Healthy Summer Series: Prepare Now For Hurricanes
June 15, 2013
Whether you’re new to Florida or a long time resident of the sunshine state, preparing for this hurricane season can be made simple with a few important steps.
Number One: Make a Plan, Just Make It!
This important step can save your family crucial time in the event of an emergency. With your family, create a Family Emergency Plan that includes:
- How you will communicate with each other if separated
- Who has specific care needs, like a grandparent or very young children
- What supplies, tools or equipment you and your family will need
- How will you meet your family’s power needs
- Where you will go if you are requested to evacuate
- And a plan for your pets
When it comes to hurricanes and tropical storms, does the area you live in experience storm-related flooding? If you lose power, will you still be able to use necessary medical equipment in your home that requires electricity? Take into consideration the potential challenges of communication, the possibility of an evacuation, and any health condition needs in your plan. Planning ahead will also give your kids a chance to feel included. Talk to them about their needs and concerns.
Number Two: Build an Emergency Supply Kit!
There are critical basic items all Emergency Supply Kits should include, yet make sure your kit meets your family’s particular needs. Having at least three days of drinking water and healthy, non-perishable foods for each person is vital, yet having additional medications, health supplies and documents, or a special toy or book can be very important to your family’s comfort during the days following an emergency. Purchasing a battery-operated, all-hazards weather radio to provide alerts and updates for your immediate area is a great way to stay informed. Monitor only trusted news outlets or official sources for information during any emergency.
Number Three: Know where to go!
If asked to evacuate from your home, you’ll need to know where you can go for safe shelter. Public Emergency Shelters will be announced if opened in your area. If you decide to stay in a hotel, does it allow pets? Research ahead so you will know for sure. Do you have friends or relatives you can stay with until it is safe to return home? If you have mobility or health-related challenges, each of Florida’s counties maintains a registry of persons who may need assistance. You can pre-register for assistance to ensure appropriate help will be on the way. Check with your county’s Emergency Management Office for instructions.
The Florida Department of Health has prepared the Florida Emergency Preparedness Guide, available in multiple languages and formats to all residents and visitors on www.floridashealth.com. The guide provides detailed information and health-related planning tools for individuals and families on preparing for hurricanes, tropical storms and other types of emergencies.
And, if you already have a plan and emergency supply kit, now is the perfect time to re-check and re-stock. Having a Family Emergency Plan, an Emergency Supply Kit and a pre-determined location to evacuate if needed can give you and your family confidence in an emergency situation. Knowing what to do, where to go, and what to have on hand for potential emergencies is an important part of living in Florida.
NorthEscambia.com’s “Healthy Summer Series”, in cooperation with the Florida Department of Health, will take a weekly look at issues aimed at keeping your Florida summer safe and healthy.
Escambia Health Officials: Know The Signs Of Heat Stress
June 14, 2013
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County reminds residents that it is important to know the signs of heat stress as temperatures rise and people spend more time in the summer heat.
Heat stress is a general term to describe heat-related illnesses that can develop after exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced fluid replacement. Heat stress can develop into heat exhaustion may progress to heat stroke. Persons most prone to heat stress are infants, elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment.
Warning signs of heat stress vary, but may include:
- Heavy sweating
- Paleness
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness (may be the only sign of heat exhaustion in an infant)
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
- Cool, moist skin
- Fast, weak pulse rate
- Rapid, shallow breathing
Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms are severe or if the victim has heart problems or high blood pressure. Otherwise, help the victim to cool off and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.
If you suspect significant heat stress:
- Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages, as directed by your physician
- Rest in an air-conditioned environment
- Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath
- Wear lightweight clothing
- Prevent sun burn by wearing a sunscreen of 30 SPF, or greater. Sun burn damages the skin’s ability to dissipate heat.
For specific medical questions contact your physician, or dial 911 for emergency care.
NJROTC Training: Cadets Take Part In Adopt A Highway Program
June 14, 2013
NJROTC cadets at Northview High School are taking part in an introduction to ROTC training this week. As part of that training, they participated in Florida’s Adopt-A-Highway program, working to removing litter and beautify West Highway 4 near the school.
Pictured above and below: Northview High School NJROTC cadets work in the Adopt-A-Highway program as part of their introductory training. Pictured below: Eight new Northview NJROTC cadets are identified by their burgundy shirts. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Slithery Summer Reptiles And Reading At The Library
June 13, 2013
Participants in the West Florida Library’s Summer Reading Program had a chance to get up close and personal with some slithery snakes and more Wednesday afternoon. The Reno’s Reptiles program is one of many programs planned for this summer.
