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Learn how to manage pests via 'Don't Bug Me' webinar series

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer
Thursday, January 10th, 2013, 11:38am
Learn how to manage pests via 'Don't Bug Me' webinar series

Got ants?  Tired of ladybug invasions in the fall?  Brought home bed bugs from your last trip?  Alabama Cooperative Extension professionals will moderatre a free webinar series that will take on all of these topics.  In 2013, most of the webinars will be on fire ants and other invasive ant specias.  Other topics for the year include bed bugs and various insects that invade homes each autumn.

Alabama Extension entomologist Dr. Kathy Flanders says these free webinars are designed for homeowners and the general public.

"We will provide them wilth sound, research-based management solutions for these pests from some of the best experts around the country," she says.  "The webinars are specifically for ordinary people wno need answers they can use."

"Participating is as simple as clicking on a web link."

Each webinar will begin at 1 p.m.

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Central Alabama Master Gardeners Association's 'lunch & learn' session coming up

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer
Monday, January 7th, 2013, 9:36am
Central Alabama Master Gardeners Association's 'lunch & learn' session coming up

The Central Alabama Master Gardeners Association is set to host a "lunch and learn" session each month.

Sessions will be held on the second Wednesday of the month from 12 - 1 p.m.

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Central Alabama Master Gardeners Assn. to host 'lunch & learn' session in 2013

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer
Thursday, December 27th, 2012, 12:36pm
Central Alabama Master Gardeners Assn. to host 'lunch & learn' session in 2013

The Central Alabama Master Gardeners Association is set to host a "lunch and learn" session each month.

Sessions will be held on the second Wednesday of the month from 12 - 1 p.m.

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Give the gift of healthier indoor air this holiday season

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer
Thursday, December 13th, 2012, 9:18am
Give the gift of healthier indoor air this holiday season

Looking for a thoughtful and inexpensive gift that saves lives? Why not give the gift of healthier indoor air by buying a radon test kit as a stocking stuffer for family and friends? Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers.

“You can’t see, smell or taste radon, but it could be present at a dangerous level in your home,” cautioned James McNees, director of the Alabama Department of Public Health Office of Radiation Control. “The cold winter months when homes are closed and radon levels are likely to build to their highest concentrations are the perfect time of year to test.”

Radon claims the lives of about 21,000 Americans each year. The Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Surgeon General urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools and other buildings for radon.

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State Fire Marshal's Office offers decorating and entertaining safety tips

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer
Friday, December 7th, 2012, 1:50pm
State Fire Marshal's Office offers decorating and entertaining safety tips

The Christmas and New Year holidays are a time for families and friends to get together.  Your Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds you, however that entertaining and decorating can also mean a greater risk for fire.  Following are a few simple safety tips designed to ensure a happy and safe winter holiday season. 

DECORATING

  • Be careful with decorations by choosing flame resistant or flame retardant materials.
  • Keep lit candles away from decorations or anything that can burn.
  • Some lighting is designed only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both so be sure to read manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Replace any string of lights with broken or frayed cords or loose bulb connections and, again, read manufacturer’s instructions for numbers of strands which may be connected.
  • Use clips, not nails or staples to hang lights so the cords remain undamaged.
  • Keep decorations away from window
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State Fire Marshal's Office offers Christmas Tree safety tips

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer
Wednesday, November 28th, 2012, 3:12pm
State Fire Marshal's Office offers Christmas Tree safety tips

As you deck the halls this Christmas season, the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds you to be fire smart.

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Thanskgiving Safety tips from the state Fire Marshal's office

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer
Wednesday, November 21st, 2012, 1:30pm
Thanskgiving Safety tips from the state Fire Marshal's office

The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially at Thanksgiving.  Children love to be involved in holiday preparations, too making safety in the kitchen even more important. 

On Thanksgiving Day, when there is a lot of activity and people in the home, the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office and the National Fire Protection Association ask you to keep in mind the following reminders:

  • Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
  • Stay in the home when cooking your turkey in the oven, as well, and check on it frequently.
  • Keep small children away from the stove.  The stove will be hot and kids should stay three feet away.
  • Make sure children stay away from hot foods and liquids.  The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
  • Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over toys, pocketbooks or bags.
  • Keep knives out of th
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