OneFulton Video Featuring Open Hand Atlanta Volunteer Barbara Antley

Barbara Antley has volunteered at Open Hand Atlanta for 18 years. Listen to her story about why volunteering at Open Hand is near and dear to her heart. At Open Hand, people from all walks of life come together to touch the lives of thousands of others who are not as fortunate.

Atlanta Falcons Surprise First Responders with Visits to Fire Stations

In commemoration of September 11th, Atlanta Falcons players surprised fire stations in Fulton, Gwinnett and Hall counties to thank our city and county firefighters for their service, hard work, and dedication on Wednesday, September 9. 

Atlanta Falcons players Adrian Clayborn and Ryan Schraederbe signed autographs, posed for photographs and toured the different stations. Also courtesy of Papa Johns, the players and Freddie the Falcon handed out pizzas to the firefighters as well. 

South Fulton County Economic Development to Host Career Expo

Job seekers, get ready! The Unincorporated South Fulton County Economic Development Initiative will host a Career and Resource Expo on August 26, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  The event, featuring employers who are ready to hire and job search assistance will be held at the Aviation Cultural Center located at 3900 Aviation Circle Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30336.  South Fulton Economic Development is collaborating with the Fulton County Aviation Cultural Center, Fulton County Office of Workforce Development and the Georgia Department of Labor to host the Expo.

During the Expo, those searching for employment will be able to connect with local employers, refine their career goals and explore career options.  Those who attend must be ready for possible interviews if they meet employers' qualifications.  Candidates must bring several resumes and dress for success.

Employers participating include but are not limited to Atlanta Beverage, Miller Zell, Great American Cookie and Tie Down Engineering.  Other companies expected to participate include Pepsico, Kellogg's and Diaz Foods as well as Fulton County Police and Atlanta Technical College.

For more information about the Career Expo, interested citizens can send an email to swat@gdol.ga.gov. 

Fulton County Fire Rescue Offers Tips for a Safe 4th of July

Leave the fireworks to the professionals

Beginning July 1, Georgians can legally purchase fireworks. Fireworks are pretty, but can be dangerous. Although many types of fireworks are legal in Georgia, residents still need to be careful when using them.

“We want citizens to have fun, but safety is our first priority.” states Fulton County Fire Chief Larry Few. “Even though the new law expands the sale of fireworks, the best way to safely enjoy this 4th of July is to watch a public fireworks display conducted by professionals.”

Fireworks injury is highest for children ages 5-19 and adults 35-44.  Each July 4^th, thousands of people, often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Adults are strongly urged to keep children away from fireworks, including sparklers. The Consumer Product Safety Commission provides the following tips:

• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

The new state law, HB 110, has certain provisions and times that revelers should be aware of:

1. The new state law allows for fireworks to be sold statewide in Georgia.

2. Fireworks can be used between the hours of 10 a.m. and midnight (12 a.m.). On Jan. 1, July 3, July 4 and on Dec. 31, fireworks can be used from 10 a.m. through 2 a.m.

3. Fireworks cannot be exploded within 100 yards of a nuclear power facility or gas station, or a facility that refines, processes, or blends gasoline.

4. Persons must be at least 18 years of age to purchase fireworks.
 

Nearly 90 percent of the fireworks injuries reported to emergency departments involved fireworks permitted under federal regulations, with many suffering injuries to their heads, eyes and extremities. Sixty-three percent of these injuries were burns.
 

For more information about the Fulton County Fire Rescue Department, log-on to www.fultoncountyga.gov. Follow them @FCFRD on Twitter.