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Sheriff Bailey offers tips to curb deadly car accidents during summer driving season
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The Guardian-Journal 07/03/08
Aggressive driving, speeding, alcohol, and sleepiness remain the primary causes behind automobile fatalities, according to newly released information based upon research conducted by an array of federal agencies and consumer groups, says Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey.
Statistics gathered by the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA), for example, showed that 43,443 people were killed in automobile accidents during 2005, the most recent survey year. Despite a three percent decrease, the number nationally remains unacceptably high and reveals the challenges faced by local and regional law enforcement agencies.
“During the summer, when there are more cars on the road, drivers forget the basic rule of driving, which is to always drive defensively,” Bailey said. “This remains the single most important principle of safe driving.”
Meanwhile, the NHTSA study found that more than 15,000 passenger vehicle occupants died in traffic crashes between the nighttime hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Other disturbing findings revealed that an estimated 1,000 drivers are killed each month in high speed related crashes – 66 percent of those incidents involving a single automobile.
“And let’s not forget to factor in the ever-present problem of drinking and driving,” added Bailey.
In 2004, more than 16,600 people lost their lives as a result of alcohol-impaired vehicle operators.
With this in mind, Bailey has some practice advice to help keep you and your family safe on the roads this summer.
Drinking and driving don’t mix. According to the NHTSA, three in every 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some point. It is best to have a designated driver or refrain from drinking than to lose your life, or cause the loss of life of another.
Always travel with a first aid kit. It can offer a quick bandage, tweezers or alcohol rubs.
Do not drive impaired, which means a drowsy driver or a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Children 12 years of age or younger should ride in the back seat of the vehicle in age-appropriate restraints. In 2004, there were 495 passenger-vehicle occupant fatalities among children less than 5 years of age. Of the 495 fatalities, more than 35 percent were totally unrestrained.
A cell phone can save your life, but it can also cause a collision. It is best that you pull of the road when you need to dial a number or 911.
Use the 3-second rule – the suggested time interval that keeps you from tailgating another vehicle too closely and causing an accident.
A vehicle safety kit should be in the trunk. It should include jumper cables, reflective triangles, a blanket, nonperishable food, a flashlight, and other similar safety items. Even if you do not use many of the items, it will provide a sense of well-being.
Don’t fall asleep at the wheel. According to the NHTSA, most crashes happen when people are alone. In addition, more than 56,000 crashes occur annually in which a drowsy driver is to blame.
Bailey concluded, “Drive defensively every time you get behind the wheel of your car. Make it your habit. Keep your summer safe.”
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Sheriff Cautions Children, Parents to be Safe on Halloween
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The Guardian-Journal 10/25/07
Trick or treat! Halloween is just around the corner, and all the little ghosts and goblins will be out and about knocking on doors gathering their favorite treats.
In a press release by the Louisiana Sheriff’s Educational Foundation, Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey said the possibility of dangers and mishaps is increased due to the popularity of Halloween.
According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 94 percent of all children between the ages of 4 and 12 will participate in Halloween activities each year, and that’s why the safety of all children is so important.
“Many times when parents think of Halloween safety, the first thing they do is remind their kids not to eat unwrapped treats. And that’s good, but there’s so much more to Halloween safety,” Bailey said.
“Child safety is important year round, but Halloween allows us a chance to encourage adults and children to pay attention to their surroundings and not let their guard down,” said Nancy McBride, the safety director for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. “It gives us the opportunity to reinforce some basic safety precautions to help ensure that Halloween is both fun and safe.”
According to Bailey, Halloween is “THE night for pranks.” Toilet papering houses and the like fall into that category. Bailey said to let the children know to enjoy themselves, but some tricks have the potential to hurt others or vandalize property.
“Tell your children that you not only disapprove of vandalism, but that it’s against the law,” Bailey said. “Most important, for safety’s sake, know your children’s plans before they go out with friends.”
In whatever ways families decide to celebrate Halloween with their children, there are ways in which some common sense precautions can ensure safety and reduce the possibility of becoming a victim of crime or an unfortunate accident. Although it is not possible to anticipate all possibilities, risks and dangers, Bailey offered some straightforward tips for parents and children to help create a happy Halloween experience before, during and after the ghosts and goblins have faded into the night.
Before Halloween:
- Plan costumes and accessories that are bright, reflective, fit well and are flame resistant.
- For greater visibility, add reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags.
- Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.
- Consider non-toxic makeup as an alternative to masks that can block eyesight.
- Think twice before using simulated knives, guns or swords. If they are used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury.
