Southeast

Safety tips to know as Hurricane Debby downgraded to tropical storm

Published

2 months ago

August 8, 2024

Safety tips to know as Hurricane Debby downgraded to tropical storm

Hurricane Debby made landfall Monday morning near Steinhatchee, Florida, as the storm brought heavy rains, strong winds and power outages to parts of the Sunshine State. Debby has since weakened to a tropical storm, FOX Weather reported.

After landfall, power outages skyrocketed to more than 300,000 utility customers following the Category 1 storm, according to PowerOutage.us.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) made it a point to remind Americans that extreme weather conditions put people at risk of power outages, carbon monoxide poisoning, fire and electric shock.

With hurricane season on the Gulf and Atlantic Coast running from June 1 to Nov. 30, according to the National Weather Service’s (NWS) current forecast, families still have time to review tropical storm hazards and prepare for worst-case scenarios.

HURRICANE DEBBY KNOCKS OUT POWER TO OVER 200K FLORIDIANS

It’s suggested that you prepare now if you haven’t already.

#HurricaneDebby making landfall in the Florida Big Bend!
💧Bands of heavy rain will continue to move across the area with flooding possible!
🌪️A Tornado Watch for much of the region until 4 PM EDT!
✅Have multiple ways to receive warnings
💡 Use caution after the storm#FLwx pic.twitter.com/i7Q3DbPdrK
— NWS Tampa Bay (@NWSTampaBay) August 5, 2024

Here are safety precautions that the CPSC and the NWS want Americans to keep in mind for current and future storms.

Know how to use a generator

Each year, over 200 U.S. consumers die from generator-linked carbon monoxide poisoning each year, the CPSC estimates.

Carbon monoxide poisoning from portable gasoline-powered generators “can kill in minutes” because the gas is “colorless and odorless.”

People who are exposed to carbon monoxide can lose consciousness before they recognize common poisoning symptoms such as nausea, dizziness or weakness, according to the CPSC.

An electricity generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electric power. Homeowners tend to buy generators in case of power outages. (iStock)

Portable generators should never be operated inside the home, garage, basement, crawlspace, shed or on a porch, the CPSC said — and should instead be placed outside at least 20 feet away from a home.

7 WAYS TO STAY SAFE IN THIS SUMMER’S SCORCHING HEAT

“Opening doors or windows will not provide enough ventilation to prevent the buildup of lethal levels of CO,” the CPSC reported.

“The generator’s exhaust [should be kept] away from the home and any other buildings that someone could enter, while keeping windows and other openings closed in the exhaust path of the generator.”

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Owners of generators and aspiring owners should review in-depth safety materials, keep up the machine maintenance per the manufacturer’s instructions and look for models that have carbon monoxide detectors with automatic shut-off technology, according to the CPSC.

Double-check CO and smoke alarms

Whether a household owns a generator or not, the CPSC said families should have battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms installed inside their home.

Detectors and alarms with built-in battery backups are also worth consideration, according to the CPSC.

Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are devices that issue warnings once unusually high build-ups of carbon monoxide gas are found in a home or building. These devices are designed to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. (iStock)

For optimum safety, the CPSC said carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on each level of a home and placed outside separate bedrooms — while smoke alarms should be installed on each level of a home and placed inside each bedroom.

The CPSC said families should test carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms monthly to ensure these devices work and have adequate battery life long before a storm arrives.

Smoke alarms are devices that issue warnings when an unusually high amount of smoke is found in a home or building, which is typically an indicator of a fire. (iStock)

“Never ignore an alarm when it sounds,” the CPSC added.

“Get outside immediately. Then call 911.”

Be careful with flammables

In the event of a power loss from a tropical storm or hurricane, some families might turn to flammable materials, such as charcoal or candles, to take care of household tasks.

However, charcoal should never be burned indoors because it “can produce lethal levels of [carbon monoxide],” the CPSC warned.

Charcoal grills should never be lit indoors because the process produces high amounts of carbon monoxide — which puts people at risk of death in enclosed spaces. (iStock)

Just as with generators, charcoal grills should not be used in garages or enclosed spaces, even when a door is left open, the CPSC said.

15 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS SUPPLIES EVERYONE SHOULD CONSIDER GETTING

The consumer safety agency also warned that candles should be used with caution.

“If using candles, do not burn them on or near anything that can catch fire,” the CPSC said.

“Never leave burning candles unattended. Extinguish candles when leaving the room and before sleeping.”

Candles are cylinder blocks of wax that can used as a light sources thanks to the flammable central wick. However, these household items could cause accidental fires. (iStock)

The CPSC recommends the use of flashlights over candles if both are available in a household.

