The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is raising awareness of the dangers posed by consumer fireworks and urging Tennesseans to leave the fireworks to the pros instead of risking their lives and possibly breaking the law by detonating fireworks themselves.
According to State Fire Marshal and Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak, “July Fourth is a great opportunity to celebrate our nation’s independence with friends and family. The best way to ensure you and your loved ones have a safe Fourth is to join other community members in attending public fireworks displays put on by trained and licensed professionals.”
Shooting fireworks at home brings risks to people’s lives, health, and property. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks each Independence Day holiday. According to state fire data, fireworks caused 412 unintended fires and resulted in over $1 million in property damages and one death in Tennessee from 2013–2017.
If consumers choose to shoot fireworks themselves, they should familiarize themselves with local fireworks laws first. Several counties and cities in the Volunteer State have ordinances and restrictions related to fireworks usage. Before purchasing or detonating fireworks, the SFMO urges residents to check with their local police or fire department to determine local laws about fireworks.
In addition to local laws, Tennessee has several state laws pertaining to fireworks:
· A 2007 Tennessee law prevents children under 16 from purchasing fireworks. Those who are 16 or 17 must present a photo ID to purchase them.
· State legislation passed in 2011 reclassified sky lanterns as special fireworks exclusively for use by individuals with a professional license. The general public cannot purchase or use sky lanterns. If a sky lantern is found in the possession of someone who does not have a professional license issued by the SFMO, the device can be confiscated and destroyed.
· A law passed in 2015 prohibits flying a drone (unmanned aircraft) above an outdoor ticketed event with more than 100 people, or in the vicinity of a fireworks display site, without the permission of the event operator.
If consumer fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:
· Never allow children to handle or ignite fireworks.
· Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
· Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
· Wear eye protection.
· Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
· Never throw or point fireworks at people or animals.
· Only light fireworks outdoors on a smooth, flat surface away from homes, dry leaves and flammable materials.
· Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.
· Keep a bucket of water and a garden hose nearby in case of a malfunction or fire.
· Sparklers are not toys and cause hundreds of injuries every year. Sparklers burn hot, can reach temperatures as high as 1,200° F, and stay hot long after they’ve burned out. You wouldn’t hand a matchbook or lighter to a child to wave or play with – so, don’t give a child a sparkler.
For more fire safety information and to download a State Fire Marshal’s Office calendar, visit www.tn.gov/fire.
News
Today Is Deadline To Register To Vote In August Primary
Tennesseans who want to vote in the August. 2nd primary must register to vote today.
Luckily, registering is easier than ever in Tennessee using a computer, tablet or smartphone. Online voter registration allows any U.S. citizen with a driver’s license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to register online at GoVoteTN.com.
“This is the first major election cycle where Tennessee’s online voter registration has been in place. We’ve seen tremendous interest because we are meeting people online where they already are,” Secretary of State Tre Hargett said.
Early voting begins Friday, July 13, and runs Mondays through Saturdays until Saturday, July 28. Election Day is Thursday, Aug. 2.
“We have major races this election season so there will be a lot of interest as Tennesseans decide who will represent them across all levels of government. I urge voters to take advantage of early voting,” Sec. Hargett said.
Voters can also download the GoVoteTN app, available in the App Store or Google Play, to view voter-specific information. Voters can find early voting and Election Day polling locations, view and mark sample ballots and much more.
State Fire Marshall: Leave Fireworks To The Professionals
The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is raising awareness of the dangers posed by consumer fireworks and urging Tennesseans to leave the fireworks to the pros instead of risking their lives and possibly breaking the law by detonating fireworks themselves.According to State Fire Marshal and Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak, “July Fourth is a great opportunity to celebrate our nation’s independence with friends and family. The best way to ensure you and your loved ones have a safe Fourth is to join other community members in attending public fireworks displays put on by trained and licensed professionals.”
Shooting fireworks at home brings risks to people’s lives, health, and property. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks each Independence Day holiday. According to state fire data, fireworks caused 412 unintended fires and resulted in over $1 million in property damages and one death in Tennessee from 2013–2017.
