Issuu

Escambia River Electric Cooperative

J U N E 2017

Prepare Now for Hurricane Season

Hurricanes can cause significant damage to a power system. Line crews do whatever it takes to safely make repairs and get the power flowing after a storm. Now is the time to learn how to keep your family and home safe before, during and after a storm. For hurricane preparedness information, see page 4.

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Escambia River Manager’s Message

Remember Generator Safety

Members acknowledge that $4.08, plus actual postage, is the cost to publish 12 issues a year of Florida Currents (USPS8300). Published by Ruralite Services Inc., 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—the magazine serves the communications needs of consumer-owned electric utilities in Florida. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, OR 97123 and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send address corrections to 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124. HOW TO CONTACT FLORIDA CURRENTS

Have a problem receiving your edition of Florida Currents? Utility members should contact the local utility office listed on the back cover. Nonmembers should contact Ruralite Services, 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124; (503) 718-3717; email info@floridacurrents.com. Subscription services: Nonmember subscriptions $12 (U.S.) per year; $25 (foreign) per year. Prepayment required. Allow 4 to 8 weeks for first issue. Be sure to identify which local edition you want to receive. Order online at www.floridacurrents.com. Extra copies: $2 each, prepayment required. Supply is limited. Identify edition, month and year. Contact Ruralite Services. Reprint permission: Direct all requests to Ruralite Services. MANUSCRIPTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

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When storms hit our area, we rush • Never plug a generator into to restore power as soon as condia regular household outlet. It can tions allow our lineworkers to travel backfeed and pose an electrocution and make repairs safely. risk to utility workers and others Safety is a priority both for our served by the same transformer. members and our employees. • Always plug appliances directly Our line crews take precautions into the generator. Connecting a before they work on downed power generator to your home’s circuits lines. First, they verify a circuit has or wiring requires a transfer switch been de-energized, and that proper installed by a qualified, licensed Clay R. Campbell switches are opened and tagged to electrician to prevent backfeeding. isolate the circuit from the system. They place • Use a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension ground chains on the circuit, on both sides of cord with all three prongs, and free of cuts. Do workers, to make sure the line cannot be ener- not overload the cord. That can cause fire and gized while work is done. damage equipment. Do not overload the generWe are proud of our safety record, but even ator, either. It should be used only when necesafter the procedures our crews follow, our work- sary and only to power essential equipment. ers’ lives are in your hands. Despite precautions • Ensure the generator is properly grounded. we take for employees and members, sometimes • Turn off all equipment connected to the the very people we are there to help unknowgenerator before shutting it down. ingly put our lives—and theirs—in danger. • Keep the generator dry. Operate it on a Portable generators used to sustain consumdry surface under an open structure. ers when power lines are down can be fatal to • Keep a fully charged fire extinguisher workers and members when used improperly. nearby. For the safety of your family, neighbors and • Never fuel a generator while it is operatEREC employees, please follow these guideing. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for lines when using electric generators: safe operation and adhere to them. Never cut • Never connect a generator directly to your corners when it comes to safety. home’s wiring. It can backfeed along power lines We encourage you to protect the well-being and electrocute anyone coming in contact with of your family and those who come to your aid them, including lineworkers making repairs. during outages. n

Inside

June 2017 Vol. 6, No. 8

Surviving Natural Disasters 12

From hurricanes and floods to wildfires and tornadoes, learn how to protect yourself and your family. Also In This Issue Side Roads 10 In the Kitchen 16 Great Picture Hunt 18

Travel Journal 20 Festival Roundup 22 Parting Shot 30

Your utility pages: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32

JUNE 2017

Escambia River

Prepare Now for Hurricane Season Make sure your family is ready

June 1 marks the official start of hurricane season, with the peak storm threat from mid-August to late October. Escambia River Electric Cooperative wants you to be prepared in the event of one of these storms. Keep your family safe with this handy hurricane-preparedness information.