Stay away from wet appliances

Since tropical storms and hurricanes are known to cause flooding, people should keep an eye out for wet appliances.

“Do not touch wet appliances that are still plugged into an electrical source,” the CPSC warned.

BIDEN APPROVES FLORIDA EMERGENCY DECLARATION OVER TROPICAL STORM DEBBY

If flooding has occurred, families should have a professional or a gas or electric company perform a safety check on household appliances before resuming use, the CPSC noted.

Hurricane Debby Horseshoe Beach, Florida

Whether a household owns a generator or not, the CPSC said families should have battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms installed inside their home. (iStock;AP Photo/Christopher O’Meara)

“Replace all gas control valves, electrical wiring, circuit breakers and fuses that have been underwater,” the CPSC said.

Watch out for gas leaks

Gas leaks can also happen during a tropical storm or hurricane, the CPSC warned.

If a gas leak is suspected, smelled or heard, families should leave their homes immediately.

“Contact local gas authorities from outside the home,” the agency said. “Do not operate any electronics, such as lights or phone, before leaving.”

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.

National Weather Service: Tropical storm and hurricane safety tips

Families can and should take safety precautions before a tropical storm or hurricane arrives, according to the National Weather Service.

The agency’s storm safety guide said that people who live near the Gulf or Atlantic Coasts should know where their nearest storm evacuation zone is.

“Go bags” filled with “basic emergency” supplies should be packed before a storm arrives.

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This information can be found on local government websites and emergency management resources or offices.

“Go bags” filled with “basic emergency” supplies should be packed before a storm arrives, according to the NWS.

The agency recommends packing “Basic Disaster Supplies” noted on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Ready.gov website.

These items include water (gallon per person), non-perishable food, battery-operated or hand crank radios, flashlights, a first aid kit and packs of extra batteries.

Hurricane Debby made landfall near Steinhatchee, Florida as the storm brought heavy rains, strong winds, and power outages to parts of the Sunshine State. ((AP Photo/Christopher O’Meara))

Other basic disaster supplies that Ready.gov names include a whistle to signal for help, dust masks to filter contaminated air, plastic sheeting and duct tape for sheltering in place, sanitation materials (moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties), a wrench or pliers for turning off utilities, a manual can opener, local maps and cell phone with chargers.

The NWS’s storm guide also recommends people consider having materials to fortify their home, such as wood planks for boarding windows.

Homeowners should also keep trees trimmed, bring loose outdoor furniture indoors, secure all doors and move cars into garages or another secure location, the NWS said.

family prepares for emergency evacuation

Families should review emergency evacuation plans and go-bags together before disaster strikes. (doble-d)

The NWS said emergency evacuation and disaster plans should already be in place and reviewed with family before a storm approaches.

Written copies of the plans can be packed in go-bags, according to the agency’s storm guide.

Storm forecasts and updates can be found through local tv news stations, mobile phones, radio broadcasts, social media and Weather.gov, according to the NWS.

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Southeast

Fani Willis crisscrosses country fundraising with Democrat allies in DC, LA

Published

7 hours ago

September 26, 2024

Press Room

Fani Willis crisscrosses country fundraising with Democrat allies in DC, LA

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Fulton County, Georgia, District Attorney Fani Willis has been crisscrossing the country to attend fundraisers for her re-election campaign with Democratic allies in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and beyond.

Earlier this month, Willis traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend her own “2024 Re-Election Fundraising Reception” on Sept. 13.

“All contributions up to $3,300 are appreciated,” the invitation read.

Willis also headlined a panel in Washington, D.C., during the Annual Congressional Black Caucus Weekend with Democrat Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, where they discussed ways to “clapback against MAGA.”

Last week, Willis continued her fundraising swing, holding another “Re-Election Fundraising Reception” in Los Angeles on Sept. 17.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis arrives to speak after winning the Democratic primary on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 in Buckhead, Georgia. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

That event drew different levels of contributions.

“Team Fani” donors were asked to give $101; “Ally” donors were asked for $250; “Partner” donors were asked for $500; and “Supporter” donors were asked for $1,000, with maximum contributions of $3,300 requested.

Willis, on Sept. 13, had been subpoenaed to testify before Georgia’s State Senate Special Committee on Investigations.

That committee was holding a hearing as part of its investigation into allegations that Willis had profited off former President Donald Trump’s prosecution and colluded with Democrat officials to bring charges against the former president.

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The subpoena compelled Willis to testify and also to provide documents related to the investigation, and to her relationship with former special prosecutor Nathan Wade. Willis reportedly had an “improper affair” with Wade, who she hired to help bring the case against Trump. Wade later resigned from his position.