The West Florida Public Library will hold a “Dig Into Reading” summer reading club for all children ages preschool and up. The event will include stories, weird noises, shadow puppets, magic and more.
The 2013 Summer Reading Club will be held weekly through August 10. Children can register at any West Florida Public Library.
Century Branch Library
Summer Reading Program – Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m.
Molino Branch Library
Preschool story time — Mondays, 2:45 p.m.
Summer Reading Program - Mondays, 4:00 p.m.
Tryon Branch
Preschool story time — Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.
Summer Reading Program - Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m.
Main Library
Preschool story time — Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.
Summer Reading Program - Mondays, noon.
Southwest Branch
Summer Reading Program – Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
Westside Branch
Preschool story time — Saturdays, 2:30 p.m.
Summer Reading Program – Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m.
Pictrured: Reno’s Reptiles during the Summer Reading Program Wednesday afternoon at the Century Branch Library. Photos by August Whorff for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Sheriff’s Office Camp Friendship Underway At Jim Allen Elementary
June 12, 2013
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office “Camp Friendship” is going on this week at Jim Allen Elementary School in Cantonment. The free summer day camp features presentations by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit, a field trip jail tour, sports, arts and crafts and much more.
“We want to thank the Sheriff Morgan and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department for their time, talent, and dedication to the children in our county,” Jim Allen Elementary Principal Rachel Watts said.
Additional camps are planned for later this summer at Montclair and Navy Point elementary schools. Both camps are already full and registration is closed.
Pictured: Camp Friendship at Jim Allen Elementary School in Cantonment. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Getting Out Alive: Firefighters Hold Joint Training Exercise
June 11, 2013
Four area fire departments joined together Monday evening in Atmore for a joint training exercise that was all about firefighter safety.
Members of the Atmore Fire Department, Poarch Fire Department, Nokomis (AL) Volunteer Fire Department and the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia (FL) Fire Rescue took part in the joint exercise using an abandoned home on Atmore’s Third Avenue that had been damaged in a previous fire.
Firefighters learned how to kick their way through a wall and bail out of a burning building if the need were to arise. They also learned how to remove an injured firefighter from a blaze and communications techniques.
The Atmore Fire Department will burn the home to the ground in the coming weeks.
For more photos, click here for a bonus Facebook photo gallery.
Pictured top: Firefighters learn to bail out of a burning building in the event of an emergency. Pictured inset: A firefighters leans how to breach a wall and escape Pictured below: Practicing removing an injured firefighters. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
‘Amazing’ – McDavid Student Graduates With 14 Years Of Perfect Attendance
June 11, 2013
When Katelynn Zisa of McDavid was in kindergarten at Byrneville Elementary School, she set a pretty high goal — perfect attendance through her senior year.
And with her graduation last week from West Florida High School, she had finally accomplished her goal of 14 years of perfect attendance without missing a single day since pre-kindergarten. Ever. That’s over 2,500 days of class with Zisa present each and every morning.
“It’s something you just don’t hear of very much,” Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said. As far as Thomas knows, Zisa is the first to graduate with complete perfect attendance during his career as superintendent. “It’s amazing for someone to go 12 years and never miss a day of school.”
“It was a hard goal to accomplish,” Zisa said. One of the hardest parts, she said, was balancing three or four years of playing sports and getting home late from games. “I still stayed up doing homework, and the next day I would do it again. Most students would stay home to catch up on everything. I could have stayed home but my goal was important to me so I held my head up.”
“You know that somewhere along the way she had to overcome some obstacles to make it all those years without missing a day,” Thomas said. “It’s a tribute to determination.”
Now that she’s a graduate, Zisa is looking for a job. And, potential employers, she’s likely to show up for work every day.
“I bet she’ll be there every day,” Thomas said. “I’d hire her.”
Editor’s note: Zisa and her mother have report cards showing 14 years of perfect attendance, including kindergarten. Due to record availability, the school district was only able to verify the the last 12 years — grades 1-12 — of perfect attendance.
Vacation Bible Schools Are A Summertime Tradition
June 11, 2013
Vacation Bible School is a summertime tradition for hundreds of area children — arts, crafts, food, songs and lessons usually all geared toward a worship theme.
This year is no exception, with numerous North Escambia area churches holding VBS events for children of all ages, including “Amazing Wonders Aviation VBS” this week at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church just off Highway 29 on Bogia Road (pictured).