Before the Storm Be prepared. Put together an emergency plan and communicate it with all family members. Learn your community hurricane evacuation routes. Know the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you prepare for the storm surge and any tidal flooding. Cover all windows with storm shutters or boards, clear loose and clogged rain gutters, and bring all outdoor furniture indoors. Include the following items in an emergency kit: • Bottled water (one gallon per person per day; stored in sealed, unbreakable containers). • Non-perishable, high-energy packaged foods and canned foods (at least a three-day supply). • Manual can opener and utility knife. • Disposable plates, cups, utensils and paper towels. • Change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes. • Blankets or sleeping bags. • First-aid kit and a two-week supply of prescription medications and vitamins. • Area map. • Battery-operated radio, flashlight and extra batteries. • Credit cards, cash and traveler’s checks. • List of family physicians and important family information (style and serial number of medical devices, such as pacemakers). • Photo identification with address, family records, medical records, insurance policies and warranties. 4

JUNE 2017

• Camera. • Personal hygiene items. • Supplies for the elderly,

disabled or infants (disposable diapers and powdered milk). • Booster cables for the car and a full tank of gas. • Charcoal, lighter fluid and waterproof matches. • Pet food and supplies. • Non-electric clock. • Ice chest and ice. • Outdoor camping stove or grill with fuel supply. • At least two pots and plastic storage containers. • Trash bags and sealable plastic bags of various sizes. • Chlorinated bleach and hand-washable clothes detergent. • Mosquito repellent and sunscreen. • Change for vending machines and pay phones. • Lamp or lantern with fuel supply. During the Storm Listen to the radio or TV for information, if possible. Avoid using the phone, unless there is an emergency. If instructed to do so, turn off utilities. Otherwise, keep the refrigerator thermostat on the coldest setting and keep the doors closed. If it is not necessary to evacuate, find the safest place within your home to ride out the storm. The safest place is near the center of the house in small, enclosed rooms such as hallways or closets. Lie on the floor under a sturdy object such as a table and put your arms over your head for protection. Stay away from windows, spacious rooms and top floors. If advised by authorities to evacuate, heed their

Stages of Development Tropical wave: The earliest development of a tropical depression. XX Tropical depression: An organized area of low pressure with sustained winds of 38 mph or less. XX Tropical storm: A storm system with sustained winds of at least 39 mph (when a storm reaches tropical storm status, it is given a name). XX Hurricane: Sustained winds of 74 mph or more. XX

Power poles are no match for hurricane-force winds. In the event of a significant storm, be prepared for the power to be out.

warning. Follow these guidelines to protect your home and ensure a smoother return: • Board up glass exterior areas of your home such as windows, French doors, etc. • Bring lawn furniture and toys inside. Turn over and tie down outdoor objects too large to move, such as a picnic table. • Unplug appliances except the refrigerator and freezer. • Remove objects from walls such as pictures, and move furniture away from doors and windows. • Take pictures or video of your home and property for insurance purposes. • Store valuables up high if flooding is possible. • Know in advance where the nearest shelters are, and alternate routes to get to them in case of detours.

• Lock your doors and windows. • Make arrangements for lodging for your pets;

you will not be able to take them to shelters.

After the Storm Stay away from dangling power lines. Report them immediately to EREC. Watch for downed lines, fallen objects and weakened walls, bridges or sidewalks. EREC’s Customer Response Center provides an efficient method of reporting outages. When you call (877) OUT-EREC or (877) 688-3732, your outage is reported right away. The outage system automatically knows your name and address by accessing your telephone number in EREC’s database, allowing the dispatcher to Continues on page 6

Hurricane Intensity Scale Category 1: Minimal, 74 to 95 mph winds. XX Category 2: Moderate, 96 to 110 mph winds. XX Category 3: Extensive, 111 to 130 mph winds. XX Category 4: Extreme, 131 to 155 mph winds. XX Category 5: Catastrophic, with winds exceeding 155 mph. XX

JUNE 2017

Escambia River

Restoration updates are sent to these sources: Radio WTJT 90.1 FM WTGF 90.5 FM WOWB 90.9 FM WMEZ 94.1 FM WKSJ 95 FM WRKH 96.1 FM WWSF 98.1 FM WYCT 98.7 FM WMXC 99.9 FM WJLQ 100.7 FM WTKX 101.5 FM WXBM 102.7 FM WABD 104.1 FM WPFL 105.1 FM WBZR 105.9 FM WKNU 106.3 FM WYCL 107.3 FM WPNN 790 AM WRNE 980 AM WEBY 1330 AM WBSR 1450 AM Television WEAR TV 3 WKRG TV 5 WALA TV 10 WPMI TV 15 Newspapers Atmore Advance Atmore News Pensacola News Journal Press Gazette Tri-City Ledger Online NorthEscambia.com NorthSantaRosa. com Emergency Operations Centers in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties also receive EREC restoration updates. 6

JUNE 2017

Crews work long hours following a storm to get the power system repaired as soon as possible.