- Plan and review with your children the route and behavior which are acceptable to you.
- Plan ahead to use only battery-powered lanterns or chemical light sticks in place of candles in decorations and costumes.
- This is also a great time to buy fresh batteries for your home smoke alarms.
- Teach children how to call 911 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost. Remind them that 911 can be dialed free at any payphone.
- Review with children the principle of “Stop-Drop-Roll,” should their clothes catch fire.
- Clear pathways on your porch and walkway to avoid trips and falls.
- Consider safe party guidelines when hosting an adult or office party.
During Trick-or-Treating
A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children.
Also, teach children if they are ever grabbed to make a scene. They should loudly yell, “This person is not my father/mother/guardian,” and make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming and resisting, said a press release from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
- Remind Trick-or-Treaters
- By using a flashlight, one can see and be seen by others.
- Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
- Only go to homes with a porch light on.
- Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
- If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.
- Never cut across yards or use alleys.
- Never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat.
- Obey all traffic and pedestrian rules.
- Always walk across a street – never run.
- Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks.
- Remove any mask that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway or alley.
- Do not assume right-of-way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters.
- Never consume food items or drinks that may be offered.
- No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an adult at home.
- Law enforcement authorities should be notified of any suspicious or unlawful activity.
After trick-or-treating
- Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. A responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
- Try to apportion treats for the days following Halloween.
- Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies), are given only to those of an appropriate age.
“Remember, a few simple safety precautions can mean all the difference between a fun and memorable celebration, or one spoiled by an avoidable accident,” Bailey said. “Keep safe and have a great Halloween.”
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Sheriff Offers Safety Tips For Christmas Shopping
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Claiborne Parish Ken Bailey advises holiday shoppers, “Think shopping safety at Christmas!” Shoppers are making their lists and checking them twice, But they are probably neglecting to check their safety. Just how safe is shopping at this time of the year? Perhaps not nearly as safe as people assume it to be, according to Sheriff Bailey, especially if people shop alone.
This time of year has a tendency to attract more shopping-related criminal activity because of larger crowds and extended store hours. These factors, combined with the usual distractions related to shopping, create a more favorable environment for petty thieves and other offenders.
In light of these factors, Sheriff Bailey warns shoppers to be on their guard so that they do not become one of the tens of millions of people a year who are victimized by some sort of criminal activity.
Across the U.S., malls and shopping centers are heightening security measures by hiring additional security personnel and installing surveillance cameras in areas such as parking lots and entrance ways.
“Unfortunately, when shopping, people sometimes have a tendency to become distracted and lose sight of their personal safety,” said Sheriff Bailey. “However, there are several precautions busy shoppers can take to help eliminate their chances of becoming a crime statistic.”
Those safety precautions include:
- Always try to shop with another person. A single shopper is the ultimate target for theft.
- When going shopping, make sure you tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return home.
- Plan ahead. If you know you are going to return to your car after nightfall, park in a well-lit area. Note your parking place. Parking lots has a tendency to look very different as cars come and go.
- If you are in a store and sense that you are being followed, locate a store employee or security personnel. Be prepared to give them a complete description of the person you suspect.
- If carrying cash, keep it in a front pocket. This makes it more difficult for a pickpocket to remove.
- Store car keys in a pant or jacket pocket. If you purse is stolen, you will still be able to drive home.
- Take only one or two credit cards and a couple of checks with you.
- Make a list of all credit card numbers and the numbers to call in case they are lost or stolen. This will make the incident a lot easier to report.
- If you feel uneasy returning to your car alone, find a security guard and ask him to walk you to your car.
- When returning to your car, check around it and in the back seat.
- Have your car keys in your hand to avoid spending unnecessary time unprotected from the security of your vehicle.
Sheriff Bailey concluded, “Have a safe and joyous holiday season from your Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office.”
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School Bus Safety Rules
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Each school year is an exciting time for children to make new friends, learn new things, and, for some, ride the school bus. Every day approximately 24 million students use school buses as transportation to and from school. Although school buses represent the safest form of highway transportation, there are a number of safety factors both students and drivers should be aware of. With the new school year now underway and hoping to ensure that it remains safe and happy, Sheriff Bailey encourages caution whenever school buses are present.
Safety measures for students:
- Always arrive at the bus stop early.
- Prior to boarding, wait until the bus has come to a complete stop, the door opens, and the bus driver says that is okay to board.
- Always walk on the sidewalk when preparing to cross the street near a bus. Make eye contact with the driver so that you are sure he or she sees you.