Willis filed an emergency motion to stop the subpoena from compelling her testimony before the Georgia State Senate committee.

A Fulton County judge, however, denied her motion.

While in Washington, D.C., Willis also headlined a panel during the Annual Congressional Black Caucus Weekend with Democrat Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, where they discussed ways to “clapback against MAGA.”

This week, Willis continued her fundraising swing, holding another “Re-Election Fundraising Reception” in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend her own “2024 Re-Election Fundraising Reception.” (Fani for DA)

That event drew different levels of contributions.

There were more fundraisers for Willis on Friday and Sunday in Houston.

“Instead of doing her job, Fani Willis is gallivanting across the U.S. raising money and rubbing elbows with her radical cronies in California and Washington — abandoning the families of Fulton County, and her oath to uphold the law,” Greater Georgia Chairwoman and former U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler told Fox News Digital.

“Time and time again, she puts her financial and political interests above serving our citizens,” Loeffler said. “No amount of blue state cash can hide the fact that she’s only fighting for herself.”

GEORGIA JUDGE DISMISSES TWO CRIMINAL COUNTS AGAINST TRUMP IN FANI WILLIS’ 2020 ELECTION INTERFERENCE CASE

Loeffler launched Greater Georgia in 2021. It is the only organization in the state working to oust Willis ahead of the Nov. 5 election.

The conservative advocacy group launched a $100,000 ad campaign against Willis earlier this month, aimed at exposing her “failures” ahead of Election Day.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis held another “Re-Election Fundraising Reception” in Los Angeles on Sept. 17. (Fani for DA)

Meanwhile, earlier this month, Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee dismissed two criminal counts in Willis’ Georgia 2020 election interference case against Trump, ruling that Georgia prosecutors had no authority to bring the charges that related to the alleged filing of false documents in federal court.

McAffee, earlier this year, dismissed six other charges against Trump, saying Willis failed to allege sufficient detail.

Trump had pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Former President Donald Trump turned himself in in August 2023 at the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta after being charged in District Attorney Fani Willis’ investigation into his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election in the state. (Fulton County Sheriff’s Office)

In June, the Georgia Court of Appeals paused the proceedings until it hears the case to disqualify Willis in October.

The Georgia Court of Appeals said it would hear Trump’s argument to have Willis disqualified on Dec. 5 — a month after the 2024 presidential election.

In a separate decision earlier this month, though, McAfee upheld the racketeering charge in the case, which has been brought against all the defendants.

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Southeast

Absentee voting kicks off in Missouri, North Carolina

Published

19 hours ago

September 25, 2024

Press Room

Absentee voting kicks off in Missouri, North Carolina

Missouri and North Carolina joined the growing list of states that have started early voting in the 2024 election Tuesday.

Here’s everything you need to know about the key races and how to participate.

North Carolina is one of the most competitive states this cycle

North Carolina last voted for a Democrat president in 2008, when then-Sen. Barack Obama won the state by 0.3 points, or 14,177 votes.

Trump pulled out a convincing 3.7 point win in 2016, but that margin shrank to 1.3 points against Biden in 2020.

Late last month, the Fox News Poll had the two 2024 presidential candidates just a point apart from each other, with Democrat nominee Vice President Harris at 49% and GOP nominee former President Trump at 50%. North Carolina is ranked a Toss Up on the Fox News Power Rankings.

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The state has become more competitive as its population has grown. Over the last full decade, North Carolina added roughly 1.1 million people, the fourth-largest gain among all states.

Much of that growth has been in urban and suburban areas like those in solidly blue Mecklenburg and Wake counties.

The pandemic brought more wealthy, urban Americans from surrounding states, and there are pockets of college voters as well.

Rural areas have experienced some population decline, but they remain a powerful part of the state’s overall vote, and they vote overwhelmingly Republican.

Early voting begins today in Missouri and North Carolina. (Reuters/Nick Oxford)

Key down-ballot races in today’s early voting states

Across the states that begin early voting today, there are three competitive U.S. House races in North Carolina:

1st District: Democrat Rep. Don Davis won this open seat in the midterms by less than five points. This year, he’s up against Army veteran Laurie Buckhout for this northeastern district with a high proportion of Black voters. This race is a Toss Up on the Fox News Power Rankings.
13th and 14th Districts: Redistricting shifted both of these seats, once based in Raleigh and Charlotte, into sprawling, predominantly exurban and rural districts. That makes them easy targets for Republicans, who are likely to flip both of them this November. In the 13th District, small businessman Frank Pierce, a Democrat, is up against prosecutor Brad Knott, a Republican. In the 14th, it’s Army veteran and nurse Pam Genant, a Democrat, versus state legislator Tim Moore, a Republican.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ON VOTER ROLLS SPURS WATCHDOG GROUP TO SUE MARICOPA COUNTY

The 2024 election is well underway, with roughly 20 states beginning early voting.