Line crews have to board boats to reach damaged power lines that go through the Escambia River.

Prepare Now for Hurricane Season Continues from page 5

quickly send crews to your area. This electronic method of reporting outages is especially effective in the event of widespread damage from a hurricane. Outage information is reported quickly and efficiently, so EREC crews are able to restore the power faster. EREC’s outage restoration policy is to make repairs that will restore service to the most people in the least amount of time. Power must be restored in a specific sequence because individual services cannot receive electricity until all previous steps are completed (see the steps, listed below). At the earliest possible opportunity, service is restored to agencies that protect life and property, such as hospitals and fire departments. Any situation posing an immediate danger also is addressed as quickly as possible.

Individuals who depend on electricity to operate life-support systems should notify EREC before an emergency. These accounts are given a critical status. However, individuals should make plans for alternate sources of power or alternate lodging in the event of an electrical outage. Communicating restoration updates after a hurricane is not easy. Some stations may be off the air, programs and locations on the dial may be altered, and there is so much information to be aired it can be difficult to know when or where to listen. EREC urges you to keep a list of information sources before a storm hits so you know where to tune in for the most up-to-date details. If you have Internet access, go online to www. erec.com. Call EREC’s toll-free number, (800) 2353848, for the most recent recorded update. For ready access, clip out and post the list of media outlets listed at left. n

Steps to Restoring Power Step 1: Transmission lines. These lines supply power to one or more substations. XX Step 2: Substations. A substation outage affects a large number of customers. XX Step 3: Main distribution lines. Each line serves a portion of customers from each substation. XX Step 4: Tap lines. These lines serve small groups of customers from the main distribution lines. XX Step 5: Individual services. These lines serve single residences. XX

See page 28 for an illustration of this process.

After past traumatic disasters, crews from across the country came to help rebuild EREC’s damaged system, allowing power to be restored more quickly than could be done by EREC alone.

Keep It Safe

Summer Storm Safety

The Electrical Safety Foundation International encourages you to be cautious and safe during summer storms, which can be severe. Beware of flooded areas caused by heavy rains. Water and electricity do not mix. Follow these safety tips: • Flooded areas. Be careful when attempting to walk in flooded areas. Remember that submerged outlets or electrical cords could energize the water. • Wet electrical equipment. Do not use electrical appliances that have been wet. Water can damage the motors in appliances such as furnaces, freezers, refrigerators, washing machines and dryers. Electrical parts can pose a shock hazard or overheat and cause a fire. A qualified service repair dealer should recondition electrical equipment that has been wet. Some equipment will require replacement. • Portable generators. While these provide a good source of power, if improperly installed or operated, they can become deadly. Do not connect generators directly to household wiring. Power from generators can backfeed along

We Need Your Help Please update your phone number as soon as possible

Be careful of submerged or water-damaged outlets and electrical equipment that could energize the water in flooded areas.

power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including lineworkers making repairs. A qualified, licensed electrician should install your generator to ensure it meets local electrical codes. Make sure your generator is properly grounded. Keep it dry. Make sure extension cords used with generators are rated for the load, and are free of cuts, worn insulation and have three-pronged plugs. Do not overload the generator. Do not operate it in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. Generators can produce high levels of carbon monoxide quickly, which can be deadly. Use a ground-fault circuit interrupter to help prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries. Portable GFCIs require no tools to install and are available for $12 to $30. n

You play an important part in helping Escambia River Electric Cooperative restore your power. EREC’s outage system uses caller ID to quickly identify your account and service location, but it only works if the co-op has your correct phone numbers. Lack of a phone number means slower response and repair times. When you call to report an outage, the cooperative’s automated computer system matches your phone number with your service address. It then references the database to determine which equipment all current outage reports have in common. This allows EREC to determine the location of the outages faster, and dramatically decreases power restoration time. Don’t wait. Please use one of the following three methods to update your phone number with EREC before a storm hits: XX Call our member service personnel at (850) 675-4521 or (800) 235-3848. XX Go online to www.erec.com. Click My Account and then Account Profile. Click on your account, press continue, then make changes to the phone numbers listed. Finally, press submit. Do this for each account you have with EREC. XX Write your phone numbers on your EREC bill stub and return with your payment. n

Medically Essential Service It is the policy of Escambia River Electric Cooperative to handle members with specific medical needs with special care. If you or a member of your household is medically dependent on electric-powered equipment that must be operated continuously, please contact the EREC office. The cooperative will provide you with information and forms that need to be completed by your physician and returned to the cooperative’s office. The information enables EREC to maintain its outage notification list and provide the quality service needed by members with special medical needs. Contact the office Mondays through Fridays, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thank you.

