From Where I Stand

Are We Safe From Terror Attacks?

More needs to be done to assure our safety.

For once, I agree with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, when in a press conference last week he said: “The investments we’ve made in counterterrorism operations, technology, and intelligence help reduce the possibility of a successful terrorist strike, but they certainly do not eliminate it. Nothing can do that. We don’t know if we would have been able to stop the terrorists, had they arrived here from Boston, we’re just thankful we didn’t have to find out that answer.” The news conference that Mayor Bloomberg and Police Commissioner, Kelley were holding was to inform the people of New York they had been notified by the FBI that the two men involved in the bombings in Boston also planned to place bombs in New York City. Our nation, …

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Keep Your Home Secure While Traveling Over the Holidays

Follow these suggested tips to avoid unwanted damage or theft to your home while traveling during the holidays.

With the holiday travel season upon us, it is important to avoid advertising you are away on vacation. Some simple steps can help to ensure your home will be the way you left when you arrive back from your travels:

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Have Fun, But Be Safe at the Pool This Summer

After a Gwinnett County girl got stuck in a pool's vacuum system, here are some tips to keep everyone safe while still having a good time.

It may not officially be here yet, but the summer heat is in full swing with day 12 of temperatures in the 90s. So parents are looking for ways to help their children to beat the heat, and that includes taking a dip in the pool. While swimming is always fun, it also poses a number of dangers. Just this week, an eight-year-old girl in unincorporated Gwinnett County got her arm stuck in a pool’s vacuum line. The Gwinnett County Fire Department had to come to her rescue.  “Our responding personnel did a really good job. They jumped into the pool because it was in the six foot deep section, so she couldn’t really stand there,” said Gwinnett County Fire Lt. Eric Eberly. Crews ended up needing to use jackhammers to free the girl. Safety is …

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Should Buses Be Required to Have Seatbelts?

The recent bus crash involving our own hometown students raises the question.

The recent bus accident involving our hometown Mill Creek High School students brings forward a pressing question for all of us.  Should buses, charter or school, be required to provide passengers safety belts?  Seventeen students were injured in Sunday's charter bus crash and one was life-flighted to a Macon hospital after being ejected from the bus through a window. Fortunately for all of us here in Dacula, the crash involving our students did not result in any fatalities but others across the country have not been so lucky.  Did you know there is currently a congressional bill, the Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2009 that was introduced the last session of Congress by John Lewis (D-Georgia) and a version in the Senate by Sherrod …

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