Bethlehem Community Fire and Rescue Inc.

09/10/2026

September is National Preparedness Month, an annual observance that encourages individuals, families, businesses, and communities to prepare for emergencies and disasters before they happen.

Alexander County Emergency Management officials encourage residents and businesses to use the month as an opportunity to review their emergency plans and update their emergency supply kits.

“Whether it’s a natural disaster or a manmade emergency, everyone needs to be prepared,” said Daniel Fox, Alexander County Emergency Management Coordinator. “Start by talking with your family about what you would do in an emergency and then practice your plan. Know where you would go if you had to evacuate, whether that’s with family or friends, at a hotel, or another safe location. A good emergency plan should also be flexible because circumstances can change quickly during a disaster.”

Fox encourages residents, schools, and businesses to develop and routinely practice emergency plans with household members, students, staff, or employees. Plans should include meeting locations, methods of communication, evacuation procedures, arrangements for pets, and other needs specific to the household or organization.

“You should also keep an emergency supply kit that can sustain you and your family for three to seven days without outside assistance,” Fox said. “Check your kit regularly to make sure food hasn’t expired, batteries are fresh, and medications and other supplies are current. Include clothing appropriate for the season and make sure you have the necessities you would need if utilities, stores, or other services were unavailable.”

Fox also encourages friends, family, and neighbors to routinely check on the elderly to ensure their health and safety.

Basic items that should be included in an emergency kit:
• Water: 1 gallon per person per day for 3 to 7 days
• Non-perishable and canned food for 3 to 7 days
• Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and NOAA Weather Radio with extra batteries
• Cell phone with charger
• First aid kit and first aid manual
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Manual can opener
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Blanket or sleeping bag for each person
• Prescription medications, glasses, and hearing aids
• Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and feminine hygiene supplies
• Extra house and vehicle keys
• Important documents, including insurance policies, copies of identification, Social Security cards, and bank account records
• Fire extinguisher
• Cash and coins
• Books, games, or cards

Alexander County utilizes the CodeRED emergency alert notification system to provide important information during emergencies. Residents are encouraged to register to receive alerts. Learn more at https://alexandercountync.gov/codered.

For help developing an emergency plan, building an emergency supply kit, and other preparedness information, visit www.ReadyNC.gov.

08/20/2026

🚨 HEAD UP. PHONE DOWN. SCHOOL STARTS BACK NEXT WEEK! 🎒📚

It’s almost time for a new school year! As students, parents, teachers, and staff get back into their routines, remember that back-to-school safety goes beyond the classroom.

🚶 Students walking: Stay alert, put the phone away, use crosswalks, obey crossing signals, and watch for traffic.

🚗 Parents & students driving: Keep your eyes on the road, put the phone down, slow down in school zones, and watch carefully for students walking and riding bikes.

🚌 Around school buses: Slow down, stop when required, and never pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing.

🏫 Around school: Watch for increased traffic and pedestrians, follow school drop-off and pick-up procedures, and be patient—everyone is learning the new routine.

🎒 For students: Know your route, stay with friends when possible, pay attention to your surroundings, and follow school rules.

📵 Most importantly, stay focused. A text can wait. A notification can wait. Your safety can’t.

Let’s start the school year safely and look out for one another. HEAD UP. PHONE DOWN. SLOW DOWN. GET HOME SAFE!

08/19/2026

08/13/2026

🚨 TWICE IN 72 HOURS — SMOKE DETECTORS SAVED LIVES 🚨

In the past 72 hours, working smoke detectors have alerted occupants to fires in their homes TWICE—giving them the time they needed to recognize the danger, get out, and call for help.

TWICE. In just 72 hours.

These incidents are a powerful reminder that a working smoke detector can truly be the difference between life and death.

🔥 Please make sure your home is protected:

* Test your smoke detectors regularly.
* Replace batteries when needed.
* Replace smoke detectors that are 10 years old or older.
* Have a working smoke detector on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas.
* Make sure everyone in your home knows two ways out of every room and where to meet outside.

A fire can spread through a home in minutes, and smoke can become deadly even faster. Don’t wait until it’s too late to find out if your smoke detectors work.

