox (if it's on your property) and on your house, near the front door or garage, in a location visible from the street.

 In emergencies, the clarity and visibility of your address can make a critical difference in the response time and effectiveness of emergency services. By taking the time to ensure your address is prominently displayed and easily readable, you contribute to the safety and well-being of not just your household, but your entire community. It’s a small investment of effort that can have lifesaving returns.

______________________________________________________________

Election Day is November 5th! 

The voting procedures for commissioners in Red Bank have changed. All commissioners are now elected At Large, eliminating the previous system of 3 commissioners representing a specific district. In the upcoming November election, all candidates' names will be listed on the ballot, and the top 2 candidates with the highest number of votes will be elected.

How do I vote? 

To vote you must darken the OVAL ( ) to the right of your choice(s). To cast a Write-in vote for a person whose name is not on the

ballot, you must darken the OVAL ( ) to the right of the line provided and write that name in the blank space.

You can now vote for two candidates of your choice. If only one candidate is selected, the ballot will be approved. If more than two is selected, the ballot will be denied. 

*Poll workers will be available at polling locations to help and answer any questions you may have.

Early voting for the Nov. 5 State and Federal General Election begins Oct. 16 and runs through Oct. 31. For more information, visit your trusted source for election information, GoVoteTN.gov, or download the free GoVoteTNApp.

Red Bank Polling Locations

Red Bank A

Disabled American Veterans Chapter 6

619 Memorial Dr., Red Bank, TN 37415

Red Bank B

Joe Glasscock Community Ctr.

 3620 Tom Weathers Dr., Red Bank, TN 37415

Red Bank C

Calvary Baptist Church

 5201 Dayton Blvd., Red Bank, TN 37415

 Understand what ID's are acceptable

___________________________________________________________________________________________

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month:

Safer Drivers Save Lives

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month. To celebrate this safety awareness month, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging drivers to slow down and be alert for pedestrians. Walking should always be an easy and safe option for getting around any community.

Unfortunately, in 2022 there were 7,522 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes, a 0.7-percent increase from the 7,470 pedestrian fatalities in 2021. It is the highest since 1981 when 7,837 pedestrians died in traffic crashes. In 2022 there were an estimated 67,336 pedestrians injured in traffic crashes, an 11-percent increase from 60,579 pedestrians injured in 2021. On average, a pedestrian was killed every 70 minutes and injured every 8 minutes in traffic crashes in 2022. In fact, pedestrian deaths accounted for 18% of all traffic fatalities and 3% of all people injured in traffic crashes in 2022.

The personal, physical, and environmental benefits of walking can lead to safer, healthier, and cleaner streets. Walking can also improve local economies and enhance social and community engagement, which can lead to more vibrant, resilient, and livable spaces.

Everyone shares in the responsibility for road safety. NHTSA urges communities to adopt the Safe System Approach, which is a comprehensive plan that helps prevent crashes from happening and minimizes the injury to those involved in crashes that do occur. Ultimately, it’s about making communities safer for everyone. The plan has five objectives:

• Safer People: Encourage safe, responsible behavior by people who use roads, and create conditions that prioritize their ability to reach their destination unharmed.
• Safer Speeds: Promote safer speeds in all roadway environments through a combination of thoughtful, equitable, context-appropriate roadway design, appropriate speed-limit setting, targeted education, outreach campaigns, and enforcement.
• Safer Roads: Design roadway environments to mitigate human mistakes and account for injury tolerances, to encourage safer behaviors, and to facilitate safe travel by the most vulnerable users.
• Safer Vehicles: Expand the availability of vehicle technology that helps to prevent crashes and minimize the impact of crashes on both occupants and non-occupants.
• Post-Crash Care: Enhance the survivability of people in crashes through expedient access to emergency medical care. Create a safer working environment for first responders and prevent crashes through traffic incident management practices.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Halloween is a good time to remind drivers about pedestrian safety. Drivers should be aware that on Halloween evening, there will likely be more pedestrians on the roads and in unexpected places. Families will be trick-or-treating with smaller children who may be unaware of surrounding traffic and quick to dart into the street. Remember: Slower speeds save lives. NHTSA encourages local communities to schedule safety events and corresponding messages about the importance of safe road use when driving around pedestrians. Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Lack of visibility because of low lighting at night also plays a factor in these incidents.