JUNE 2017

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Side Roads

Discoveries Off the Beaten Path

A Moving Example

Fitness instructor motivates seniors to stay in motion— and have fun doing it

June Kittay is not one to stand still for long. At 66 years old, the Tampa Bay fitness and wellness instructor believes movement is the key to life—and she is her own best example. “The body is a system of wheels within By Pam Windsor wheels meant to rotate and revolve on a weekly basis,” she explains. “You’ve got to keep moving. You’ve got to stay active.” June says she has always maintained a high energy level, but came to realize the true value of movement and exercise after a car accident 13 years ago. Her injuries led to back surgery, which forced her to spend several weeks at home recuperating. She became frustrated at being cooped up inside and forced to take it easy. Her daughter, a fitness instructor at the YMCA, suggested she come in and attend her Silver Sneakers exercise class for older adults. Postcards From Florida June could do simple moves at whatever pace felt comfortable. “Immediately afterward, I walked up to her and said, ‘This is what I want to do when I grow up,’” June recalls with a laugh. Although younger than others in the class life Service sh and Wild sy of U.S. Fi te ur co at the time, June o Phot enjoyed the exerA labyrinth of water and mangroves is illuminated in the cise. In some ways, sunset at Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. it reminded her of Established in 1996, the 35,000-acre refuge is home to one of her days as a kinthe largest mangrove forests in North America. It protects a dergarten teacher. diversity of native wildlife, including endangered species. “You’re teaching

Ten Thousand Islands Refuge

JUNE 2017

coordination, balance, range of motion, small and gross motor skills,” she says. “You’re also talking about socialization and getting people out and moving.” June became certified as a fitness instructor, determined to focus on seniors. She says the socialization aspect of exercise classes for people who often spend far too much time alone is almost as important as the exercise itself. June sought new ways to get seniors moving. She added yoga and line dancing to her class offerings. She found music to be a great motivator for getting people who might be reluctant to exercise to get up and move. As she advocated for using exercise to battle the aging process, June made a name for herself. A member of the National Fitness Hall of Fame, June has worked and appeared with tennis great Martina Navratilova, exercise gurus Jack LaLanne and Richard Simmons, and golfer Chi-Chi Rodriguez. June teaches a range of health and wellness classes at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of South Florida, has written a book, “Tips

June’s Five Rules to a Healthy Lifestyle Eat real food. Go outside and “play.” XX Hang around with the right people in the right places (healthy activities). XX Say your prayers (or meditate). XX Get a good night’s sleep (you can’t fool Mother Nature). n XX XX

Above ,June Kittay, center, leads participants in her Tampa Family YMCA yoga class in a stretch known as sun salutation. Right, June, who is 66 years old, takes great pride in her status as the “Dancing Grandma.” Photos by Nikki Rawlings/NHR Photography

by Kittay,” and is featured in a DVD. Her love of exercise through music motivated her to get fitness instructors approved to teach line dancing through the Athletic and Fitness Association of America. Thanks to June’s efforts, group instructors who need continuing education earn 15 credits for completing the two-day workshop, “Line Dance Young and Old.” “People have this mentality that line dancing is all done to country music,” June says. “It’s not. It’s all over the board. Have you ever done the Cupid Shuffle? Or what about the Electric Slide? If so, you’ve done some line dancing. It’s just a matter of connecting people with music—and who doesn’t love music?” June’s line dancing classes at the South Tampa Family YMCA are popular. “She’s one of the few people we have that teaches those classes,” says Josh Brown, district development director for the YMCA. “She makes it really simple to

follow along, and the cool thing is everybody can learn to do it. They love her line dancing classes.” Josh notes that line dancing gets people exercising without them realizing they are doing it. “Nobody gets all excited about lifting weights, so it’s a nice alternative,” he says. “People are moving, getting their heart rate up, and it helps with strength, coordination and endurance. And they’re having fun.” Marilyn Westropp has taken June’s line dancing class and is a regular at her Monday night yoga class. She says June has a gift for motivating those around her. “She has a spirit about her—an energy that draws you in,” Marilyn says. “She touches you, she moves you and she inspires you.” When June is teaching, Marilyn says she makes sure to show up. “It’s very rare for me to get all excited and not come up with excuses why I could

