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Local Dentist saves man’s life
head on fire
Photo by Midway Family Dental

Liberty County Fire Services Chief Brian Darby is crediting the Dental Staff at Midway Family Dental for saving a man’s life today.

Darby said there was a two-vehicle accident on Highway 17 in front of Midway Family Dental. The accident occurred around 11:15 a.m. when a van and a pickup truck collided nearly head on. Both cars caught on fire and that is when the staff pounced into action, Darby said.

“We were inside, and we heard a loud bang, and we all ran outside to see what had happened,” Midway Family Dental owner and Dentist Tad Jackson said. “One of the individuals who was in the vehicle that was going southbound was able to get out of the vehicle and was placed in a wheelchair.”

Jackson said the male driver of the other vehicle, that was going northbound, was unconscious and appeared to have injuries.

Jackson said his associate Gunn McIntosh tried to pull the driver from the car but couldn't at first.

“The cars was getting more engulfed in flames,” Jackson said adding that he McIntosh and Micah Spivey finally managed to free the driver from the burning car.

He said his fight or flight instincts kicked in.

“We had to get him pout because it was going to blow up any minute,” Jackson said. “And it did blow up. We had to get him out or we all would have witnessed him die. He was going to die. We had to do it.”

Jackson said the driver had extensive leg injuries, but he was grateful the man is alive.

“It’s really awesome,” Jackson said. “I’m glad that he is alive and that he will recover. I’m glad nobody died.”

“We had reports of entrapment and one of the vehicles on fire,” Darby said. “While units were in route, we had patrons from a local business…they rescued someone. “We want to thank those patrons,” Darby said. “Without their help the occupant of that vehicle could have lost their life.”

Darby said both drivers were transported to Memorial with non-life-threatening injuries.

He said the fire caused by the impact was a unique situation and the accident remains under investigation.

car fire 2

Dental Staff save man's life

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Georgia Power provides tips for cold temperatures, winter weather this week
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As Georgia experiences frigid temperatures and the potential for severe winter weather later this week, Georgia Power is encouraging customers to take steps now to prepare and stay safe and warm. Whether exploring new ways to save energy or preparing for severe weather and potential power outages, resources available on GeorgiaPower.com and the company’s social media channels include useful tips for weathering the storm.

Tips to help minimize the impact of cold, winter weather on your power bill include:

· Optimize heating – Remember, heating can account for 50 percent of a home's typical winter energy usage. Enhance the efficiency of your heating unit by changing filters monthly, or every three months for pleated filters. Make sure heating vents and return air registers are unobstructed by furniture or drapes.

· Check your insulation – Keep heat where it belongs by ensuring proper insulation in attics and walls. Replace any cracked or peeling caulk or weatherstripping around doors and windows to save up to 10 percent on energy usage and reduce cold air infiltration into your home.

· Adjust your thermostat – Set your manual thermostat to 68 degrees or lower. Each degree lower can result in a 3-4% decrease in energy consumption. Or take advantage of programmable thermostat features if available to save energy throughout the day.

· Use natural heat – Open blinds and shades on sunny days to naturally warm your home at no cost. Close them at night to minimize the chill from cold windows.

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