If consumers choose to shoot fireworks themselves, they should familiarize themselves with local fireworks laws first. Several counties and cities in the Volunteer State have ordinances and restrictions related to fireworks usage. Before purchasing or detonating fireworks, the SFMO urges residents to check with their local police or fire department to determine local laws about fireworks.
In addition to local laws, Tennessee has several state laws pertaining to fireworks:
· A 2007 Tennessee law prevents children under 16 from purchasing fireworks. Those who are 16 or 17 must present a photo ID to purchase them.
· State legislation passed in 2011 reclassified sky lanterns as special fireworks exclusively for use by individuals with a professional license. The general public cannot purchase or use sky lanterns. If a sky lantern is found in the possession of someone who does not have a professional license issued by the SFMO, the device can be confiscated and destroyed.
· A law passed in 2015 prohibits flying a drone (unmanned aircraft) above an outdoor ticketed event with more than 100 people, or in the vicinity of a fireworks display site, without the permission of the event operator.
If consumer fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:
· Never allow children to handle or ignite fireworks.
· Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
· Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
· Wear eye protection.
· Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
· Never throw or point fireworks at people or animals.
· Only light fireworks outdoors on a smooth, flat surface away from homes, dry leaves and flammable materials.
· Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.
· Keep a bucket of water and a garden hose nearby in case of a malfunction or fire.
· Sparklers are not toys and cause hundreds of injuries every year. Sparklers burn hot, can reach temperatures as high as 1,200° F, and stay hot long after they’ve burned out. You wouldn’t hand a matchbook or lighter to a child to wave or play with – so, don’t give a child a sparkler.
For more fire safety information and to download a State Fire Marshal’s Office calendar, visit www.tn.gov/fire.
Today Is Deadline To Register To Vote In August Primary
Tennesseans who want to vote in the August. 2nd primary must register to vote today.
Luckily, registering is easier than ever in Tennessee using a computer, tablet or smartphone. Online voter registration allows any U.S. citizen with a driver’s license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to register online at GoVoteTN.com.
“This is the first major election cycle where Tennessee’s online voter registration has been in place. We’ve seen tremendous interest because we are meeting people online where they already are,” Secretary of State Tre Hargett said.
Early voting begins Friday, July 13, and runs Mondays through Saturdays until Saturday, July 28. Election Day is Thursday, Aug. 2.
“We have major races this election season so there will be a lot of interest as Tennesseans decide who will represent them across all levels of government. I urge voters to take advantage of early voting,” Sec. Hargett said.
Voters can also download the GoVoteTN app, available in the App Store or Google Play, to view voter-specific information. Voters can find early voting and Election Day polling locations, view and mark sample ballots and much more.
July 4th Can Be Deadly On The Roads
While Independence Day celebrations are traditionally known for outdoor events, fireworks and family get-togethers, the iconic U.S. holiday has become notorious for crashes and fatalities on the road.
In 2016, 188 people were killed in a crash involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher during the Independence Day holiday. This represents a 28 percent increase from the previous year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
“Celebrating our country’s independence is a wonderful tradition across our nation, but it’s important to remain responsible and safe throughout the holiday,” said Amy Stracke, managing director of traffic safety advocacy for AAA – The Auto Club Group and executive director of the Auto Club Group Traffic Safety Foundation. “Everyone deserves to get home safely.”
To encourage those celebrating the holiday from getting behind the wheel impaired, AAA, its Auto Club Group Traffic Safety Foundation and Budweiser are offering their free Tow to Go program. AAA predicts a record-breaking 46.9 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more away from home this Independence Day, the highest number since AAA started its tracking 18 years ago.
“We encourage everyone who’s celebrating to plan ahead, make arrangements for safe transportation and avoid driving impaired at all costs,” said Megan Cooper, Tennessee Public Affairs Specialist, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “A good way to keep the Tow to Go number handy is to program it into your phone in advance so you don’t have to search for it later.”