- Never walk behind the bus.
- If you are walking beside the bus, walk at least three giant steps away.
- Take extra precautions to make sure that clothing with drawstrings and book bags do not get caught in the hand rail or door.
- Never stop to pick something up that you have dropped when a bus is stopped. Wait until the bus has driven off to avoid not being seen by the driver.
Safety measures for motorists:
- Remember that children are unpredictable in their actions. Take extreme caution when traveling in a school zone.
- If there are no sidewalks, drive cautiously. Be more alert to the possibility of children walking in the road.
- Be more aware of children playing near school bus stops.
- Slow down and prepare to stop whenever you see yellow school bus lights flashing.
- Never pass a bus when there are flashing red lights. This is a sign that children are getting off the bus.
- Learn and obey the school bus laws in your state.
Sheriff Bailey concluded. "Let's make this school year especially safe. Practice these school bus safety measures for your protection and safety, and make this school year as enjoyable as possible."
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Sheriff Ken Bailey Cautions...
Burglar-Proof Home Before Holiday Travel
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Are you one of the millions of Americans who will make holiday travel part of your Christmas plans? Well, if you are, you should remember that securing your home for holiday travel should be part of your overall plans.
Have you considered how safe and secure your home is while you travel? Well, not as safe as it could be, warned Sheriff Ken Bailey, especially if you do not tend to some simple precautions prior to leaving home.
"Property crimes are the most reported crimes in the country," according to Bailey. "And Christmas is a time when house burglars go into overtime looking for easy opportunities and unwitting victims," the Sheriff continued. "So it is all the more important that everyone pays particular attention to securing their homes while they travel during the holiday season."
How can you reduce your risk of becoming a victim of burglary or theft during the holidays and throughout the year? Sheriff Bailey has some practical suggestions for you to help secure your home.
- Advise your local law enforcement agency to place your home on its patrol list.
- Do not advertise your departure.
- Keep a parked car in your driveway.
- Set your lights and television on a timer.
- Have your newspaper stopped or ask a trusted neighbor or friend to pick up your paper and other leaflets while you are away.
- Do not state, on your answering machine, that you are away. If you do not have a machine, take your phone off the hook or turn the ringer on low so people do not hear your phone endlessly ringing.
- Try to be discreet when packing your luggage.
- Keep your blinds in their normal position_a sudden change is an announcement that your home is unoccupied.
- Scatter a few items around your yard to create the illusion that someone is home.
- Make arrangements to have your yard maintained if you are going to be away for a while.
- Avoid putting your name on anything that can be viewed from the street. A visible name could aid a burglar in casing your home, as they can use your last name and address to look up your phone number. They can then call your home to see if anybody is at home.
- Activate your home alarm, if you have one.
Sheriff Bailey concluded, "Don't forget. Crime is not something that always happens to `the Other guy', it can happen to any of us. So, it is up to all of us to do everything we can to safeguard ourselves as much as possible, not just during the holidays, but all year long. From all of us at the Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office, have a happy and safe holiday."
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Charitable Donations: Give or Take? (FTC)
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You may have contributed some of the $212 billion raised for charities in 2001. Unfortunately, a portion of that amount may have been misused or ended up in the pockets of fraudulent solicitors. With more than 700,000 federally recognized charities soliciting for charitable contributions, it pays to be cautious when making a donation.
Your charity dollars are an investment in your community, the nation and the world. It's wise to use just as much caution when making your charitable giving decisions as you do when making other decisions affecting your overall financial picture...
Full Article: HTML Version or PDF Version
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Fraud Prevention Tips For Older Adults
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- Never participate in sweepstakes offers either through the mail or over the phone. The odds of winning are terrible and many are out and out scams.
- Never buy anything over the phone unless you initiate the call. If a stranger calls you and asks you to buy or invest or donate, hang up the phone.
- Shop in your own backyard. Decide what products you want and then find local merchants in the yellow pages to buy from.
- Never make a buying decision based upon emotion. Don’t let a salesperson convince you to "do it for your kids, or your grandkids."
- Before buying from a business, find out:
- Never buy anything from a door-to-door salesperson, especially someone purporting to be a contractor or a yard worker.
- Never make a buying decision at the time of the sales pitch. Have your own personal rule that you have a three day cooling off period before deciding whether or not to buy.
- Before making a charitable contribution, ask for and review written financial reports of the charity to find out where your money is going.
- Ask for advice from a friend or family member before deciding to buy something.
