Coral Gables Riviera-Times

Abuse of Juice Dangerous, Local Boy Scouts Learn

By GENE STRUL "It's the abuse of the juice, not the use, that causes the trouble." This might well be the motto of every homemaker in the nation. Today, this lesson in electricity is on the lips of Boy Scouts attached to Coral Gables troop number 38. And tomorrow, if Florida Power and Light has anything to say, more of them will tell the value of home accident prevention to their parents and playmates. In a trial run of his safety education program, Larry Hoffman, safety director of the Power and Light Company, employed psychology in an effort to bring home the dangers that results from deteriorated electrical appliances. Watch Intently Wide-eyed youngster watched intently as Hoffman brought forth a small transformer and demonstrated sparks jumping between wall sockets, switches, fuses and wires. Scout Dan Lewis sighted a frayed iron cord and quipped, "That's ours." "You're right," said Hoffman. "and there are frayed cords, with exposed wires, and blown fuses, have become almost standard equipment in many American homes. Yet, there are innumerable records of deaths, serious injuries and fire that occur in homes although it is possible to buy cheap insurance." "What is this insurance?" asked Scout Ross Crocker. It's Insurance "It's the insurance against disaster caused by carelessness," replied Hoffman. "If you find a defect in the cord of an appliance, it is a simple matter to get a new cord. A few pennies will assure safety." Hoffman added that while permanent installations such as stoves and water heaters are safe, other electrical fixtures must be watched. He warned against contact with wet washing machine cords. Often the drainage is bad and the wire becomes saturated. It is possible to take hold of the wire and discover that you can't turn it loose. Penny Cure-All Scout John Devit was the first to recognize the importance of electrical education. When asked about the proper way to fix a blown fuse, John suggested the age old cure-all-the copper penny. But when this was tried, a flash and burst of flame put an end to his eagerness. Hoffman credited convenience outlets with simplifying wiring in the home. Permanent extensions eliminate tripping over cords, but too many appliances connected to a single outlet are dangerous. The person who connects them is begging for trouble. Water Dangerous "There's the chap who wanted to bathe and listen to the radio at the same time," declared the safety director. "He put on earphones, got into the tub, and turned on the switch. They had to carry him out." NEVER touch an electric wire or appliance while you are standing in water or your feet are wet or when touching a water pipe or other solid ground. Failure to observe this probably causes more deaths from electric shock in the home than any other "abuse of the juice." Sensing the serious mood of the scouts, Hoffman changed his talk to a common hazard. "Let's say a fellow wants to fly a kite. I'm sure it won't do any harm." "Not if he flies it in a wide open space," interrupted Scout, second-class, Carl Tiede. Kite Hazard "That's true," complimented Hoffman. "There are many obstructions in the street-traffic, trees, and wires must be contended with." An electric apparatus on the demonstration board depicted a kite entangled in a power line. Electricity from a high tension wire trickled harmlessly through the dry string but when dipped in water, it bolted through the same string like fire through a match box. "Many youngsters make use of copper wire in flying their kites," declared Hoffman. "Others make a tail out of tinfoil. I can assure fireworks for the persons who use these items." Watch Newspapers The scouts, many of them newspaper delivery boys, listened intently while Hoffman made note of newspapers and other objects seen dangling from street wires. Their interest grew when they learned the number of casualties that result from such foolish pranks. Hofman pointed to the necessity of knowing what to do in the case of fallen wires. "If you were faced with a live wire lying across the road, what would be your first move?" demanded the safety director. Idea Rejected One scout suggested a dry stick with which to move the wire. But the safety director explained this to be a hazardous procedure for you cannot be sure of the stick or the voltage in the wire. The power company, he added, has special sticks for handling wires of various voltages. "The best suggestion is to leave the wire alone," said Hoffman. "Guard it to prevent anyone from touching it and have someone phone the company. They will dispatch properly trained and equipped men to the scene." First Aid "Suppose coming home one day you find someone lying across a live wire," said Hoffman, "What would you do?" Star Scout Crocker had the answer, "Turn off the juice, and then pull him away from the wire and apply artificial respiration." Scoutmaster William Cogburn directed two scouts in a demonstration of treatment for electrocution. Caution Urged However, the lecturer emphasized extreme caution if a person has come in contact with a live wire, the rescuer might get a shock if not careful. A dry rope, dry clothing or dry board might be used to release the victim from the wire, but never depend upon rubber boots for shock protection for often water seeps into them. Hoffman was bewildered in trying to find a reason for people to destroy street lights. These lights protect the public from criminals lurking in the dark, provide us with a greater sense of security. Besides, the destruction of a light leaves broken glass on the street. Don't Shoot "When hunting, another DON'T is shooting at power lines," Hoffman pleaded. "The line supplies vital service to many places and might be connected with a hospital where an emergency operation is being performed. The loss of electricity could mean the difference between life and death." Hoffman added that the things he spoke about were everyday occurrences that must not be minimized. "The scouts have definite ideals and objectives," he said. "And on the strength of this we are beginning our campaign to appeal to scouts everywhere to carry home this information. Use it to instruct your parents and friends in safety education. We can do some good by passing the word around as to what will happen if the public does not become conscious — they're going to get into trouble." Kits Presented The Gables scouts were presented with a snake bite kit and a booklet on snakes of the Eastern seaboard of the United States. Hoffman, who demonstrated the proper use of the kit, explained that it has proved invaluable to company lineman working in this area. The troop was entertained by a cartoon movie on the birth of electricity and its development through 1947. Hoffman bought his first lesson in electric education to a close with a question bee. "Remember," he warned, "it's the abuse of the juice, not the use, that causes the trouble."