Here’s a look at Vacation Bible Schools going on in the area through the summer:
Ray’s Chapel VBS
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church will hold their “Amazing Wonders Aviation” VBS through June 14, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
FBC Bratt VBS
The First Baptist Church of Bratt will hold their “Colossal Coaster World, Facing Fear, Trusting God” VBS through June 14 from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. for ages three through 6th grade.
Cottage Hill VBS
Cottage Hill United Methodist Church will hold VBS through June 14, from 6-9 p.m. for children kindergarten through ninth grade. Supper is provided each night. 229 Williams Ditch Road in Cantonment. For more information call Barbara at (850) 968-2410.
Canoe Bapist VBS
Canoe Baptist Church will host “Adventures on Promise Island” Vacation Bible school, through June 13, from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. VBS fun day and registration will be June 8 from 10:30 a.m. until noon.
Wallace (AL) Baptist VBS
Wallace Baptist Church in Wallace, Alabama will hold VBS through June 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for ages three through 9th grade. Family night will be on Friday, June 14, at 7 p.m.
Cottage Hill VBS
The First Baptist Church of Cottage Hill will host “Colossal Coaster” Vacation Bible School June 17 -21, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. for grades K-5. Transportation available. For more information, call (850) 968-2357.
FBC Cantonment VBS
First Baptist Church of Cantonment will host “Colossal Coaster World” VBS June 24 – June 28 from 8:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. at 118 Morris Avenue in Cantonment. For more info (850) 968-9135.
St. Luke UMC VBS
St. Luke United Methodist Church will host “Kingdom Rock” VBS, June 24 – June 28 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. for children ages 4 through 6th grade. The church is located at 1394 E. Nine Mile Road, Pensacola. Sign up at https://www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/stlukeumc. For more information call (850) 477-3145.
Victory Assembly VBS
“Big Top” Vacation Bible School at Victory Assembly of God, 1895 Victory Road, Cantonment, June 24-28, from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m for birth to fifth grade. (850) 587-2295.
Hickory Hammock VBS
Hickory Hammock Baptist Church will hold VBS, June 24-28 from 9 a.m. until noon at 8351 Hickory Hammock Road in Milton. (850) 623-8959.
Pensacola Baptist Temple VBS
Pensacola Baptist Temple will hold VBS, June 24-28 at 6:30 p.m. For more information call (850) 455-5000.
Beulah Freewill VBS
Beulah Freewill Baptist Church will hold VBS June 24 – June 29 from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. For more information call (850) 944-0408.
Windy Hill VBS
Windy Hill Baptist Church will hold their VBS July 8 – July 12 from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. for all ages. Dinner will be served at 5:15 p.m. each evening at 9896 Rebel Road in Beulah. Call (850) 944-2246 for more information.
Pine Forest Assembly VBS
Pine Forest Assembly of God will hold their “Hayday, Growing in Friendship with Jesus” VBS, Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20, from 5%3
Molino, Other Parks To Receive Special Needs Playground Equipment
June 11, 2013
Seven Escambia County parks — including one in Molino — will soon receive equipment targeted for children with special needs.
These additions will go adjacent to current playground structures at the respective locations. This equipment is designed specifically for children of all ages with special needs and is designed to stimulate motor and sensory skills along while providing enjoyment.
New special needs playground equipment will be installed at the following Escambia County Parks:
- Molino Community Complex and Park, 6450 Highway 95A , Molino
- Beulah Regional Park, 7820 Mobile Highway
- Old Ensley School Park, 107 East Detroit Boulevard
- Lexington Terrace, 700 S. Old Corry Field Road
- Regency Park, 8245 Fathom Road
- Southwest Sports Complex, 2020 Bauer Road
- Wedgewood Park, 6405 Wagner Road
The project will be funding by LOST — Local Option Sales Tax — funds. Installation of the new equipment is expected to be complete by the end of the summer.
A new, brightly-colored playground was installed behind in January at the new Molino Community Complex on Highway 95A. The playground will be enhanced with new special needs equipment by the end of the summer. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Whittington Retires From Central Water Works
June 10, 2013
Joe Whittington recently retired as general manager of Central Water Works. He held the position and was a board member for 20 years.
Whittington first became involved with the water system after retiring as an engineer and moving to the Byrneville community. He volunteered countless hours overseeing the daily operations of Central Water Works and was instrumental in securing millions of dollars in grants for upgrades to the water system.
Pictured: Central Water Works President Gary Welch presents plaque to Joe Whittington on his retirement in appreciation of his contributions to the community and water system. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.