miss a class,” she says with a laugh. “Other classes, I’ll say, ‘If it works out with my schedule or whatever, I’ll go.’ But I actually schedule my life around her classes.” Joseph McAuliffe with the Osher Institute says June’s enthusiasm shines through when she teaches. “She’s very dynamic, very vibrant and she practices what she preaches,” Joseph says. “She’s a real believer in the importance of physical as well as nutritional and intellectual stewardship at this stage in your life.” For June, it is all about following her personal pledge: Keep on moving, and having fun doing it. She says it is the key for older adults who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a good quality of life. “Motion is motion,” June says. “You’ve got to keep moving, you’ve got to keep active, and you have to get out and be social.” n To learn more about June, visit her website at www.junekittay.com. JUNE 2017

SURVIVING

NATURAL

DISASTERS Fire rages out of control near Lake City, Florida, as firefighters wait for a helicopter to bring a load of water. Wildfires were particularly bad this spring. Photo by Mark Wolfe/ Federal Emergency Management Agency

JUNE 2017

From hurricanes and floods to wildfires and tornadoes, learn what you need to do to protect yourself and your family from harm By Lori Tobias

In 1992, as Hurricane Andrew barreled toward Florida, Robert Baltodano was the only member in his household awake when a television meteorologist—clearly shaken—urged people to take refuge. Robert took the warning seriously, rousing his family and herding them into a closet, as advised. The Nicaraguan family had been in the U.S. for 12 years, but had no idea how to prepare for the powerful storm—and their neighbors did not seem particularly concerned. “When the hurricane came, it shaved the roof off,” says Robert, who today is communications specialist for the South Florida Red Cross. “We could hear the furniture like it was in a blender. It was mayhem. When we came out of the closet, the windows were gone. It was as if a bomb had gone off. Everything was broken.” On that day, Robert became a “spontaneous volunteer,” offering his assistance to the Red Cross on the spot.

It was the beginning of a lifetime of helping others learn how to prepare for disaster. Disaster preparedness starts long before disaster strikes. The first step is knowing the risks in your location. Is it prone to flooding or wildfires or, as is the case in Florida, vulnerable to hurricanes and violent thunderstorms? Once you know the likely risks, devising a survival plan is fairly simple, generally calling for items most people already have on hand. It is all about thinking ahead. “People tend to react to disasters as opposed to preparing for disaster,” Robert says. “People always think it is going to happen to someone else, and when it happens to them they are unprepared. Generally speaking, communities and individuals who take time to prepare are far more resilient and, therefore, better positioned for a healthier and faster recovery—especially those with high vulnerability.” Plan Ahead The Red Cross encourages taking a proactive

approach that includes three simple steps: putting together an emergency preparedness kit (see related story, page 15), making a plan and being informed. In making a plan, discuss with your family how you will prepare for and respond to emergencies that are most likely to occur where you live, learn, work and play. Identify responsibilities for each member of the household, and plan to work together as a team. Choose two places to meet—one outside your home in case of a sudden emergency and another outside the neighborhood in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate. Being informed means identifying how you will get your information when disaster strikes, knowing the difference between weather alerts such as “watches” and “warnings,” and what action your household will take for each. Know what actions you will take to protect yourself, and make sure at least one person in the household is trained in first aid, CPR and knows how to use an automated external defibrillator. Furthermore, remember that disaster can strike at any time. “When Hurricane Matthew hit, we hadn’t had a storm in almost 11 years,” says Robert. “It had the community in a state of complacency.”

During that disaster, the Red Cross sheltered 4,000 people in 144 shelters. But plenty of other people stayed behind. “We need to make sure those who stay behind understand that there are things to be done,” Robert notes. Some of those actions include remaining informed, monitoring physical needs and emotional health, inventorying emergency supplies and trying to maintain contact with family, friends and those nearby. In the Florida Keys especially—where natural disasters include not only hurricanes, but tropical cyclones, high winds, tidal surges and heavy rain— the Red Cross makes a concerted effort to encourage and teach preparedness. While the Keys are automatically evacuated during disasters, most locals do not leave. “Those who live there just weather it out,” Robert says. “It’s a very relaxed community—high-spirited. They rely on each other a lot. It’s in their DNA to stay and help each other out. We encourage them to leave, but if you are going to stay, we empower them with knowledge. You need to learn CPR. You need to have a kit.” Robert encourages people to take pictures of their homes and possessions, and keep them on a thumb

