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Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:04 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:04:25 GMT
A Jasper County man was injured Tuesday afternoon, June 18, in a two-vehicle accident with one vehicle rolling over on its side after the collision. Shortly after 4 p.m. a 911 call came into the JonesMore >>
A Jasper County man was injured Tuesday afternoon, June 18, in a two-vehicle accident with one vehicle rolling over on its side after the collision. Shortly after 4 p.m. a 911 call came into the JonesMore >>
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:06 AM EDT2013-06-18 15:06:15 GMT
New details are emerging on the suspect and device found at Marion General Hospital Thursday. Columbia Police, Marion County investigators, ATF, MBI, and the highway patrol responded to a possible explosiveMore >>
Investigators from Columbia, Marion County, ATF, MBI, and the Highway patrol responded to a possible explosive device at Marion General Hospital on Thursday.More >>
Tuesday, June 18 2013 7:45 PM EDT2013-06-18 23:45:53 GMT
With the possibility of a special legislative session on Medicaid just around the corner, the head of a Jackson-based, non-partisan think tank is reiterating his opposition to expanding that program. ForestMore >>
Forest Thigpen, the president of the Mississippi Center for Public Policy, says expanding Medicaid as part of the Affordable Care Act would be a costly mistake for Mississippi.More >>
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:23 AM EDT2013-06-18 13:23:30 GMT
A 5-year-old girl set up a lemonade stand across the street from the Westboro Baptist Church compound, and now the group is targeting her. Jayden Sink raised nearly $200 on Friday while she sold lemonadeMore >>
A 5-year-old girl set up a lemonade stand across the street from the Westboro Baptist Church compound, and now the group is targeting her.More >>
The Taliban have claimed responsibility for an attack in Afghanistan that killed four U.S. troops just hours after the insurgent group announced it would hold talks with the Americans on finding a political solution...More >>
Afghanistan's president said Wednesday he will not pursue peace talks with the Taliban unless the United States steps out of the negotiations, while also insisting the militant group stop its violent attacks on the...More >>
Each year fires occurring during the holiday season injure 1,650 Americans and cause over $990 million in damage. There are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following some of the outlined precautionary tips, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.
Preventing Christmas Tree Fires
Selecting a Tree for the Holiday
Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
Caring for Your Tree
Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
Disposing of Your Tree
Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.
Holiday Lights
Maintain Your Holiday Lights
Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets
Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.
Holiday Decorations
Use Only Nonflammable Decorations
All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
Never Put Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace
It can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers and may result in a chimney fire.
Artificial Christmas Trees
If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.
Candle Care
Avoid Using Lit Candles
If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.
Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree
Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame - candles, lighters or matches.
Finally, as in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.
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