- The most successful fraud pitch in the United States today is: CONGRATULATIONS, YOU’VE WON! Don’t fall for it. There is nothing free in the marketplace and if someone tells you otherwise, the person is lying.
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Sheriff Bailey Advises Holiday Shoppers
"Deck The Malls With Safety First"
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Anxious shoppers and retailers alike look forward to this day all year, the day after Thanksgiving. It's usually the biggest Christmas shopping day of the year. And this year will be no different. Shoppers are making their lists and checking them twice. But they are probably neglecting to check their safety. Just how safe is shopping at this time of the year? Perhaps not nearly as safe as people assume it to be, according to Sheriff Ken Bailey, especially if people shop alone.
This time of year has a tendency to attract more shopping-related criminal activity because of larger crowds and extended store hours. These factors, combined with the usual distractions related to shopping, create a more favorable environment for petty thieves and other offenders.
In light of these factors, Sheriff Bailey warns shoppers to be on their guard so that they do not become one of the tens of millions of people a year who are victimized by some sort of criminal activity.
Across the U.S., malls and shopping centers are heightening security measures by hiring additional security personnel and installing surveillance cameras in areas such as parking lots and entrance ways.
"Unfortunately, when shopping, people sometimes have a tendency to become distracted and lose sight of their personal safety," said Sheriff Bailey. "However, there are several precautions busy shoppers can take to help eliminate their chances of becoming a crime statistic."
Those safety precautions include:
- Always try to shop with another person. A single shopper is the ultimate target for theft.
- When going shopping, make sure you tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return home.
- Plan ahead. If you know you are going to return to your car after nightfall, park in a well-lit area. Note your parking place. Parking lots have a tendency to look very different as cars come and go.
- If you are in a store and sense that you are being followed, locate a store employee or security personnel. Be prepared to give them a complete description of the person you suspect.
- If carrying cash, keep it in a front pocket. This makes it more difficult for a pickpocket to remove.
- Store car keys in a pant or jacket pocket. If your purse is stolen, you will still be able to drive home.
- Take only one or two credit cards and a couple of checks with you.
- Make a list of all credit card numbers and the numbers to call in case they are lost or stolen. This will make the incident a lot easier to report.
- If you feel uneasy returning to your car alone, find a security guard and ask him to walk you to your car.
- When returning to your car, check around it and in the back seat.
- Have your car keys in your hand to avoid spending unnecessary time unprotected from the security of your vehicle.
Sheriff Bailey concluded, "By taking these simple, safety precautions, you are kicking off your holiday season in a responsible, savvy way. Don't let some would-be criminal ruin your holiday season. Be on guard!"
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Department of Revenue Warns Taxpayers Of Telephone Scam
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Department of Revenue Secretary Cynthia Bridges warns state taxpayers to beware of telephone calls that are purportedly from the Louisiana Department of Revenue, whereby the caller seeks to obtain the recipient's bank account number by promising to deposit a "grant" as a reward for paying their taxes on time.
"The Department of Revenue issues no such grants and taxpayers should consider these telephone calls as a scam designed to rob their bank accounts," Bridges says. She adds the Department has reports that taxpayers have received fraudulent calls from a person who identifies himself as an employee of the Department of Revenue. The caller then tells the taxpayer that because of their excellent record of paying taxes on time, they are entitled to receive a grant given by the Department.
"The caller assures the taxpayer that the Department issues hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in these grants," Bridges says. "The taxpayer is also told that there is only a $249 `processing fee' to receive an $8,000 grant, but their 16-digit bank account number is needed in order to deposit the funds and to pay the processing fee." Bridges stresses that taxpayers should never give out their bank account number, Social Security number, or any other personal information to a telephone caller or in answer to a mail solicitation. "We strongly advise taxpayers to be on guard against this scheme and to tell their friends and family of its existence." Bridges says.
To report possible fraudulent calls, taxpayers should contact the Louisiana Attorney General's Office at 225-326-6400, or the Department of Revenue's Special Investigations Division at 225-219-2280.
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Sheriff Warns Of Danger Of Meth Labs
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Sheriff Ken Bailey Asks Area Residents To Watch For Suspected Meth Lab Activity
As Reported in The Guardian-Journal 07/07/05
Desired by its users because it produces artificial highs which outlast cocaine; it is highly addictive and costs much less. It is methamphetamine, otherwise known on the street and by its users as `ice', `chris', `glass', or just plain old `meth'.
