Tragedy struck the Hampton family early Monday morning whenever the house, that they have made a home for the past 15 years, caught fire. Everyone is reported to be safe and unharmed; however, they have lost everything.
There will be a donation drive sponsored by the Flowood youth council to help the Hampton family as they start to rebuild their home. Donation centers will be located all throughout the community beginning December 9th-30th. Please see below for the list of centers along with items the family have requested.
Items requested:
- Mens & Women’s clothing and shoes
- Boys clothing and shoes
- Baby girl clothing and shoes
- Diapers and wipes
- Toys
- Toiletries and personal hygiene products
- Towels
- Bedding and blankets
Center locations for donations – All Coffee Bean cafe locations and every grocery store within the Rankin county limits. If you would like to make a contribution to the rebuilding fund for the Hampton family, please contact Rebecca Fisher with the Flowood youth council for details on how you can contribute.
Preventing house fires is crucial for ensuring the safety of your home and family. Here are some tips to help you reduce the risk:
- Install Smoke Alarms: Ensure that smoke alarms are installed on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
- Create an Escape Plan: Develop and practice a fire escape plan with your family. Ensure that everyone knows at least two ways out of each room and establish a meeting point outside.
- Be Cautious with Cooking: Never leave cooking food unattended. Keep flammable items like towels and curtains away from the stove, and always turn off burners when not in use.
- Use Electrical Appliances Safely: Avoid overloading outlets and power strips. Replace damaged cords and ensure that appliances are turned off when not in use. Consider using surge protectors.
- Maintain Heating Equipment: Have your furnace, fireplace, and chimney inspected and cleaned annually. Keep space heaters away from flammable materials and never leave them on unattended.
- Store Flammable Materials Properly: Keep flammable liquids in approved containers and store them away from heat sources. Dispose of oily rags in metal containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Practice Candle Safety: Use candle holders that won’t tip over and keep candles away from flammable items. Never leave candles burning unattended and extinguish them before leaving the room.
- Educate Children: Teach children about the dangers of fire and ensure they know what to do in case of an emergency. Keep matches and lighters out of their reach.
- Regularly Check Wiring: Have a professional inspect your home’s wiring, especially if your home is older. Look for signs of faulty wiring, such as flickering lights or a burning smell.
- Install Fire Extinguishers: Keep a fire extinguisher in key areas like the kitchen and garage. Know how to use it, and ensure that everyone in the household is familiar with it as well.
By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of a fire in your home.