This attractive residence will be constructed for Mr. and Mrs. Louis Follis of New Haven, Conn, at the corner of Cellini Street and Avenue Cotorra. It was designed by Walter R. Shiner. Follis is agent of the Aetna Casualty and Surety Co. of Hartford, Conn.

MISS WEILAND, JOHN R. HOEHL TO WED TODAY

Miss Johanna Weiland will become the bride of John Robert Hoehl in a candlelight ceremony at 8 p.m. tonight at the First Presbyterian Church. The nuptials will be followed by a reception at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Herman Weiland, parents of the bride-elect on Avenue Malaga. After a honeymoon in Kingston, Jamaica, the couple will reside in Gainesville, Fla., where Mr. Hoehl is taking law courses at the University of Florida.

To Visit Aunt

Miss Martina Thurmond left by plane today for a months visit with relatives in Macon, Atlanta, Georgin and Birmingham, Ala. While in Macon she will be the guest of her Aunt, Mrs. Guy Armstrong.

Plans Dessert Bridge

Estrellita Club of Coral Gables OES will hold a dessert bridge at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at the home of Mrs. Ray Sullivan, 4180 S. W. 9th st. Mrs. Josephine Walker is co-hostess.

Drivers! Could you stand to see a child killed?

FOERSTER ELECTRIC SHOP

LICENSED AND INSURED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR (Successor To Nolan Electric Company) 219 N. STATE HIGHWAY - PHONE 48-1011 Just South of Red Road on U. S. No. 1 Nite Emergency: 4-0479 SOUTH MIAMI Commercial — Industrial — Residential BOTTLED GAS RANGES — INSTALLATIONS — ALTERATIONS — MAINTENANCE — Our Mechanics Are Chosen for Capability, Courtesy, Efficiency and Sobriety "THE SOLUTION TO YOUR CURRENT NEEDS"

Let Us Do Your Work Instead of the Hurricane!

TREES TOP-TRIMMED AND REMOVED ALL TYPES OF TREE SURGERY COLLIER TREE EXPERTS PHONE 48-5009

SALE! INLAID LINOLEUM

18 PATTERNS $2.50 Square Yard In Standard and Heavy Weight INSTALLATIONS FACTORY OUTLET FLOOR COVERING 1527 S. W. 8th Street Phone 9-1193

R. F. WEBB CONCRETE PRODUCTS

Build For Permanence . . . Use Concrete Joists and Slabs in Your New Home or Store PRE-CAST JOISTS AND SLABS FOR FLOORS AND ROOFS LAWN STEPPING STONES 4005 Aurora Street • Phone 4-3326 • Coral Gables

WANT THE CLEANEST CLOTHES IN TOWN?

• Wash Yours the Easy Spindrier Way • No Messy Rinse Water In Tubs • No Backaches WET WASH SERVICE THURS. - FRI. - SAT. 'EASY DUZ IT' SELF-SERVICE LAUNDRY 4455 S. W. 8th Street On The Trail 65c Minimum Charge First Hour 1c Per Minute Thereafter Open Monday thru Friday 7 a.m.-10 p.m.—Saturday 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

CORAL GABLES FURNITURE COMPANY

FINE FURNITURE FOR FINE HOMES 221 Alhambra Circle Telephone 4-3182

Coolair TRADE MARK BREEZE CONDITIONING

Now . . . you can enjoy the FINEST in Home Cooling! NO MONEY DOWN 36 months to pay! F.H.A. PLAN Now Available to Every Home Owner Here's really good news! The famous Coolair Attic Fan can now be installed in your home without a penny down! At last you can bring blessed relief to your family from broiling summer temperatures for only a few cents a day. The complete job, fan and installation, can be included in the easy payment plan. No fan but Coolair offers you the ultra-quiet operation of patented sound-absorbing springs, plus other quality features. None but an Authorized Coolair Dealer offers you factory-supervised training in scientific planning and installation. For complete satisfaction choose Coolair Breeze Conditioning. Phone or visit GENERAL ENGINEERING, your Authorized COOLAIR Dealer. FOR Lawn Sprinklers Phone Floyd R. Younkin FOR Home Ventilation • Air-Conditioning Refrigeration Phone Randy Miller or John Cooper Sales and Service General Engineering Co. 119 Aragon Ave. Phone 4-6797

The Patio Shop

EVERYTHING FOR THE HOME — PATIO AND GARDEN 3650 CORAL WAY Phone 48-2920

LAWN SPRINKLERS

Make certain your lawn won't be burned to a crisp! It will stay green — safely, beautifully green if protected the modern way — by a General Lawn Sprinkler System. F.H.A. financing is offered for this type of improvement.

