North Idaho Briefs January 25, 2013
Girl's quick reaction saves family from fire
COEUR d'ALENE - A young girl's quick reaction helped a family escape a burning home Thursday.
The garage and attic of the house at 408 E. Sunrise Drive were damaged in the fire reported about 7 a.m. There were no injuries, which officials said may have been due to the girl's actions.
According to a press release, the girl woke up, saw smoke in the house, and alerted others.
Everyone made it out of the house safely and went to their meeting place across the street.
"If it wasn't for the alertness of this young lady, the situation may have turned out much worse," according to a fire department press release.
When firefighters arrived, they found the garage fully involved, with the fire extending into the house.
The fire was under control by 7:25 and fully extinguished by 8.
The blaze forced the closure of several blocks of Fourth Street for about an hour.
An investigation continues.
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Active shooter seminar set for Jan. 31
POST FALLS - Post Falls Police will host a free community meeting on active shooter preparedness on Thursday, Jan. 31, from 7-9 p.m. at the police station, 1717 E. Polston Ave.
Anyone interested in learning how to reduce workplace violence is encouraged to attend.
There will be a 90-minute Department of Homeland Security virtual roundtable to discuss past national incidents, suspect profile, why the incidents occurred and what the community can do to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
Post Falls Police staff will discuss what proactive measures are being taken to prepare for active shooter violence.
Information: 773-3517
Bill introduced to help insurance brokers in House
BOISE (AP) - A bill intended to give Idaho insurance brokers an opportunity to help clients shop for health insurance is headed for debate in House committee.
The measure introduced in the House State Affairs Committee Thursday would give brokers access to customers looking for coverage through the health insurance exchange.
The exchanges - a byproduct of the federal health care overhaul - will be set up like an online marketplace for insurance products for individuals and small businesses.
In coming weeks, lawmakers will debate whether to move forward with a state-built exchange or a federal version.
Republican Rep. Lynn Luker of Boise says the rules for both exchanges leave hundreds of Idaho insurance brokers in limbo and unable to help clients.