The latest news for you - Henderson County Employee E-newsletter November 2023

Henderson County Employee E-Newsletter

November 2023

Your county, your news! Enjoy getting to know Henderson County!

HendersonCountyNC.gov

Ecusta Trail Groundbreaking:

History in the Making

In an exciting moment for Henderson County, surrounding communities, and local partners, a groundbreaking ceremony was held today, Saturday, October 28, at the Veterans Healing Farm in Hendersonville for the first six-mile stretch of the Ecusta Trail.

“The dream has become a reality,” said Henderson County Board Chairman Rebecca McCall. “To be able to move dirt and start construction on the first phase of the trail is the culmination of many years of hard work by so many people.”

The Ecusta Trail, when fully completed, will be a 19-mile multi-use greenway that connects the communities of Henderson County to the City of Brevard. The first six-mile stretch of the trail will start in downtown Hendersonville, go through the town of Laurel Park, and end at Battle Creek off US 64 in Horse Shoe. The second phase in Henderson County is in the planning stages, and that will take the trail to the Transylvania County line.

"We are so excited to be making this dream real,” said Kieran Roe, Executive Director of Conserving Carolina. “A project of this scale takes a huge amount of effort and investment and could easily seem beyond reach. But our community made it happen—from the grassroots advocates to the dedicated volunteers to the many generous donors. As we celebrate this milestone for the trail, we are celebrating the vision and generosity of this community."

Friends of the Ecusta Trail, a grassroots volunteer group, has championed the vision of the Ecusta Trail since 2009. In 2021, a subsidiary of Conserving Carolina purchased the rail corridor and then worked with Friends of the Ecusta Trail to raise funds for construction. Local businesses and individuals gave millions of dollars, making it possible to match major grants, including two large federal grants awarded in the summer of 2023. The final phase in fundraising for the trail is to raise money for amenities so the public can access and enjoy the trail. This includes things like trailheads, restrooms, benches, and signage. This fundraising effort is being led by the Friends of the Ecusta Trail.

“Today’s groundbreaking for the first section of the Ecusta Trail is the culmination of nearly 15 years of advocacy by the Friends of Ecusta Trail (FOET), said Mark Tooley, FOET President. “What started as a dream and a vision for repurposing the unused rail corridor as a community asset, has now come to fruition. I want to especially thank past and present FOET board members for their unwavering determination to get us to this historic event today and to all the volunteers and donors who have provided support and encouragement along the way. In the end, the partnership of federal, state, and local governments, nongovernmental organizations, and nonprofits, all striving for the same goal, was the secret sauce that made all of this possible."

Major funding came from the U.S. Department of Transportation, the State of North Carolina, Henderson County Tourism and Development Authority, Transylvania County Tourism and Development Authority, and private donors. Leading local government partners include Henderson County and the City of Brevard. Major donors are recognized at Ecusta Trail Donors

Construction of the first six-mile stretch is expected to be completed in one year. Completion of the entire trail is expected to take 3-5 years.

Henderson County YOTT Trail Tracker

Happy November, Henderson County! As the seasons change and the weather shifts to cooler temperatures, we can still make time to move our bodies, even outdoors! Getting outside during the cold months can actually boost immunity, up Vitamin D production and combat depression in addition to the typical benefits of exercise. Find tips and more information about exercising in winter weather at Winter Workouts

Throughout 2023, the state of North Carolina has been celebrating the "Year of the Trail." Learn more here: Great Trails NC. As 2023 comes to a close, continue enjoying trails around Henderson County! Feel free to utilize the pictured "Trail Tracker" as a checklist for ideas and motivation to get outside! Screenshot it, download it from hendersoncountync.gov/health, and print it off to track your progress. Grab a jacket and hike Henderson County through the holidays! Share your trail adventures with us on social media using #YearOfTheTrail #HCtrails23

The Pink Patch Project

Detention Support Specialist, Melinda Davidson, recently shared a cause near and dear to her heart, the Pink Patch Project. Agencies from all over the world create pink patches to sell for the month of October and the money collected, or donated, is then donated to Breast Cancer research. After her battle with breast cancer, Melinda decided to purchase patches and donate the proceeds to Pardee Cancer Center as a tribute to the care that she received.

If you want to know more about the Pink Patch Project, you can read about it here: Pink Patch Project

Tuxedo Park Ribbon-Cutting ~ Pickleball and Basketball Courts added to Tuxedo Park

On Thursday, November 2, 2023, the Henderson County Board of Commissioners cut the ribbon on the new additions to Tuxedo Park - a pickleball court and a basketball park. These courts are a wonderful addition to the park and will be enjoyed by many for years to come!

Henderson County Soil & Water Conservation District News

Henderson County's Soil and Water Conservation District has a mission! They "provide programs, technical services, and educational outreach promoting voluntary natural resource management and conservation on the private lands of North Carolina through a non-regulatory, incentive-driven approach." You can check out more of what they do for Henderson County here in their newsletter, The District Current: The District Current

Fire Safety

Home Fires

A fire can become life-threatening in just two minutes. A residence can be engulfed in flames in five minutes.