— BUSINESS DIRECTORY —

Painting INTERIOR — EXTERIOR — WATERPROOFING FREE ESTIMATES GIVEN AT YOUR CONVENIENCE WORK GUARANTEED TO YOUR SATISFACTION H. Wells Watson PAINTING CONTRACTOR LICENSED and INSURED 1952 S. W. 22nd Terrace Phone 48-5111 | LEARN TO FLY UNDER THE G.I. BILL OF RIGHTS. MEN AND WOMEN CAN NOW RECEIVE EXPERT INSTRUCTION IN PRIVATE AND COMMERCIAL COURSES. ALL NEW 1946 AIRPLANES Block Time — Also Rent by Hour or Week MIAMI AVIATION FLYING SERVICE Southeast Corner of Tamiami Airport PHONE 4-3920 LOOK FOR THE FLAG | General Building Construction Complete Estimates Cheerfully Given For Any Job—Large or Small KINSEY BUILDERS, INC. W. C. KINSEY E. M. KINSEY Phones 4-7003, 48-4211, 4-9754 | GENERAL CONTRACTORS NEW BUILDINGS — REPAIRS — ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS We give straight contracts only and adhere strictly to plans and specifications General Enterprises, Inc. 8336 S W. 47th Street Phone 48-6378 | Do you need a GOOD PLUMBER? Quick Service Rendered On All Emergencies Plumbing work of every description from repair work to large installations GEO. H. CRAWFORD MASTER PLUMBER Phone 48-3264 3396 Coral Way | ARVIN RADIOS — $16.45 COAST RADIO SERVICE 1804 PONCE DE LEON BLVD. PHONE 4-5212 | HOBBY SUPPLIES AIRPLANES -- CARS -- BOATS -- STAMPS TROPICAL FISH — AQUARIUM SUPPLIES TROPICAL HOBBY SHOP "BALSA HEADQUARTERS" 141 Alcazar Ave. Phone 4-0343 | "FINE FURNITURE MADE FINER" DRAPERIES — SLIP-COVERS — REUPHOLSTERING Flamingo Furniture Shop 123 ARAGON AVENUE PHONE 4-4880 OPEN EVENINGS BY APPOINTMENT | FURNITURE THAT SERVES—AT PRICES THAT SAVE WOLPERT FURNITURE CO. 1200 CORAL WAY "AT 5 POINTS" (S.W. 22 St., Corner S.W. 12 Ave.) PHONE 3-4152 | CROUCH BROS. PAINTING Tel. 4-3116 Res. 4-7202 | NON-SKID ASPHALT DRIVEWAYS, ROADWAYS, PARKING & INDUSTRIAL AREAS No Job Too Large or Too Small —Estimates Without Obligation— DUSTLESS — NOISELESS — GUARANTEED For Example: See the Riviera Country Club Driveway CLARENCE WEST DRIVEWAY CONTRACTOR 239 Salamanca Ave. Ph. 4-7806 | ELLIS APPLIANCE CO. RADIOS (Home and Auto) — HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES — AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC IRONS SALES — SERVICE — REPAIRS AGENTS FOR HURST ELECTRIC CO. WIRING COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC MAINTENANCE 121 Giralda Ave. NELSON B. ELLIS, Mgr. Phone 48-5141 | BARGAINS IN: Bamboo Rakes — Soldering Irons Quickset Vises MURRAY'S METAL SERVICE 4019 Aurora Ave. Coral Gables | LONG DISTANCE MOVING IN NICE CLEAN VANS —Agent Member, Allied Van Lines— PROMPT LOCAL MOVING, CRATING, PACKING PIANO HANDLING STORAGE IN NEW FIREPROOF TYPE BUILDING GALLOWAY TRANSFER & STORAGE 4104-4118 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Phones 4-3575 and 48-2503 | NATHAN HOLOBER 1807 PONCE DE LEON BOULEVARD LOWEST PRICES ON Upholstering • Slip Covers and Draperies Drapery and Upholstery Fabrics • Dress Goods | CORAL GABLES WROUGHT IRON Co. Metal Craftsmen 323 GRECO AVENUE PHONE 48-1421 CORAL GABLES 34, FLORIDA