Sheriff Bailey indicated, "Because it doesn't take an elaborate set up to manufacture methamphetamine, it is being illegally manmade in homes right here in Louisiana and across America. Drug dealers and drug rings have left the confines of their inner-city environments and have set their sights instead for slower-paced, family-oriented small towns." `Meth' cooks are setting up labs in houses, apartments, hotel rooms, storage sheds and even in cars.
But how widespread is the threat? According to the most recent statistics released by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 15,000 labs have been reported. Of those, nearly half were found in nine states located in the heartland.
Meanwhile, the market for the drug continues to be robust, particularly with youth. The National Institute of Health's Monitoring the Future survey reveals that more than 6% of high school seniors have used methamphetamine at some point in their lives. The figure drops only slightly (5.2%) for sophomores and 8th graders (3.9%). Figures also indicate that some 12.4 million Americans age 12 and older have tried `meth' at least once, with the majority of previous-year users falling between 18 and 34 years of age.
So what is the reason for the increase of methamphetamine? One reason is the relative ease with which it can be made and the substantial profits which can be derived from the sale of the illegal drug. Within a two-hour period, a `meth' cook can turn a $200 investment of over-the-counter chemicals into a $2,000 profit from the sale of illegal `meth'.
There are numerous recipes to create the highly sought-after drug, many of which use simple over-the-counter cold medications containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. These are then combined with chemicals (most are cancer-causing agents) which are then `cooked' in makeshift labs.
"The grave danger," says Sheriff Bailey, "is that when these chemicals are combined, they can produce a highly toxic, combustible atmosphere that can literally explode at any time during the process."
So, what are the possible signs of a home-based `meth' lab operating in your neighborhood? Look for:
- Unusual, strong odors (like cat urine, ether, ammonia, acetone, rotten eggs or dirty diapers)
- Houses in which the curtains or blinds are blacked out
- Dumped items such as red, chemically stained coffee filters, drain cleaner, duct tape, antifreeze and lantern fuel cans
- Aerosol cans of starter fluid, with puncture holes in the bottom
- Peeled casings from lithium batteries
- White powder residue
- Renters who always pay in cash
Meanwhile, if you discover or happen to stumble across a suspected `meth' lab, there are some very specific protocols that should be followed:
- Do not touch any paraphernalia or chemicals present.
- Get to a safe location, keeping in mind that you could be contaminated.
- Try and recall everything you saw or smelled that could be helpful to a decontamination unit that will be called in to investigate.
- Immediately contact the Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement.
- When suspicious of illegal activity taking place, keep a record, but do not alert or confront the suspects.
- Check with other neighbors to see if they also suspect a problem.
- Develop an evacuation plan. It may be as simple as taking the family to a neighbor's home.
- If you see children living in the home, note and log their condition. If they appear to be neglected, abused, or in any immediate harm, contact law enforcement and social services agencies immediately.
- In the event of an explosion or fire, DO NOT try to fight the fire. Call 911 and provide the operators with your neighborhood's suspicions of the home being used as a `meth' lab. This will enable firefighters and law enforcement officers to take the appropriate precautions.
- Keep your family and neighbors at least 500 feet away and UPWIND of smoke and fumes emanating from a suspected home-based `meth' lab that caught fire. This will help you avoid fumes that contain high dosages of toxins and contaminates.
Sheriff Bailey said, "Methamphetamine manufacturing is a dirty, dangerous business. However, with the proper amount of diligence and awareness among neighbors, these places can be identified and shut down...without endangering people who live nearby."
Anyone with information on a suspected meth lab or other illegal drug activity is encouraged to contact the Sheriff's Office at 927-2011, the Homer Police Department at 927-4000, or the Haynesville Police Department at 624-1355.
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Wildlife & Fisheries Officials Share Boating Safety Tips
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BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal 07/21/05
Sgt. Kenny Balkom told the Homer Lions Club that recent boating accidents and the drowning incident on Lake Claiborne on July 4th could have been prevented if information provided at their boating safety courses had been applied. The safety course offered by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries teaches what to do when a person is struggling in the water.
Balkom said the first mistake is to go into the water without a life vest. There are four points to remember—reach, throw, row, and go. Balkom said, "Going into the water is the last thing you do."
- Reach the person with your arm, a stick or a pole.
- Throw something into the water, anything that floats such a boat cushion.
- Row or paddle toward the person, then try to reach them or throw something to them.
- Go into the water as a last resort but make sure you have your life vest on. Persons in trouble in the water are panicking and will grab and pull you under.
What game wardens look for on lake:
- Too many people in boat, is it overloaded.
