Wednesday night, Oct. 31, will be a night of activities throughout communities everywhere. Many churches will have Trunk or Treats. In fact, Mission Community Church will be having one from 6 to 8 p.m. and you are invited. There will also be trick-or-treaters out and about on neighborhood streets. With all this increased exposure, let’s talk about safety measures. I want to start out with the children who will be wearing costumes and walking the streets. It is important that children wear reflective material or flashing lights on costumes. Parents should walk with their children always. Parents should have flashlights…

This past Thursday evening saw the devastating loss of a fire lieutenant while his crew was severly injured due to a major accident on I-295. From what I understand, the engine crew was dealing with a motor vehicle accident in the midst of wind and rain from Tropical Storm Michael. The engine was struck by a tractor trailer, causing the death of the fire officer and injuries to the engine crew and truck driver. Firefighters are taught to mitigate hazards, whatever they are. The problem is that our interstates are death traps for police, fire, EMS and citizens who find…

One source of heat that can lead to a fire is fans that operate in our homes. There are many different types of fans: ceiling fans, box fans, fans in air handling units, exhaust fans and bathroom fans. Whatever the type of fan, when they malfunction, they can cause excessive heat, especially once they lock up. It is important to keep fans clean and operating at maximum efficiency. When one malfunctions, it is imperative that it be replaced as soon as possible. Bathroom fans have caused some residential fires in the region. I recently had to replace the bathroom fan…

We are right around the corner from this year’s Fire Prevention Week. The theme for this year is “Look, listen, learn, be aware, fire can happen anywhere.” The point is this: •Look for places fire can start •Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm •Learn two ways out of each room The goal this year is to take a holistic approach to the fire problem in America. I will seek to address each bulleted point, but more importantly, each of you must address each bulleted point in your individual context. If we seriously dealt with the first bulleted point,…

Over the last few months, several fires in vacant or abandoned buildings have been intentionally set in Petersburg. It is as if this is an arsonist with a conscience, considering the type of buildings that he or she is choosing to light off. Wikipedia says arson is “a crime of intentionally, deliberately and maliciously setting fire to buildings, wildland areas, abandoned homes, vehicles or other property with the intent to cause damage or enjoy the act.” Another important term is pyromaniac, defined by Webster’s as “an irresistible impulse to start fires.” An arsonist sets fires for many reasons, including: to…

Just two days ago, we were standing on the shore of the Cape Fear River, looking at one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. The mandatory evacuation notice for vacationers came Monday afternoon, Sept. 10. For residents, it was Sept. 11-12. A canceled vacation only matters to those whose vacation was canceled. We left with a light breeze blowing and the sun shining brightly. A low-pressure system came off the west coast of Africa, met favorable conditions for formation of a hurricane and threatened the East Coast of the United States. Part of living in a coastal…

Public schools are now back in session after a quick summer has led to the 2018-2019 school year. Young children are going to kindergarten for the first time. Sixth-graders are experiencing middle school, while ninth-graders are adapting to high school. What does all of this mean for you and me? If you have a child in a school, then you are invested. For everyone else must be aware. When traveling roadways, we must expect increased school bus traffic. If there is any doubt about whether you should stop for a bus with its red lights flashing, stop! Give bus drivers…

When I first became the pastor of the church that I have led since 2005, a trusted friend and co-laborer said to me, “You might be a preacher, but you are no pastor yet.” I did not completely understand that vote of confidence, but after these 13-plus years, I think that I now understand. In John 10, Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” In 1 Corinthians 9, the Apostle Paul said, “I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” I have read…

A house fire in Engine 11’s first due caused a family of four to have to be rescued from a second-floor roof with ground ladders. The normal way out of any house or building is through a doorway. The problem here was that the family could not get downstairs to exit out a door. Thankfully, such houses have porch roofs and a window that leads to an attached garage roof. I am not sure what the backs of the homes look like. Whatever the case and whatever the cause, I am quite certain that this family did not go to…