Mississippi leads the nation in home fire fatalities, and this paramount reason prompted the Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) to host two fire safety workshops on last week in conjunction with Pleasant Grove and Hopewell United Methodist Churches. On Monday night, Randal Livingston, Fire Chief of the Betheden Volunteer Fire Department emphasized the need for families to develop fire escape plans to prevent the needless loss of lives. This scenario prompted several participants to ask pertinent questions about protecting their families and homes. One individual mentioned to the crowd to request a professional to check of your heating system before using due to inactivity over the last several months. Gail Triplett, Fire Captain, said “Each home needs a working fire extinguisher to help minimize fires. An extinguisher should be placed in an easily accessible area of your home with a clear pathway in obtaining for use.” Thomas Coleman, Pleasant Grove church member, echoed the need for individuals in eastern Winston County to work collectively to reduce home fires. Additionally, we need younger individuals to become active members of the fire department to help lower the cost of home insurance premiums. On Tuesday, the fire safety workshop occurred at Hopewell United Methodist Church in the Hinze Community west of Louisville. Jody Garrad, Winston County Fire Coordinator, quizzed twenty-six individuals about the pros and cons of reducing home fires. Jody stated some of the common causes of fires includes overloaded extension cords, un-attended cooking and careless smoking in the home. Linden Ball, WCSHC member, asked attendees to support local volunteer fire departments in their fund-raising efforts to purchase essential equipment to fight fires and save lives. Columbus McReynolds, WCSHC member, presented Hopewell U. M. Church with the WCSHC’s Save Rural America Certificate. Arlexis Yarbrough accepted the certificate on the behalf of the church. The WCSHC vehemently convey thanks to the pastors and congregations for the use of their facilities. Frank Taylor, the WCSHC Team Leader, reminded attendees to participate in the upcoming Thanksgiving’s Farmers Market on Monday, November 19, 2018, 3-6pm at the Louisville Coliseum. For more information about this market contact Jean Harper 662-312-8004.