How to vote in Missouri

This is a guide to registration and early voting. For comprehensive and up-to-date information on voter eligibility, processes and deadlines, please go to Vote.gov and the election website for Missouri.

Voting by mail

Missouri began absentee voting on Tuesday. Applicants need to provide an excuse to receive a ballot. The state must receive a ballot application by Oct. 23, and that ballot must be delivered to state officials by Nov. 5.

Early in-person voting

Absentee ballots can be returned in-person through Election Day.

Voter registration

Missouri residents can register to vote online, by mail or in person through Oct. 9.

States that begin early voting this week.

How to vote in North Carolina

Voting by mail

North Carolina began absentee voting for registered voters on Tuesday, having begun sending absentee ballots to military and overseas voters on Friday. Applicants do not need to provide an excuse to receive a ballot. The state must receive a ballot application by Oct. 29, and that ballot must be delivered to county officials by Nov. 5.

Early in-person voting

Early in-person voting varies by location in North Carolina. Check the state’s website for more information. The last day to vote in-person is Nov. 2.

Voter registration

North Carolina residents can register to vote online or by mail through Oct. 11. They can also register in-person during early voting between Oct. 17 and Nov. 2.

Rémy Numa is the lead political affairs specialist for Fox News Channel. You can follow him on Twitter: @remynuma.

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Southeast

Routh stalked Mar-a-Lago, Trump golf course for weeks, may have planned getaway, documents show

Published

1 day ago

September 25, 2024

Press Room

Routh stalked Mar-a-Lago, Trump golf course for weeks, may have planned getaway, documents show

The suspect behind the second Trump assassination attempt in Florida appears to have stalked Mar-a-Lago and the former president’s golf course in West Palm Beach for weeks and may have been planning a getaway to Mexico, a judge and federal prosecutors have revealed.

The developments come as Ryan Routh – who has been charged federally with possessing a gun with a scratched-out number and with possessing a gun illegally as a felon – was ordered by a federal judge on Monday to remain in custody.

“Talk about a flight risk, I mean this guy he makes a great case on what a flight risk is,” Rep. David Joyce, R-Ohio, who is on the bipartisan task force investigating the first Trump assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, told Fox News.

A document released by the Justice Department before Routh appeared in court yesterday said one of the cell phones found in his vehicle during his arrest on Sept. 15 “contained a Google search of how to travel from Palm Beach County to Mexico.”

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A court sketch depicts Ryan Routh’s appearance in federal court in West Palm Beach, Florida on Monday, Sept. 23. Routh is facing charges related to the alleged attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump last week. (Lothar Speer)

“The FBI obtained cell site records for two of the cell phones found in the Nissan Xterra. The two cell phones are serviced by different carriers that utilize different cell towers,” the document continued.

It said regarding one of the phones, “On multiple days and times from August 18, 2024, to September 15, 2024, ROUTH’s cell phone accessed cell towers located near Trump International [Golf Club] and the former President’s residence at Mar-a-Lago.”

“The agents also found 12 pairs of gloves; a Hawaii Driver’s License in the Defendant’s name; a passport in the Defendant’s name,” the document added.

TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT SUSPECT WROTE CHILLING LETTER MONTHS BEFORE GOLF COURSE PLOT

rifle aimed through fence with two bangs hanging nearby

Ryan Routh camped out near the Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach with an SKS-style rifle, a backpack, and a shopping bag, prosecutors allege. (Department of Justice)

Magistrate Judge Ryon McCabe, who ultimately granted the government’s request to detain Routh pending the resolution of the charges against him, said during Monday’s hearing that it appeared Routh was stalking Trump for 30 days.

Federal prosecutors told the judge that the government intends to ask a grand jury to indict Routh on the much more serious charge of the attempted assassination of Trump, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The Justice Department on Monday also released a letter written by Routh months prior to the assassination attempt.

A court sketch depicts Ryan Routh as he appears in federal court in West Palm Beach

Ryan Routh, during a federal court appearance on Monday in West Palm Beach, Florida, was ordered to remain in custody. (Lothar Speer)

“I certainly hope that this letter wasn’t a bat call to the lunatics in our nation to follow his lead,” Joyce said in reaction to the letter. “You have people like the last two people who we’ve seen in these attempted assassinations and God forbid there be more out there so you really wouldn’t want them to be doing that.”

Fox News’ Jake Gibson, David Spunt and Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.

Greg Norman is a reporter at Fox News Digital.

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