To help ensure adults and children have a safe holiday, follow these Halloween safety tips:

Costume Safety

● Be sure to choose a costume that won't cause safety hazards; all costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant
 ● If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks
 ● Opt for nontoxic Halloween makeup over masks, which can obscure vision; always test makeup in a small area first to see if any irritation develops
 ● Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation

During Trick or Treat…

● A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds
 ● If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you
 ● Agree on a specific time children should return home
 ● Teach your children never to enter a stranger's home or car
 ● Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends
● Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home, and take care to avoid any food allergies

Safety Tips for Motorists

● Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs
 ● Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully
 ● At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing
 ● Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween

______________________________________________________________

Halloween is just around the corner. Have you picked out your costume?  

Whether you’re looking to dress up as the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland or as Donkey from Shrek, you’ll find everything you’ll need at a local mom-and-pop store in Red Bank called Beauty and the Beast Costumes.

Using her handy sewing machine, Susan Stringer, the store’s owner, has meticulously crafted gowns, coats and professionally designed costumes for the past 35 years, has been serving the costume, makeup, and accessory needs of the Chattanooga area since 1989, and has over 40 years of experience in Convention Costuming.

Beauty and the Beast Costumes has plenty of makeup kits, regular and scary masks, props, accessories, capes, gloves, wigs, beards, mustaches and more. Some costumes are available for purchase and others for rent. Costume rental prices are the lowest in town and they haven’t changed prices in several years, as their goal is to provide superior costumes and products at tremendous value for customers.

Stop by to check out their awesome selection and shop local!

Beauty and the Beast Costumes is located at:

3708 Dayton Blvd. Chattanooga, TN 37415

• (423) 870-3510
• Website: https://2bcostumes.com/
• Hours: Monday-Friday 9-6, Saturdays 10-2, Closed Sundays

October has extended hours for Halloween:

• 1st week of October, Monday – Friday 9 am – 6:30 pm, Saturday – 10 am – 4 pm
• 2nd week of October, Monday – Friday 9 am – 7 pm, Saturday – 10 am – 6 pm
• 3rd week of October, Monday – Friday 9 am – 7:30 pm, Saturday – 10 am – 7 pm
• 4th week of October through November 1, Monday – Friday 9 am – 8 pm, Saturday – 10 am – 7 pm

___________________________________________________________________________________________

The term young driver refers to a person 15 to 20 years old operating a motor vehicle. People in this age group generally obtain their licenses for the first time and many are under graduated driver licensing (GDL) programs as they learn driving skills.

Key Findings

• In 2022 there were 2,034 young drivers who died in traffic crashes, a 5-percent decrease from 2,133 in 2021.

• The number of licensed young drivers increased by 0.3 percent from 2021 to 2022.

• In 2022 there were an estimated 180,353 young drivers injured in traffic crashes, a decrease of 11 percent from 203,276 in 2021.

• Young drivers accounted for 8.1 percent of all drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes in 2022. However, young drivers were only 5.0 percent of all licensed drivers in 2022.

• Young drivers involved in police-reported traffic crashes decreased by 6 percent from 1,349,675 in 2021 to 1,267,369 in 2022. Young drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes decreased by 5 percent from 5,137 in 2021 to 4,856 in 2022.

• The rate of drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers for young female drivers was 22.74 in 2022. For young male drivers in 2022 the involvement rate was 58.73, more than twice that of young female drivers.

• Of the young drivers of passenger vehicles killed with known restraint use, 53 percent were unrestrained at the time of the traffic crashes in 2022, which is slightly higher than the percentage of all drivers of passenger vehicles killed (50%).

• Although people under 21 are legally prohibited from drinking alcohol, 30 percent of young drivers 15 to 20 years old who were killed in traffic crashes in 2022 had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of .01 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher; 25 percent had BACs of .08 g/dL or higher.

• During 2022 there were 339 motorcycle riders 15 to 20 years old killed in traffic crashes, and an additional estimated 6,571 in that age group were injured.

A motor vehicle traffic crash is defined as an incident that involved one or more motor vehicles in-transport that originated on or had a harmful event (injury or damage) on a public trafficway, such as a road or highway. Crashes that occurred on private property not regularly used by the public for transport, including some parts of parking lots and driveways, are excluded. The terms “motor vehicle traffic crash” and “traffic crash” are used interchangeably in this document.

