The Train derailment in September 2004 was very similar to the one that occurred in Graniteville, SC. So you may ask, what would we do if this same accident happens in our community? For several months’ town officials, police, fire and rescue personnel have been working on an emergency response plan for Pacolet. We have been working with the Spartanburg County Emergency Preparedness Department, American Red Cross and the Spartanburg County Com Center (911). We are developing plans to handle a major emergency that could occur in our community such as; tornadoes, fires, winter storms, flash flooding, train derailments, and  any other disaster possible. We are working on shelter areas for disaster victims, phone listings for emergency organizations, outside agencies that may be called upon to provide assistance. We are researching the possibility of establishing a mobile community response command post. This vehicle would be used as a central command  and coordinating center. We want our community to know we are actively engaged in developing a formal plan to handle any large scale emergency. Once our Initial Response Plan is developed a special newsletter will be issued.

Smoke Detectors
The Pacolet Police, Fire and Rescue strive to make our community a safe place to live. Upon several tragic events that have happened in other areas, especially those concerning fire deaths, the Pacolet Fire District would like to remind our community again the importance of having a working smoke detector installed in your home. Smoke detectors are available from the Pacolet Fire  Department for a cost of $5.00. If you can not afford a smoke detector, you may qualify to receive one smoke detector free of charge. Every smoke detector should be tested weekly and batteries should be replaced twice a year. A good time is when during daylight saving time change. If you can not install your smoke detector, or change the batteries due to a physical condition, and/or have any questions, please call the Fire Station at 474-3054 on Monday through Friday from 8 am to 3 pm. The following safety items are available during the days and times listed above at the station on 160 Hillbrook Circle: smoke detectors and reflective address signs ($10 ea.) The reflective signs are clearly visible from the road so that fire, police and rescue can quickly locate your house in an emergency. Always, call the fire station to make sure a firefighter is available.