For anyone who needs a safe ride home, Tow to Go is available from Tuesday, July 3, until 6 a.m. on Thursday, July 5. Tow to Go is available by calling (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246
July 4th Can Be Deadly On The Roads
While Independence Day celebrations are traditionally known for outdoor events, fireworks and family get-togethers, the iconic U.S. holiday has become notorious for crashes and fatalities on the road.In 2016, 188 people were killed in a crash involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher during the Independence Day holiday. This represents a 28 percent increase from the previous year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
“Celebrating our country’s independence is a wonderful tradition across our nation, but it’s important to remain responsible and safe throughout the holiday,” said Amy Stracke, managing director of traffic safety advocacy for AAA – The Auto Club Group and executive director of the Auto Club Group Traffic Safety Foundation. “Everyone deserves to get home safely.”
To encourage those celebrating the holiday from getting behind the wheel impaired, AAA, its Auto Club Group Traffic Safety Foundation and Budweiser are offering their free Tow to Go program. AAA predicts a record-breaking 46.9 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more away from home this Independence Day, the highest number since AAA started its tracking 18 years ago.
“We encourage everyone who’s celebrating to plan ahead, make arrangements for safe transportation and avoid driving impaired at all costs,” said Megan Cooper, Tennessee Public Affairs Specialist, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “A good way to keep the Tow to Go number handy is to program it into your phone in advance so you don’t have to search for it later.”
For anyone who needs a safe ride home, Tow to Go is available from Tuesday, July 3, until 6 a.m. on Thursday, July 5. Tow to Go is available by calling (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246.
Woodbury Planning Commission Revists West Main
Property along Main Street was on the agenda again this month before the Woodbury Municipal Planning Commission.
During the May meeting a final plat request was presented. The area along West Main Street and the East Fork of the Stones River is listed as West Gate Shopping Center, Section 2. The plat involves three tracts, including the location of the Verizon store. The board accepted the request.
During last night’s meeting a rezoning was requested to amend the property from C-3 (Highway Commercial District) to C-2 (Central Commercial District). Commission member Harold Patrick motioned and seconded by Mayor Andy Duggin to recommend to the Board of Alderman to change section 1 and 2 of the property from C-3 to C-2. The tracts are boarded by West Main Street to Stones River.
The rezoning discussion was the only item on the commission’s agenda for the meeting.
Board Chairman Finds Solution To Keeping Fields Clean
Approving new programs, updating policies and making sure the grass is cut filled much of the agenda at this week’s meeting of the Cannon County Board of Education.
Head Football Coach Matt Daniel addressed the board concerning the changes recently make to the booster organization. The group is now known as the Touchdown Club and is a school support organization. They have applied for non-profit status as a 401-3c. The focus is for all football programs not just high school. The organization will work in concert with the school board, director of schools and the principal. The board approved the club and their commitment to work with the organization.
Coach Daniel took the opportunity to ask the board for assistance with a mower to properly maintain the grounds on all of the high school’s sports fields. The research indicated the cost would exceed $10,000.00. After discussion among board members, the consensus was the timing for the request at this time in the budget process would be difficult.
Chair Bruce Daniel addressed the board on his love for the football program. His support is no secret to not only Cannon County fans, but to football fans thru the area. Daniel proposed that to assist with acquiring the equipment, his business, Huff and Puff Trucking would pre-pay for his billboards on the county’s sports fields for the next five years. This would generate the needed $10,000.00 for the purchase. The school board accepted the offer. In the past, the mowing of the sports fields was performed with the coaches’ personal mowers.
After much discussion, the board accepted the bid for mowing the grounds of all county schools from Fisher Landscaping of Short Mountain.
The bid from Preston Brothers Construction was accepted by the board for installation of new door hardware for Westside, Woodbury Grammar and Eastside. The renovations are required to meet new requirements of the State Fire Marshall’s office.
The state has changed the guidelines concerning attendance policies and procedures. Bonnie Patterson presented the board with the revisions. The new guidelines were approved.
Not all items on the agenda received attention. For a variety of reasons, action was tabled on items including; bus bids, security fence at Eastside school and a proposal from the baseball team.
Addressing budget amendments is still ahead for the board. A special called meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 26th at the Central office.