- Life jackets for everyone on board
- Coast Guard approved throwable device
- Boat registration card and boat decal with letters reading from left to right
- Fishing license
- Fish limits
- Impairments
"Our job is to prevent accidents from happening on the water," said Balkom. "I'd rather make someone mad writing them a ticket than working an accident like the one recently on Lake Claiborne."
For more information on the Boating Safety Education Classes which are offered locally and on-line, call 318-371-3049. Classes are free.
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Do Your Part To Protect Your Home From Wildfire
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DO YOUR PART TO PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM
WILDFIRE. Create "defensible space" around your house and other structures so firefighters will be able to insert equipment and personnel between the advancing fire and your property.
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Burn Ban Issued In All Claiborne Parish
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BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal, 01/05/2005
Homer Fire Chief Dennis Butcher announced Tuesday (01/03/05) that a burn ban had been issued for all Claiborne Parish including the municipalities of Homer, Haynesville, Athens, and Lisbon. All outside burning is prohibited until further notice. "It is time for action, not reaction," said Butcher. "Our ability to live more safely in this environment depends on pre-fire action. Research shows being proactive before wildfire occurs gives you a better chance of saving lives and property."
Residents are urged to use extreme caution. There are ways you can help:
- Protect your home. Create a defensible space around your home where firefighters can place equipment.
- Protect the firefighters. If you live near forestland, allow the owner to prescribe burn to reduce underbrush and fuels.
- Protect your property. If you own forested property, prescribed burn and thin regularly. Maintain your forested property the same as you would your residence. If you need professional assistance, contact a forester or the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.
Here are some tips to protect your residence, especially if you live in a rural area:
- A critical factor in determining whether or not a home will survive a wildfire is the type, amount, and maintenance of vegetation surrounding the house.
- Defensible space is an area between the forest and a house where the vegetation has been modified to reduce the wildfire threat in order to provide firefighters an area in which to fight an oncoming fire.
- It is not necessary to have bare ground for defensible space; green lawns and well-spaced, properly maintained vegetation can also provide an area where a wildfire can be slowed.
- Routine landscape maintenance such as pruning, mowing, weeding, appropriate plant selection, and removal of dead plants and debris is all that is necessary to provide a defensible space around a home.
- Some poor selections for landscaping plants are yaupon holly, wax myrtle, conifers, pampas grass, and some ornamental grasses.
- Investigations of homes threatened by wildfire indicate that houses with an effective defensible space and a nonflammable roof are many times more likely to survive a wildfire.
As in the past two years, Butcher said they plan to hold a Wildfire Education Program in the near future, conducted in conjunction with Trailblazer and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Watch for dates in the newspaper.
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Sheriff Warns Seniors To Beware Of Scams
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BY JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer, The Guardian-Journal 05/11/06
 It was thundering and raining outside Homer City Hall Saturday morning, May 6. Even so, almost 100 came out for the 12th Senior Citizen's Expo sponsored by Triad's SALT (Seniors and Lawmen Together) Council of Claiborne Parish. Fifteen booths had been set up by area organizations that provide products and services of particular interest to seniors.
Early in the program Sheriff Ken Bailey talked about scams that have occurred in Claiborne Parish and the surrounding area. Telling the audience what to look for to spot scams that target the elderly, he said to beware of any stranger asking for a "down payment" before starting work. He advised seniors to be cautious when anyone says they will repair your roof, then asks for partial payment before doing anything. "They'll take the money, then disappear, he said.
Avoid someone offering to do the driveway with a load of "leftover asphalt or leftover concrete. The result is always an inferior job," according to Bailey.
He said pairs of "rug salesmen" have approached older persons, and "while one shows you a rug, the other is going through your house stealing jewelry and other valuables."
Mail scams continue to entice people out of their money. Bailey suggests throwing away mail that includes a big check but requires "a handling fee or processing charge" before the check can be cashed.
Some crooks offer to paint the barn but want a "down payment" first. Before finishing the job, they'll ask for more money, then disappear.
There are a few who claim they are opening a new business. They say they are offering a free appliance or free floor covering. But they first want into the house to measure "to be sure that the carpet fits" or that the "free appliance will fit" where you want it. While in the house, they steal jewelry and other valuables.
Bailey noted that ID theft is growing. He warned NEVER to give over the phone one's social security number, Medicare number, Medicaid number, credit card number, or checking account number. He recommended not doing business over the phone, rather deal with business people in the parish with a local phone number and local address.
Bailey suggested calling the Sheriff's Office about any offer that seems questionable.
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