📞 Need help? If you need assistance testing your smoke detectors or do not have working smoke detectors, call the Bethlehem Community Fire & Rescue Station 32 at 828-495-7411, Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. We are happy to help make sure your home is protected.

Take a few minutes today. TEST YOUR SMOKE DETECTORS.
That simple test could give you and your family the time needed to get out safely.

Fire officials noted that the functioning smoke alarms played a direct role in saving the occupants’ lives.

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy 4th of July from Bethlehem Community Fire & Rescue! 🇺🇸

As we celebrate Independence Day and the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, we are reminded of the courage, sacrifice, and service that have shaped our nation for generations. We are proud to serve our community and help keep our citizens safe during this holiday weekend.

While celebrating with family and friends, please remember that fireworks can quickly turn dangerous when not handled properly.

🎆 Firework Safety Reminders:
• Follow all local laws and safety guidelines
• Never allow children to handle fireworks without close adult supervision
• Keep fireworks away from homes, vehicles, dry grass, and wooded areas
• Have a water hose, bucket of water, or fire extinguisher readily available
• Never relight malfunctioning fireworks
• After use, soak all used fireworks in water before disposing of them to help prevent trash and brush fires

🚫 If your celebration includes alcohol, please do not drink and drive. Plan ahead for a safe ride home, use a designated driver, or call for a ride. One bad decision can change lives forever.

From all of us at Bethlehem Community Fire & Rescue, have a safe and Happy 4th of July!

🇺🇸 Stay safe, and God Bless America. 🇺🇸

06/22/2026

The 2026 Caleb Benfield Challenge officially kicked off tonight, and we are excited for the coming week investing in the future of the fire service. Over the next several days, these campers will be challenged both mentally and physically while building leadership, teamwork, and firefighting skills.

We are proud to help support opportunities like this for young individuals who have a passion for serving their communities, and we look forward to watching them grow throughout the week.

We would also like to extend a huge thank you to Village Inn Of Bethlehem for generously sponsoring tonight’s meal for our campers and instructors. Your support and partnership with our community programs is greatly appreciated!

Good luck to all participants, and we hope everyone has a safe and rewarding week at the 2026 Caleb Benfield Challenge!

05/24/2026

While rainy conditions may keep some people off the water this weekend, Memorial Day also marks the start of boating season for many families across our area. Bethlehem Community Fire and Rescue would like to remind everyone to make boater safety a priority.

Always wear a properly fitted life jacket, avoid alcohol while operating a boat, and make sure you have all required safety equipment onboard before heading out. Life jackets save lives — for adults and children alike.

Have fun, stay alert, and help make this holiday weekend a safe one for everyone on the water.

🚤☀️🦺

PC: Brown & Crouppen Law Firm

05/24/2026

Bethlehem Community Fire and Rescue honors and remembers the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness will never be forgotten.

As we spend time with family and friends this Memorial Day, let us take a moment to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy because of those who gave everything in service to our nation.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all Gold Star families and to those who continue to serve our country today.

🇺🇸 “All gave some, some gave all.” 🇺🇸

05/23/2026

Bethlehem Community Fire and Rescue would like to congratulate all of the 2026 graduates of Alexander Central High School on this major accomplishment and milestone in your lives and wish you the very best in your future endeavors.

We would also like to give a special congratulations to our Junior Firefighters — Kade Church, Jacob Davis, Kolvin Walker, and Coley Whitener. Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and commitment to serving our community while balancing school, training, and extracurricular activities. We are proud to have each of you as part of our department and look forward to seeing what the future holds for you all.

Congratulations Class of 2026! 🎓🚒

05/23/2026

This week, Fire Chief Starnes and Deputy Chief Fox had the honor of attending NC Fire Services Legislative Day in Raleigh. It was a valuable opportunity to speak directly with lawmakers about the needs and challenges facing our fire service and the Bethlehem community as a whole.

We are especially grateful to all the representatives for taking the time to meet with Chief Starnes, Deputy Chief Fox, and other fire service leaders. Their willingness to listen and engage in meaningful conversations about public safety is deeply appreciated.