For persons wishing more information about the Touchdown Club, check their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Touchdown-Club-of-CCHS-Football-321298621294797/
United Way Assists In Savings To Local Citizens On Prescriptions
The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties and FamilyWize announced today that local Rutherford and Cannon Counties community members have saved $3,100,000 on prescription medications through the organizations’ partnership. The results were revealed in their annual Health Impact Report, a compilation of data reflecting the health and financial support offered by United Way and FamilyWize in its joint community initiatives across the country.
In May, FamilyWize acknowledged Mental Health Awareness Month by joining the mental health community in their efforts to educate patients on the importance of treatment adherence. FamilyWize commits itself to increasing the public’s understanding surrounding mental illness and patients’ accessibility to affordable medications. One in six adult Americans is affected by mental health conditions, with 56 percent of adults with mental illness not receiving treatment.
Key community highlights from the Health Impact Report for Rutherford and Cannon Counties include:
- $1,000,000 savings on prescription mental health medications
- $3,100,000 total savings on all prescription medications
- 29,000 community members helped
“Rising prescription prices continue to be a major burden for so many in our community, whether their medications are for mental health or another illness. We consider ourselves advocates for individuals struggling with the high costs of mental illness,” said Meagan Flippin, CEO and President of United Way. “Our partnership with FamilyWize enables us to address this issue by offering resources to all community members seeking affordable healthcare. The impact we’re making is changing lives, and we look forward to helping many more families in the years to come.”
FamilyWize is a free program offered by United Way, has no eligibility or registration requirements and provides families and individuals access to affordable prescription medications. Visit www.familywize.org to download their Apple or Android mobile app, print out the discount card or simply learn more about the program. The card is also available at the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties office.
Today Is Elder Abuse Awareness Day
With elder abuse being an ever-increasing problem, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam has proclaimed June 15, 2018 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Tennessee. In honor of this day, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Securities and Consumer Affairs divisions offer tips to help seniors avoid falling victim to identity theft and financial abuse.World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was created by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization of the United Nations in 2006 to bring awareness to the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of seniors. TDCI advocates for consumer protection such as the passage in 2017 of SBO511/HB1050 which revises the Anti-Phishing Act of 2006 by making it a Class A misdemeanor to send inaccurate or misleading caller ID information with the intent to defraud, harm or steal. Under the legislation, the Attorney General may seek a court order and recover a penalty of up to $10,000 per violation.
“Older adults are often victims of financial fraud and identity theft because they are vulnerable to scammers,” said TDCI Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “This vulnerability stems from the wealth they have accumulated over their careers, their tendency to be trusting, and their increasing isolation from family, friends, and caregivers. It is our responsibility as Tennesseans to keep a watchful eye out for signs of elder financial exploitation and promptly reporting any suspicions to the appropriate party.”
TDCI offers the following tips to help residents of the Volunteer State recognize and avoid financial exploitation and fraud:Senior Investor Tips
If a stranger asks for money, proceed with caution. Swindlers can take advantage of your good manners.
Make sure you invest with a licensed investment adviser. You can ensure a broker is licensed here.
Beware of salespeople who prey upon your fears. Fear can blind your good judgement. Only invest when you have all the facts and feel comfortable.
Don’t be embarrassed to report fraud or abuse. Every day you delay reporting fraud or abuse is another day the scammer is spending your money and finding new victims.
Identity Theft Prevention Tips
Never buy from a stranger who calls or visits unannounced.
Shred all paperwork containing any identifying information, healthcare information, banking information, or passwords.
Monitor bank and credit card statements.
Monitor your credit report.
Use direct deposit for benefit checks to prevent checks from being stolen.
Never give your credit card, banking, Social Security number, Medicare number, or other personal information over the phone, unless you initiated the call.
If you suspect that you might be a victim of securities or insurance fraud, or if you would like to file a complaint or speak with an investigator, please contact the Tennessee Securities Division – Financial Services Investigations Unit at (615) 741-5900 or visit ther website. Other types of elder abuse involving abuse, neglect or exploitation should be reported to the Tennessee Department of Human Services, Adult Protective Services Unit by phone at (888) 277-8366 or by visiting https://reportadultabuse.dhs.tn.gov/.
For more consumer tips, including additional resources on identity theft and other scams, visit the TDCI Consumer Affairs Division at www.tn.gov/consumer.