Learn About Fires

Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames.
Fire is HOT! Heat is more threatening than flames. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin.
Fire is DARK! Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness.
Fire is DEADLY! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy.

Smoke Alarms

A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.

Replace batteries twice a year, unless you are using 10-year lithium batteries.
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement.
Replace the entire smoke alarm unit every 10 years or according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Never disable a smoke alarm while cooking – it can be a deadly mistake.
Audible alarms are available for visually impaired people and smoke alarms with a vibrating pad or flashing light are available for the hearing impaired.

Before a Fire

If you are insured, contact your insurance company for detailed instructions on protecting your property, conducting inventory and contacting fire damage restoration companies.

Create and Practice a Fire Escape Plan

Remember that every second counts in the event of a fire. Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly. Practice your home fire escape plan twice each year. Some tips to consider when preparing this plan include:

Find two ways to get out of each room in the event the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke.
Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly and that security bars can be properly opened.
Practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.
Teach children not to hide from firefighters.
If you use a walker or wheelchair, check all exits to be sure you can get through the doorways.

Fire Safety Tips

Make digital copies of valuable documents and records like birth certificates.
Sleep with your bedroom door closed.
Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen. Contact your local fire department for assistance on proper use and maintenance.
Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your residence.

During a Fire

Drop down to the floor and crawl low, under any smoke to your exit. Heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling.
Before opening a door, feel the doorknob and door. If either is hot, or if there is smoke coming around the door, leave the door closed and use your second way out.
If you open a door, open it slowly. Be ready to shut it quickly if heavy smoke or fire is present.
If you can’t get to someone needing assistance, leave the home and call 9-1-1 or the fire department. Tell the emergency operator where the person is located.
If pets are trapped inside your home, tell firefighters right away.
If you can’t get out, close the door and cover vents and cracks around doors with cloth or tape to keep smoke out. Call 9-1-1 or your fire department. Say where you are and signal for help at the window with a light-colored cloth or a flashlight.
If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop and roll – stop immediately, drop to the ground and cover your face with your hands. Roll over and over or back and forth until the fire is out. If you or someone else cannot stop, drop and roll, smother the flames with a blanket or towel. Use cool water to treat the burn immediately for three to five minutes. Cover with a clean, dry cloth. Get medical help right away by calling 9-1-1 or the fire department.

After a Fire

Contact your local disaster relief service, such as The Red Cross, if you need temporary housing, food and medicines.
Check with the fire department to make sure your residence is safe to enter.
DO NOT attempt to reconnect utilities yourself. The fire department should make sure that utilities are either safe to use or are disconnected before they leave the site.
Conduct an inventory of damaged property and items. Do not throw away any damaged goods until after you make the inventory of your items.
Begin saving receipts for any money you spend related to fire loss. The receipts may be needed later by the insurance company and for verifying losses claimed on your income tax.
Notify your mortgage company of the fire.

Prevent Home Fires

Home fires can be preventable. The following are simple steps that each of us can take to prevent a tragedy.

Cooking

Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. Turn off the stove if you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time.
Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.
Position barbecue grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
Keep a fire extinguisher available.

Electrical and Appliance Safety

Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately and do not run cords under rugs or furniture.
If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.

Holiday Safety

Turn off holiday lights at night or when you leave the house.
Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
Keep candles at least 12 inches away from flammable materials or consider using flameless candles.
Water your Christmas tree daily and don’t let it dry out. A dry tree is more flammable.
Make sure your tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights, and not blocking an exit.
Don’t overload extension cords and outlets.

Fireplaces and Woodstoves

Inspect and clean woodstove pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions.
Use a fireplace screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks.
Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed.

Portable Space Heaters

Keep combustible objects at least three feet away from portable heating devices.
Only buy heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Check to make sure the portable heater has a thermostat control mechanism and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over.
Only use crystal clear K-1 kerosene in kerosene heaters. Never overfill it. Use the heater in a well-ventilated room away from curtains and other flammable items.

Keeping Children Safe

Take the mystery out of fire play by teaching children that fire is a tool, not a toy.
Store matches and lighters out of children's reach and sight, preferably in a locked cabinet.
Never leave children unattended near operating stoves or burning candles, even for a short time.

More Fire Prevention Tips

Never use a stove range or oven to heat your home.
Keep combustible and flammable liquids away from heat sources.
Portable generators should NEVER be used indoors and should only be refueled outdoors and in well-ventilated areas.

The Escape Plan: Test Your Fire Safety Skills

In this virtual and augmented reality experience, you are racing against the clock to escape from an apartment fire. You will have to navigate through several rooms and make fast decisions to avoid danger. Are you up for the challenge?