Houses are locked in by flooding from a tropical storm that hit central coastal and north central regions of Florida. Photo by Barry Bahler/ Federal Emergency Management Agency

JUNE 2017

dangerous during a lightning storm. Most people are not killed by lightning, but can suffer serious injuries, Alberto says. If you are with a lightning victim and touch them, you are not going to receive a shock, so begin emergency care immediately, Alberto says. Floods are a year-round risk in Florida, the most dangerous being flash floods that can come with little or no warning. If you live in a flood-prone area, have an escape plan. Keep sandbags, plywood, lumber and shovels on hand to protect your home and belongings. Never drive through flooded areas or play in a flooded area, where water is likely to be contaminated with chemicals and littered with hazardous debris. “The best preparation is to know if you live in a flood-prone area,” Alberto says. Catfish Woodham shows damages in his home after torrential rain from thunderstorms triggered major flash flooding along parts of the Florida Panhandle. Andrea Booher/ Federal Emergency Management Agency

drive to help expedite insurance claims and provide proof of their losses. Register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency as soon as possible so when the disaster declaration becomes official, you are already signed up. “Preparedness is all basic steps,” Robert says. “It really doesn’t require all that much thinking. It’s common sense. People think it is expensive. In reality, most of what they need they already have. It’s really about gathering what you have and getting a kit together.” Respect Weather Events While Florida is well known for its hurricanes, residents also face numerous other dangers, including tornadoes, flooding and lightning. “Florida is ground zero for lightning strikes,” says Alberto C. Moscoso, communications director for the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “Tampa is the lightning-strike capital of the world. “The main thing to know is that lightning is not necessarily as far away as you think it is. It can travel as far as 10 miles from the storm it originates from. If you are close enough to hear thunder, you are close enough to be hit by lightning. The worst place to be is in the open.” If you are outside, Alberto advises getting in a closed-top car, staying away from sides of the car, the dashboard, the steering wheel and windows. But the best option is to get indoors and stay away from windows, plumbing and electrical devices. Avoid any outdoor water activities, such as boating, fishing and swimming, which are particularly

JUNE 2017

Exercise Caution Natural disasters often cause power outages, which come with potential dangers as well. “Downed power lines are obviously a concern in any major storm,” says John Stuart, chief operations officer with Florida Keys Electric Association. “They could still be energized. Consider them live. “In a hurricane situation, you could be out of power for several hours or several days. In our area, we do encourage evacuations. We tell people you may not have electricity for a period of time, and here in hot, humid Florida, that’s not a pleasant thing, so why not get out.” For those who do stay, John says it is important— potentially life-saving—not to run a personal generator without disconnecting from the grid. “It can back feed into the system,” John says. “Linemen have been killed or badly injured.” FKEC sells and installs a relatively inexpensive protective device. Once the generator is plugged in, the device automatically disconnects it from the grid. “If you have a generator, be conscientious and learn the ins and outs of using it correctly,” John says. Take the Warnings Seriously On that day in 1992, when Robert’s family emerged from the closet, they found neighboring houses on both sides were gone. “That shook us up,” he says. “I’d never seen my dad cry. That was the one time he cried. That’s why I take it so seriously. “When you come out of that closet and realize you’ve lost a lot, but realize that you have food and water, it may not resolve the problem, but from a psychological standpoint, it makes you feel OK.” n

Don’t Forget the Animals

Personal and household emergency kits should contain supplies sufficient to last at least three to five days.

Pack an Emergency Kit One of the most important aspects of an emergency preparedness plan is the emergency kit: an easily accessible supply of the items necessary to stay safe, nourished, hydrated and as comfortable as possible. “You are looking to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours,” says Roberto Baltodano, spokesman for the Florida Red Cross. “Depending on your situation, that time period could be up to seven days. A couple of things are crucial. Chief among them is water. We recommend one gallon per day per person for three to seven days, and enough food for three to seven days.” Food and beverages should be nonperishable, packaged or canned, and include items for anyone with special needs, such as infants and the elderly. Peanut butter, energy bars and canned fruit and vegetables that do not require cooking or refrigeration is best. Include a non-electric can opener, plastic utensils, paper plates, plastic cups and any equipment needed for cooking, such as a grill, fuel and utensils. Pack blankets, pillows, sleeping bags and clothing, such as rain gear, sturdy shoes and boots.

