Helping those in the Horn of Africa

Local Floridians should remember how earlier this year the state reached record-setting drought conditions, with July 2010 to June 2011 ranking as one of the driest 12-month periods. We saw how the lack of rain carried negative consequences for our land, causing increased wildfires, water restrictions, and low lake levels. Now, imagine those conditions multiplied [...]

School is out, Babysitting is in

School is out for the summer, and if you like children and want to earn money, then babysitting is the job for you.  Whether you are already a babysitter or are interested in becoming one, our Babysitter’s Training Course has much to offer you.  From practicing how to change a baby’s diaper to learning lifesaving [...]

TS Bert Reminds Us to Be Prepared

Florida sees more storm action than any other part of the country, and although Tropical Storm Bret will not be impacting the U.S — it is currently located north of the Bahamas — being informed and prepared for a storm is always of extreme importance. Hurricane season lasts until the end of the November, and [...]

Keeping Up With The Heat

Sun exposure is vital for our health, but overexposure can be harmful in many ways.  Whether your summer itinerary involves staying indoors at all costs or jogging mid-afternoon in extreme hot weather (not recommended!), learning about  heat safety can be beneficial for everyone. Often times, people don’t see heat as a major threat, but a [...]

Swimming + Safety = Fun in the Sun

Summer is finally here, which means my family and I will spend plenty of time outdoors in the pool, at the beach or doing water related activities.  During these hot summer months there is nothing more refreshing than an afternoon at the beach — soaking up the rays, dipping your toes in the sand and [...]

It may be the Dog Days of Summer but we’re looking out for all of our pets

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the “Dog Days” of summer are upon us, running from July 3 to August 11. And even though the term technically refers to the location and appearance of the Dog Star, Sirius we still like to think these weeks are also a celebration of our favorite pets. (No fear [...]

4 years and over 4,000 miles

While I was on deployment with the American Red Cross in Minot, North Dakota last week I realized that I was going to be celebrating my 4 year anniversary as a member of the American Red Cross Disaster Services Human Resources System – insiders call it DSHR – today, July 5, 2011. This got me reflecting [...]

What do Glitter Palms, Waterfalls, Wagon Wheels and Rings have in common?

Fireworks can be a beautiful sight to behold, as the brightly colored displays explode in the nighttime sky with sounds of sizzling, crackling, popping, whistling and booming. And for residents across Florida looking to set off their own pyrotechnic displays during the coming 4th of July weekend, the recent lifting of the “burn bans” in [...]