Riverwalk

GRIFTON — Riverwalk Apartment residents learned that every second counts when a fire breaks out, thanks to training provided by Grifton’s Fire Department.

The training was provided as part of a three-phase effort to educate residents on what to do in an emergency situation.

The second phase was to teach residents how to use fire extinguishers, something residents learned on July 14.

"The objective is to save lives and of course, save the property," Riverwalk Property Manager and Community Service Coordinator Cynthia Hudson said.

Kinston Fire Extinguisher Company’s owner, Will Rogers, visited residents at Riverwalk and gave training on how to use a fire extinguisher, setting small fires and letting the residents try and put them out quickly and safely. Riverwalk purchased their extinguishers from the company and the training was something provided.

"I thought it was a very nice thing to offer," Hudson said.

Grifton’s Fire Department also came out and showed videos on what to do in a fire. They also showed residents the equipment they use to go in a fire.

"They really gave everybody a good mental training on what to do and why to do it," Hudson said.

Hudson said the training was important for residents because the 25-unit apartment complex has only one door to go in and out of and although it meets requirements, it could still be an issue for residents if a fire were to break out.

The third phase will be to hold fire drills so residents can practice safely exiting their apartments. This phase Hudson hopes to begin soon and continue to offer the training sessions to residents.

"We plan for this to be a continued effort," Hudson said.

Hudson said about 50 percent of residents participated in the training. Grifton Manor Property Manager Rhonda Jordan also came out to witness the training and Hudson hopes she will consider doing the training for her residents as well.

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