Closings - WKAC

City Of Athens

Municipal Court cases set for Jan. 18 are continued. Cases set for settlement docket moved to Feb. 15 at 9am: Cases set for trial moved to Feb. 15 at 1pm. This is for Municipal Court through the City of Athens. This is NOT for any court cases through Limestone County Circuit and District Courts.

Prepare NOW for severe weather

Homeowners can also make preparations for severe weather. The Federal Emergency Management Agency advises homeowners to take preparations before an emergency or weather event occurs. For winter weather, FEMA advises people to have emergency supply kits in their homes and vehicles.

In the home install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups. Keep enough supplies for everyone in the household, including pets, such as non-perishable food, water and medication. Also have extra batteries, a battery-operated radio and flashlights.

In the vehicle kit keep jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and non-perishable snacks. Keep a full tank of gas.

Here is FEMA’s “be prepared” list:

· Take an inventory now of the items you need that rely on electricity. Make backup plans, including relocation plans, if you have medical equipment or assistive technology devices that are dependent on power for life-sustaining purposes.

· Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.

· Install battery-powered smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in central locations on every floor of your home and outside of bedrooms. Electric detectors with battery backup are also acceptable.

· Keep mobile phones and any battery-powered devices charged, and make sure you have backup charging methods such as a car charger.

· Keep your car’s gas tank full. If you use your car to charge devices, do not leave the car running in a garage, partly closed space, or near a home to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

· During a power outage, only use flashlights for lighting. Avoid using candles, as they could be a fire hazard.

· Review your household power outage supplies. Ensure you have at least one flashlight with extra batteries per household member and a ready supply of nonperishable food and water.

· Turn off or disconnect appliances and other equipment to protect them from quick power surges. Whenever possible, use surge protectors.

· Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves, or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home. Follow manufacturer instructions.

· Do not use heat sources inside that are designed for outside use because they produce carbon monoxide and are not designed with ventilation. Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes, resulting in carbon monoxide poisoning. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.

· Check on your neighbors. Older adults and young children are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures.

· Keep perishable food cold to avoid illness. Keep a thermometer in your refrigerator and freezer to monitor the temperature. When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color, or texture.

· If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise.