New e-book helps customers get winter ready

During hard freezes across large sections of Alabama with temperatures dropping into single digits and wind chills making it feel even colder, Alabama Power offers some tips to help customers keep warm and safe.

Here are some tips on how you can stay warm while saving energy:
·         If you use portable electric heaters, use them only in small areas. Buy models that are thermostatically controlled. Place these in well-ventilated areas away from flammable objects.
·         Use an electric blanket at night. An electric blanket is more economical than heating the entire house all night long.
·         Use a small room fan or ceiling fan to circulate and distribute heated air. When reversed, ceiling fans can circulate hot air trapped near the ceiling.
·         Although a crackling fire in the fireplace can make a room appear to be more warm and cozy, fireplaces are often a deterrent to energy efficiency because a lot of the heated air escapes up the chimney. A fireplace designed for providing heat eliminates this problem through a draft which supplies the fire with outside air rather than air from the room.
·         Keep cold wind outside by closing garage doors. Close all louvers and vents in the attic or foundation walls during the winter – but be sure to open them when the weather turns warm.
·         Leave draperies open on sunny days so your house will absorb the sun’s heat. Close them on the shaded side of the house and at night.
·         Make sure heating outlets and return air registers are not blocked by furniture, draperies, doors or other obstacles.
Be sure to check on elderly neighbors to ensure they have adequate heat. Bring all pets indoors until warmer temperatures return.

If you have to be outside during frigid temperatures, consider these important safety precautions:

·         Parts of the body especially vulnerable to the cold include fingers, legs, feet, toes, head, ears, face and nose. Keep them warm by wearing gloves, socks, hats, ear warmers and waterproof gloves and boots.

·         Eat hot meals loaded with carbohydrates to provide fuel that produces heat for the body.
·         While working in the cold, stay physically active and take frequent breaks in a warm, dry place.

Hypothermia and frostbite are caused by overexposure to extremely cold temperatures. Both conditions require immediate medical attention.

Frostbite occurs when flesh freezes. The exposed flesh first appears reddish and then begins to turn grayish-white. Hypothermia occurs when the core body temperature falls below normal. Symptoms of hypothermia include:
·         Shivering
·         Chattering teeth
·         Slurred speech
·         Lack of coordination

If someone shows signs of hypothermia, move the person inside to a warmer temperature. Give him or her a warm drink if they are conscious and seek medical assistance immediately.

For more information on being winter ready, check out the new e-book at www.alabamapower.com.

Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), provides reliable, affordable electricity to more than 1.4 million customer across the state.

Imperial Club, Incorporated presented its 66th Annual Debutante Presentation on December 22, 2014. The event was held at the Sheraton – East Ballroom. The Theme, “It’s Our Time – Celebrating a Legacy of Lifting and Climbing”, reflected the Imperial Club, Incorporated’s commitment to encouraging young women and youth to serve mankind and the community by enhancing strong families and the status of women and youth.
Through participation in a series of events during the summer preceding their presentation, Imperial Debutantes and Floormen (the official escorts) participate in a number of activities such as visiting senior residences and providing meals to homeless persons. These activities encourage support of the community to lift others as they strive to reach their highest levels of personal accomplishment.
The East Ballroom was decorated in red and white. Each debutante wore a bouffant white ball gown and carried a bouquet of red roses and baby breath; Floormen were dressed in white tails. Imperial Club invited Honored guests included Mrs. Barbara Allen, former Superintendent of Birmingham City Schools and her husband, Mr. Walter Allen, an Imperial Club, Incorporated 1963 Floorman.
The 2014 Imperial Debutantes were Miss Victoria Barnes, presented by her mother, Ms. Victoria Webb-Barnes and her Uncle, Mr. Herman Webb; Miss Elexia Coleman, presented by her parents, Retired Sergeant Detective James Evans and State Representative Merika Coleman – Evans; Miss Breannah Gilbert, Presented by Mrs. Sybil Arrington-Gilbert and her brother Mr. Robbie Gilbert, II; Miss Tabatha Holmes, presented by her parents, Mr. Stuart Holmes and Mrs. La Paula Davis; Miss Brooklyn Hornbuckle, presented by her parents Mr. and Mrs. Steven Hornbuckle. Ms. Hornbuckle’s mother, Mrs. Cadence Hornbuckle, was introduced as a 1983 Imperial Debutante.
Miss Aaliyah Lacey, was presented by her mother Mrs. Willia Lacey and her Uncle Mr. Willie James Collins, Jr.; Miss Vionna Moore, was presented by her parents Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Moore; Miss Kyra Perkins, was presented by her parents Attorney and Mrs. Byron Perkins. Miss Perkins’ mother, Mrs. Carmen Perkins was introduced as a 1977 Imperial Club, Incorporated Debutante.
Miss Jennifer Toney, daughter of Mrs. Lisa Toney and the late Michael Toney, was presented by her mother Mrs. Lisa Toney. Miss Brianna Washington was presented by her parents Mr. Steven Washington and Mrs. Cynthia Washington.
Omni Enterprise, directed by Dr. Horace Carney, performed the music for the traditional minuet and entertainment after the Presentation.
Floormen, young men who attended the Debutantes, were Mr. Anthony Bennett Jr, son of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Bennett Sr; Mr. Jeremiah Dunham, son of Mrs. Lakeitha Dunham and Mr. Bobby Billingsley; Mr. Christopher Ingram, son of Mr. and Mrs. Norris Ingram; Mr. Willie Trey Robinson, son of Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Finley; Mr. Jakobie Perry, son of Mr. & Mrs. Demetrius Jackson; Mr. Shawn Seward, son of Mr. & Mrs. Jeryl Seward; Mr. Christopher Stewart, son of Mr. & Mrs. Michael Stewart; Mr. Jeremy Webb, son of Mr. & Mrs. Herman Webb, and Mr. Arshawn Young, son of Mrs. Deborah Young and Mr. Jeremy Halbert.  Mr. R.J. Pressley was Senior Floorman.
Awards were made to Miss Elexia Coleman who was crowned “2014 Imperial Debutante Queen”, Miss Kyra Perkins, and Miss Brooklyn Hornbuckle were named to the Queen’s Court.
Miss Tabatha Holmes and Miss Jennifer Toney also received awards for Community Service.
The 2014 Imperial Mens Committee award was presented to Floorman, Mr. Christopher Stewart.
The Imperial Club Awards for Exceptional Support were presented to Ms. Frances Faulks and Mr. Otis Dismuke.
Ms. Peggie Myles and Dr. Ruth S. Tucker served as Director and Co-Director of 2014 Debutante Affairs. Mrs. Mary Jackson is President of Imperial Club.

 (NAPSI)—Technology is a driving force in today’s economy, powering innovation and creating jobs. The rapid adoption of cloud computing, mobility, social media and other innovations has accelerated the importance of technology in the workplace—and the need for information technology (IT) technicians.
Desktop support has long been one of the most fundamental jobs in all of IT. However, what was once a reactive job—waiting for the phone to ring or an e-mail to arrive summoning you to fix a broken PC—has evolved into a proactive position that’s far more critical to day-to-day business operations.
More Than Maintenance
Technology “maintenance” is much more sophisticated in 2015 than it was 20, 10 or even two years ago. Today, it involves supporting handheld devices (iPads and Androids), rolling out software to thousands of computers and conducting server migrations. Today’s IT technicians get hands-on experience and insight into fast-changing technologies, including cloud computing, cyber security, data analysis, mobility and telecommunications.
There remains in some corners a misperception that the majority of IT support jobs have been shipped overseas. The reality is that in many organizations, there are new, more significant opportunities for technicians. And the IT technician’s role remains the best, first step someone can take to launch a career in technology.
Knowledge Workers
Today’s engineers and technologists are knowledge workers, possessing a unique combination of skills that can’t be easily outsourced or delegated.
With IT departments becoming more closely integrated with other lines of business, the technical knowledge and skills employed by IT technicians are something that can’t be delivered efficiently or effectively over the phone from a call center.
Is It Right For You?
If you have an interest in technology, along with the ability to solve problems and possess strong people skills, you may be a candidate for a career change and step into a job as an IT technician with a minimal amount of training—either in a classroom, online or through self-study.
One way to tell if you have the aptitude is the CompTIA IT Fundamentals certification. This professional credential is available through CompTIA, the nonprofit association for the IT industry. The exam covers five categories: software, hardware, security, networking and basic IT literacy.
Earning a credential from an organization well known and widely respected for its certification program demonstrates to prospective employers that you’re ready to enter the IT workforce. It can also serve as a springboard to more advanced IT skills certifications and set the stage for new career opportunities and advancement.
To learn more, visit http://certification.comptia.org/getCertified/certifications/compatia-it-fundamentals.

   An upcoming safe driving course conducted by AAA-Alabama will allow Birmingham area drivers age 55 and older to sharpen their driving safety skills and save money on auto insurance.
This is a great opportunity for mature drivers to refresh their driving knowledge and learn some terrific defensive driving techniques. Alabama law requires auto insurance providers to award a discount to anyone who takes this class, age 55 and older. Typical insurance discounts range between 5 and 10 percent and the certification is valid for three years.
While the class is favored by senior drivers, it’s also a great class for teenagers or other novice drivers. It gives a unique prospective on defensive driving and is open to drivers of all ages. The one-day Safe Driving for Mature Operators class will be held on Thursday, January 8th from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the AAA State Headquarters building at 2400 Acton Road, in Birmingham. The cost is $25 for AAA members and $30 for non-members.  The deadline for registration is Wednesday, January 7th.
“This is a very interesting and thought provoking class that everyone should take at some point,” says AAA Alabama spokesperson Clay Ingram. “The way we drive has changed quite a bit in recent years. With this class, drivers have the opportunity to learn some valuable defensive driving techniques, which will not only make them safer drivers, but will also earn them a discount on their automobile insurance at a time when everyone is trying to save money.”
Approved by the State of Alabama and taught by a certified instructor, Safe Driving for Mature Operators qualifies eligible drivers for a premium reduction on their current automobile insurance. The course is tailored to meet the unique needs of older drivers, and includes information on reaction time, road risks, sight, and hearing. There is no test and no driving in the course.
With 11 offices across Alabama and more than 1000 offices nationwide, AAA is North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, providing its more than 54 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services.  Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.
Enrollment for classes is limited. To register, call AAA Alabama, at (205) 444-8885 or visit www.AAA.com.

(NAPSI)—If you’re like many Americans, you have questions about your family history. Now, genealogy experts Kenyatta Berry, Joshua Taylor and Mary Tedesco from “Genealogy Roadshow” on PBS offer some advice for researching your family’s history:
1) Collect as many oral histories as possible. Your living ancestors have information and stories to share. Interview them and record their stories.
2) Gather all the photos and documentation that you can. Items might include birth, death and marriage certificates; diplomas and other school documents; military service documents; Communion or other social, service and religious documents; and real estate documents.
3) Begin a secondary search. Fortunately, many ancestry-related documents, such as the U.S. Census, military documents, immigration lists and newspaper archives are now digitized and available on the Internet at little or no cost.
4) Consult with outside sources, such as librarians, historians, genealogy organizations and databanks to find access to resources.
5) Work backward. It’s generally easier if you begin with the present day and go back through time.
Here are two more enjoyable ways to inspire yourself and your family in your ancestry search:
1. The next time you’re planning a family reunion, make it more meaningful by incorporating a visit to a place of significance—such as a location relevant to your family history—into the festivities.
2. Watch how others go about finding their roots. Part detective story, part emotional journey, “Genealogy Roadshow” (running as of January 13 on PBS and also available at PBS.org) combines history and science to uncover the fascinating stories of diverse Americans.
Each individual featured finds that his or her past links to a larger community history, revealing the rich cultural tapestry of America. Find additional resources for tracing your own ancestry at www.PBS.org.