How to protect older homes as cold temps sweep in

Published

2 years ago

January 19, 2024

How to protect older homes as cold temps sweep in

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – With temperatures dipping dangerously low in the CSRA, you might be getting creative trying to keep warm.

This time of year, we see a lot of home fires. So many that it’s consistently earned Augusta a top spot in the country for the most home fires.

Back in 2021, Augusta ranked third out of 150 cities. In 2023, we improved a little but not enough to get out of the top 10 coming in ninth.

One reason is the age of our homes.

A map of the average age of homes in the metro shows the spots shaded red are areas where most homes are 80 years or older.

Most of the city of Augusta falls into that category, making home fires more likely and often more deadly.

For Christy Beckham, there are photos containing many lessons learned when it comes to her historic home on Greene Street.

“These houses are not efficient but there are things you can do to make them more efficient,” said Beckham.

She says when she bought the at-risk home four years ago, there were many unknowns.

“We ended up spending so much money that we really didn’t understand or didn’t plan for properly. Electrical plumbing, HVAC, the things you don’t see,” she said.

Beckham says they had to replace some original windows, add mini split cooling and heating units and do other renovations because it affects how heat is distributed.

“Some people go to kind of drastic measures to keep your house warm and sometimes it can lead to fires, or you know, damage,” said Beckham.

The American Red Cross says home heating is one of the leading causes of home fires and injury in the country.

Many of these homes were built in the 1960s with not in mind of all the appliances and devices we leave plugged in now.

Beckham says an older home takes time, money and energy to keep safe, but it’s worth it if it’s done right.

“They were so necessary, and they were huge upgrades. This house is now much safer and much more efficient, much warmer in the winter,” said Beckham.

Experts say space heaters should never be left plugged in overnight or plugged into an extension cord.

A fire should never be left burning unattended, and all furnaces, chimneys and stoves should be inspected yearly, especially in older homes that could have more wear and tear.

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Trump to sign emergency order to pay TSA agents as Augusta airport preps for golf week

Published

5 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Trump to sign emergency order to pay TSA agents as Augusta airport preps for golf week

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – President Donald Trump said he will sign an emergency declaration to pay TSA agents, as nearly 500 have quit since the shutdown began.

More than 40 percent of Atlanta’s TSA agents did not show up on Wednesday, leading to long lines at Atlanta’s airport and across the country. It is unclear when President Trump will sign the emergency order. TSA workers will miss their second paycheck Friday.

In a statement on Truth Social, President Trump said, “I am going to sign an Order instructing the Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, to immediately pay our TSA Agents in order to address this Emergency Situation.”

The president thanked TSA agents. The Department of Homeland Security as a whole will not be funded at this time. The Coast Guard and FEMA are among the agencies still impacted.

If senators do not reach a deal to fund the department on Friday, they are set for a two-week recess.

Augusta airport prepares for tournament week

TSA workers are a concern as tournament week approaches in Augusta. Security and safety are also concerns after a plane collided with a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport.

Augusta Regional Airport and its fire department are working to keep visitors safe as they fly in for tournament week.

William Kovalchuk, a sergeant with the Augusta Airport Fire Department, operates an airport-specific fire truck.

“There’s a ton of traffic and a ton of congestion. This whole ramp area where I showed you guys a little bit ago, it’ll be completely filled with aircraft,” Kovalchuk said.

Tournament week sees the regional airport become a global hub, with flights in from 13 extra cities and more than 200 private planes parked on the tarmac.

Lauren Smith, deputy director of Augusta Regional Airport, said the airport works closely with the FAA during tournament week.

“During that time, we actually work very closely with the FAA to bring in additional controllers,” Smith said.

Extra controllers keep the airspace and runway safe. Enhanced safety measures are in place inside the terminal as well.

“Overall, everyone brings in more staff. The tenants, the rental car agencies, the airlines, the airport itself,” Smith said.

The fire department stages a second station across the airport to cover every flight.

“The manning will be stepped up quite a bit,” Kovalchuk said. “We don’t want to see anything happen, but we’re prepared for it.”

The airport said the average wait time is still less than an hour to get through security during tournament week.

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Augusta, GA

Jefferson County library director named Georgia Library Director of the Year

Published

17 hours ago

March 26, 2026

Press Room

Jefferson County library director named Georgia Library Director of the Year

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Georgia Library Director of the Year was honored at a ceremony in Jefferson County.

Christina Shepherd received the award and a county proclamation. Jefferson County officials also honored the library board during the ceremony.

“I’m very thankful. I think it’s great for Jefferson County to have this award brought here and bringing light to us,” Shepherd said. “I don’t think I do anything extraordinary that any librarian wouldn’t do, but I just keep doing it. I appreciate it. I’m thankful.”

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Augusta, GA

CSRA Habitat for Humanity gets $1.85M to build affordable housing in Augusta

Published

1 day ago

March 26, 2026

Press Room

CSRA Habitat for Humanity gets .85M to build affordable housing in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity has been awarded $1.85 million to build new affordable homes in Augusta’s historic Turpin Hill neighborhood.

The federal funding was secured with the support of Georgia’s U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock.

The funding will expand housing opportunities for working families and revitalize one of Augusta’s oldest communities.

“Turpin Hill is one of Augusta’s oldest and most storied neighborhoods, a community built by generations of hardworking families whose roots run deep in this city,” said Bernadette Kelliher, President and CEO of Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity.

“These new homes will reflect the strength of the neighborhood’s past while creating a foundation for families to build their futures. This is about restoration, dignity, and ensuring that the next generation can write their own chapter in this historic community.”

This federal investment strengthens ongoing efforts to expand affordable housing opportunities across Augusta.

“Georgia families urgently need more affordable housing. That’s why Senator Reverend Warnock and I brought Republicans and Democrats together to strengthen the Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to build new housing units for families across Augusta and the CSRA,” said Ossoff.

Senator Raphael Warnock added, “This investment demonstrates what is possible when Congress works together to support communities and families in need. We are in a housing crisis. America is not building enough housing and costs are continuing to soar.”

Since its founding in 1986, Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity has partnered with families, volunteers and community supporters to build and preserve homes throughout the Central Savannah River Area.

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