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Get friendly with your yard

August 19, 1:03 AMHillsborough County Headlines ExaminerMax Zimmerman
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Caladiums are probably better known as elephant ears.

 If you've wanted to dig into Florida-friendly landscaping, a free workshop may help you put your right foot forward.

 The Hillsborough County Cooperative Extension Office hosts this informative exercise at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, where Lisa Strange and Mary Quillin will explain the Nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping Principles.

 Primary among the nine principles is choosing the right plant for the right place by focusing on flora that need minimal amounts of water, fertilizer and pesticides.

Plants that attract wildlife will be discussed, as well as how to manage yard pests without harming pets, beneficial organisms or the environment.

Strategies to recycle grass clippings, how to reduce stormwater runoff and how to protect waterfront property are also outlined in the nine principles.

RSVP is heavily suggested because of space limitations. Call 813-930-8036 X 352 or 727-326-1020 X 352; or email Workshop@VanguardManagementGroup.com

The extension office in Seffner is at 5339 South County Road 579.

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Fend off the flu

  • Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of tissue into trash after use.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
  • Prevent the spread of germs by not touching eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Call health care providers or health department before seeking care for influenza-like illness.
  • Limit close contact with sick people.
  • Stay home from work or school when ill and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Hurricane preparedness checklist

  • Have at least one gallon of water daily per person for up to seven days.
  • Have enough food at least enough for up to seven days.
  • Include non-perishable packaged or canned food such as juices and snack foods.
  • Make sure you have special foods for infants and the elderly.
  • Have a manual can opener, cooking tools and fuel; paper plates and plastic utensils.
  • Take blankets, pillows, etc., along with raingear and sturdy shoes.
  • Take first Aid kit, medicines and prescription drugs.
  • Have moisture wipes, toothpaste, hygiene items on hand.
  • Obtain a good flashlight with plenty of batteries and battery-operated radio.
  • Take plenty of cash as banks and ATMs may be knocked out of service.
  • Take along in a secure waterproof container for insurance, medical records, bank numbers, Social Security card, etc.
  • Keep a set of tools with you in your vehicle and make sure you keep the gas tank(s) fuel before the storm arrives.
  • Keep the pets protected with plenty of food; a carrier cage; muzzle and leash and identification and medical/shot records.
  • Take along toys, books and games to pass the time.

If you decide to ride it out

  • Open your home to friends, co-workers or relatives who may need shelter.
  • Designate clean containers for storing water: a minimum of three gallons per person a day for several days.
  • Have a week's supply of non-perishable food and don't forget a non-electric can opener.
  • Check emergency supplies: A two-week supply of medicines, special dietary foods, portable radio with batteries, flashlights & batteries, automatic wea
  • If you lose power, turn off major appliances as they will cause a power surge on restart where it could cause damage to appliances or circuit breaker.
  • Stay inside away from windows, skylights or glass doors.
  • Don't be fooled by the storm's calm.
  • Should flooding threaten your home be sure to turn off electricity at the main breaker.

What to do If you must evacuate

  • Leave early as the roads will be very busy during evacuations.
  • Pack what you will need
  • Turn off electricity, gas, appliances & water
  • Take important papers with you — ID with your local address and insurance data.
  • Contact friends & relatives: Let them know where you are going.
  • Elevate furniture, TV's, computers and other electrical devices.
  • Be sure to lock your windows and doors.
  • Stay with friends, relatives or at a public shelter not too far away from your home.