Overview

There were 235.1 million licensed drivers in the United States in 2022. Young drivers accounted for 11.8 million (5.0%) of all licensed drivers in 2022, a 4.1-percent decrease from the 12.3 million young, licensed drivers in 2013, and a 0.3-percent increase from 2021. Population for this age group increased by 1.7 percent from 2013 to 2022.1

Motor vehicle traffic crashes are a leading cause of death for 15- to 20-year-olds.2 In 2022 there were 2,034 young drivers who died in traffic crashes, a 5-percent decrease from the 2,133 young drivers who died in 2021. Additionally, an estimated 180,353 young drivers were injured in traffic crashes in 2022, a decrease of 11 percent from 203,276 in 2021.

Fatalities in traffic crashes involving young drivers increased over the 10-year period from 4,367 in 2013 to 5,339 in 2022, as shown in Table 1.

In fatal traffic crashes involving young drivers for the 10-year period from 2013 to 2022:

• Fatalities among young drivers increased by 20 percent.

• Fatalities among the passengers of young drivers decreased by 3 percent.

• Occupant fatalities of other vehicles increased by 42 percent.

• Nonoccupant (pedestrians, pedalcyclists, or other nonoccupants) fatalities increased by 42 percent.

• Total traffic fatalities in crashes involving young drivers increased by 22 percent.

In fatal traffic crashes involving young drivers in the most recent year from 2021 to 2022:

• Fatalities among young drivers decreased by 5 percent.

• Fatalities among the passengers of young drivers decreased by 4 percent.

• Occupant fatalities of other vehicles decreased by 4 percent.

• Non-occupant fatalities decreased by 9 percent.

• Total traffic fatalities in crashes involving young drivers decreased by 5 percent.

“A teen’s inexperience behind the wheel makes them more susceptible to crashes. Specific risk factors for teens behind the wheel include alcohol and drug use, not wearing a seat belt, distracted driving, additional passengers, speeding, and drowsy driving”.

For More Information:

Motor vehicle traffic crash data are available from the National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA), NSA-230. NCSA can be contacted at NCSARequests@dot.gov or 800-934-8517. NCSA programs can be found at www.nhtsa.gov/data. To report a motor vehicle safety-related problem or to inquire about safety information, contact the Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 or www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

The next “Food Truck Friday” in Red Bank will be happening on October 4th.  The community is invited to come enjoy an evening of food, music, and lots of fun.  This Friday, October 4th, a selection of delicious foods will be offered by the popular Jonny Poppers Burger Buggy, Culture-Licious, Fud Vybez, Abuelita’s Seasons, Preacher's BBQ, and Broken Heart Cheesecakes.

Participating Food Trucks will be located at Red Bank Park at 3817 Redding Road.  They will offer a variety of mouth-watering foods available for sale from 5:30 until 8:30pm.  Clever Alehouse will also be providing adult beverages for purchase.  

Music will be provided by “Noteworthy,” a six-piece jazz band that will provide a variety of musical arrangements ranging from Latin Jazz to Jazz standards and even covers with a Jazz twist.

"Fall is in full swing and the cooler temperatures have us very excited to spend Friday evening outside listening to good music and enjoying a bite to eat with the Red Bank community,” said Parks & Recreation Manager Jeffrey Grabe. “If you haven’t had a chance to come out to a Red Bank Food Truck Friday this is a great time to start, with only three left for the season.”

Red Bank’s “Food Truck Friday” is a family-friendly event.  So grab your family and friends, bring a chair or blanket, purchase a mouthwatering meal (or two), and enjoy a relaxing evening at the park.  

For more information, contact Red Bank City Hall at 423-877-1103

______________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

"It's Just a Bunch of Hocus Pocus"

Gather the family, put on your spooktacular costumes, and head on out to Red Bank's Community Movie Night! This event is sure to conjure up some fun with our featured movie, "Hocus Pocus"! Food Trucks will be available for dinner and dessert and popcorn will be free (while supplies last).

For more information, contact Red Bank City Hall at 423-877-1103 or Jeffrey Grabe at JGrabe@redbanktn.gov

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Last Food Truck Friday of the Season: November 1st.

If you haven't had a chance to make it to a Food Truck Friday event, you don't want to miss this! 

Come out for some friends and family time while listening to live music by "Call Me Spinster" and enjoying delicious food by some of the best food trucks in town! 

Red Bank’s “Food Truck Friday” is a family-friendly event.  Grab your family and friends, bring a chair or blanket, purchase a mouthwatering meal (or two), and enjoy a relaxing evening at the park.  

For more information, contact Red Bank City Hall at 423-877-1103

___________________________________________________________________________________________

 Cherokee legend held that where the tears of the Cherokee women fell on the Trail of Tears, a rose would bloom, giving other women hope and strength as they care for their children in hard times. I think that is beautiful, and it is my hope that this artwork inspires this community to have hope and strength. No doubt Emma Bell Miles demonstrated beauty inspiration through her illustrations. I hope these Chickadees and Cherokee Roses add beauty and joy to the Red Bank community. Thank you."

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Job Title: Firefighter/Pump Operator/Driver

The City of Red Bank has one (1) immediate opening for Firefighters. 

JOB OVERVIEW

The right candidate will achieve by:

Demonstrating the ability to follow directions.

Demonstrating an ability to perform tasks with minimal supervision.

Demonstrating fundamental knowledge of principles and practices in the coordination and administration of field activities related to fire prevention, control, and extinguishment of fires.

Supervision Received: The employee is under the direct supervision of a Shift / Station Officer. The employee may act as the Shift/Station Officer.

Supervision Exercised: Performs duties of Lieutenant in the temporary absence of Lieutenant.

Salary and Benefits:

(G5) $51,688.00 annually + excellent benefits.

Applications will be accepted through Monday, October 14, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. Applications and job descriptions are available at Red Bank City Hall, 3105 Dayton Boulevard, Red Bank, TN

or on our website at www.redbanktn.gov.

Applicants must have a valid phone number.  Applicants will be notified by phone for information on testing and interview times/dates.  Documentation is required for any training, education, certifications, or licenses listed on the application.

To be eligible to apply, applicants MUST:

    Be at least eighteen (18) years of age.

    Be a high school graduate or equivalent.

    Be a citizen of the United States.

    Valid Driver’s License.

    Not have been convicted of, or plead guilty to, or entered a plea of nolo contender to any felon charge or any violation of any federal or state laws or city ordinances relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor, or controlled substances.

    Not have been released or discharged under anything other than an honorable discharge from any armed forces of the United States.

After having met the above requirements, candidates must successfully complete the following:

    Oral interview board composed of a combination of departmental members and outside guests.

    A comprehensive background check, including but not limited to criminal, financial, and personal history.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential functions are fundamental job duties.  They do not include marginal tasks, which are also performed but are not incidental to the primary functions.  The omissions of specific statements of duties do not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position, nor does every position allocated to the job necessarily perform every duty listed.

•    Drive various fire apparatus and operate pump on fire department pumper.

•    Responds to fire alarms, connects hose, advances hose, operates nozzles, and directs water streams.

•    Forces entry of premises for firefighting, performs rescue and salvage operations, uses fire extinguishers, axes, Halligan bars, pike poles, and other equipment.

•    Removes persons from danger and administers first-aid to injured persons.

•    Responds to medical calls and administers basic first aid to persons needing help.

•    Positions and climbs ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings or to assist persons from burning structures.

•    Creates openings in buildings for ventilation or access.

•    Performs salvage operations such as throwing covers, sweeping water, and removing debris.

•    Performs overhaul operations such as using pike poles, sheet rock hooks, Halligan bars, and axes to create openings in ceilings, walls, and floors to search for hidden fires.

•    Carries charged hose line into structure for fire extinguishment.

•    Responds to and extinguishes other types of fires such as vehicles, dumpsters, and brush.

•    Physically able to wear a complete set of protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus.

•    Must complete and pass annual department certification in self-contained breathing apparatus and fire pump operations.

•    Participates in fire training drills and attends training classes in firefighting, first aid, rescue, and related subjects.

•    Performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions which may involve extreme exertion under such handicaps as smoke and cramped surroundings.

•    Performs extremely strenuous and physical labor for extended periods under some unfavorable climatic conditions, frequently lifting objects weighing 50-100 pounds.

•    Performs duties requiring bending, crouching, stooping, crawling, and climbing in buildings and close quarters that may be filled with smoke.

•    Responds to various other emergency and non-emergency calls and renders help to bring the situation under control.

Additional Examples of Work Performed:

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed or duties which may be performed.)  

•    Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire department property, cleans and washes walls and floors, makes minor repairs, washes and dries hoses, mows yard, washes windows, paints, and otherwise maintains quarters.

•    Operates departmental radios during day-to-day operations and in emergencies.

•    Carries fire department radio/pager when off duty and responds to emergencies as needed.

•    Participates in annual hose test, which involves unloading and reloading fire hose back on apparatus.

•    Participates in the biannual testing of fire hydrants, which involves taking caps off hydrants, opening up hydrants, and checking water flow. Also includes trimming weeds from around hydrants and spraying weed killer as needed.

•    Performs duties of Lieutenant in the temporary absence of Lieutenant.

•    Any other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

•    Knowledge of fire prevention and State and City regulations as applied to firefighting and prevention.

•    Knowledge of the geographic area of the City.

•    Knowledge of general first aid and CPR.

•    Knowledge of firefighting equipment and its intended uses.

•    Ability to react quickly and calmly in an emergency and to determine the proper course of action.

•    Ability to learn to operate a variety of firefighting equipment.

•    Ability to operate a large truck safely.

•    Ability to work under extreme weather conditions and dangerous heights.

•    Ability to understand and maintain an effective working relationship with the public and other employees.

•    Ability to wear heavy protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus for extended periods of time.

•    Ability to climb ladders.

•    Ability to operate and maintain power equipment.

•    Ability to drive fire department apparatus at speeds consistent with safety considering traffic, weather, and road conditions and including knowledge of laws and department procedures regarding the operation of emergency vehicles in emergency responses.

•    Ability to regulate and operate fire department pumper at the capacity or pressure for which it was designed.

•    Ability to physically and mentally climb to different heights and function in close quarters.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

•    High school graduate or equivalent.

•    State of Tennessee or equal certifications as a Firefighter I and have or be able to obtain Firefighter II within three (3) years of employment.

•    Must become a RBFD certified PDO within 6 months of hire and obtain Tennessee Commission on Firefighting Pumper Driver Operator or equal (IFSAC, Pro Board) within 1 year from date of hire and thereafter maintain throughout employment. within the City of Red Bank.).

•    Tennessee Emergency Medical Responder or higher.

•    CPR

•    ICS 100, 200,700, 800

•    A minimum of a valid class D driver’s license and a clean driving history.

•    Must have completed a basic firefighting academy of at least 240 hours. Training is subject to verification by the Training Division. 

•    Must maintain required certifications as prescribed by the department.

•    Ability to obtain and maintain various additional certifications as required by the department.

•    Must maintain an operating telephone and the number must be listed with the department.

•    Must reside within a distance to the City limits that is reasonable to afford an acceptable response time as determined by the Fire Chief.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

    The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  

    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to operate, finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.  

    The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  Firefighting and emergency operations must be performed during all kinds of weather conditions.  The employee can be exposed to extreme heat, smoke, hazardous chemicals, infectious diseases, and falling materials.  Employees must perform duties requiring bending, crouching, stooping, crawling, and climbing in buildings and close quarters that may be filled with smoke.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

*** Applications will be weighted according to met minimum qualifications at time of application***

Any of these factors may be used: formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview, and reference check; job-related tests may be required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The City of Red Bank is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Apply instructions:

Please submit application and resume via our website or email to tperry@redbanktn.gov. 

Applications may also be submitted via mail in an envelope marked “Firefighter” to:

City of Red Bank

Attn:  Human Resources

3105 Dayton Blvd.

Chattanooga, TN 37415

___________________________________________________________________________________________

             Looking Ahead

               October 1st - Regular Commission Work Session - 5 PM

                                    Regular Commission Meeting - 6 PM 

               October 15th - Regular Commission Work Session - 5 PM

                                    Regular Commission Meeting - 6 PM 

              October 9th - Planning Commission Work Session - 12 PM

              October 23rd - Regular Planning Commission Meeting - 6 PM