Include enough supplies to deal with medical needs, three to seven days of prescription medications, sunscreen, aloe, Florida-specific bug spray and a first-aid kit. “Make sure you have appropriate toiletries, hygiene items, flashlights and batteries,” Robert says. “Do not use candles. Make sure you have cash on hand, as banks, ATMs and credit card vendors may not be available during an emergency event. “Make sure you have a radio. Batteryoperated or hand cranked is even better, and make sure it is a NOAA weather radio to receive weather alerts from state and local officials.” The Red Cross recommends putting important documents in a waterproof container. Include birth certificates, extra house keys, Social Security cards, medical records, proof of address, the deed or lease to your home, passports, insurance policies and anything that is irreplaceable. Keep it in a place where it will not be washed away. “With regard to your vehicle, make sure it is not positioned where falling debris could render it inoperable, and

Planning for a disaster should also include the care of pets and livestock. Find out in advance which hotels and motels along your evacuation route allow pets, and if any will waive the no-pet rule in the event of an emergency. Know which friends, relatives, boarding facilities, animal shelters and veterinarians might take in your pets. Keep those phone numbers handy. Include pets in evacuation drills so they get used to being in their carriers. Make sure they are wearing collars with up-to-date identification, and consider having them microchipped by the veterinarian. When possible, get livestock to shelter, and plan for their care in the aftermath of the disaster. n make sure the fuel tank is filled,” Robert says. “Finally, make sure you include in your kit pet-care items. The same rules that apply to people apply to your pets: medications, food, water.” Additional things to consider are a whistle, surgical masks, matches, work gloves, plastic sheeting, duct tape, scissors, household liquid bleach and entertainment items. “In this modern age, most people are dependent on the internet, but you may not have access to your cellphone or service may be down,” Robert says. “Keep phone numbers written down for doctors, banks and emergency officials. “If you have all those things, you should be squared away as far as your supply kit is concerned.” For more survival kit information, see www.redcross.org. n JUNE 2017

In theâ€‚ Kitchen

Recipes That Satisfy

Kick off the summer with a hot grill, tasty lamb and tzatziki. Photo courtesy of American Lamb Board

Fire Up the Grill for Kabobs Lamb Kabobs With Tzatziki 2 cups whole-milk Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons finely minced garlic (about 4 cloves) 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground cumin 1 tablespoon minced parsley 1 tablespoon minced dill 1 cup grated cucumber 2 pounds boneless lamb leg meat, cut into 11/2-inch pieces 1 large red onion, cut into eighths

At least 4 hours ahead of serving time, prepare marinade and tzatziki as follows. Place grated cucumber in a fine mesh sieve over a bowl, and set a plate or other heavy object on top so the cucumber releases its water. In a medium bowl, combine yogurt, garlic, white wine vinegar, salt and 16

JUNE 2017

pepper. Fold in olive oil. Divide mixture in two. Reserve half for tzatziki; cover and refrigerate. Add ground cumin to the other half to make the marinade. Toss kabob meat with the marinade in a zip-top bag and seal. Set in refrigerator to marinate. On the day of cooking, fold pressed cucumber and herbs into tzatziki. Add sea salt and pepper to taste. Chill until kabobs are ready. To make kabobs, prepare a hot grill. Allow coals to get hot enough that you cannot hold your hand 4 inches above them for more than a few seconds. Bank coals to one side of the grill to create a zone of high heat and a zone of indirect heat. For a gas grill, turn to medium high 10 to 15 minutes before you plan to grill. Thread marinated lamb onto skewers, alternating with red onion slices. Grill kabobs 2 minutes over high heat, rotate one-quarter turn and grill 2 minutes more. Repeat until all sides are grilled. Move kabobs over indirect heat until

meat reaches 150 degrees, about 4 to 6 minutes. Serve kabobs immediately with a generous dollop of tzatziki and grilled flatbread. Source: American Lamb Board

Cheese and Bacon Kabobs 18 slices bacon 21/2 cups Jarlsberg cheese, cubed 18 pearl onions 1/4 cup roasted bell peppers 11/3 tablespoons capers 22/3 tablespoons olives 1/4 cup cucumber 31/3 ounces olive oil 2 tablespoons lemon juice and grated zest Salt Pepper 12 long skewers

Cut bacon slices in half and wrap around cheese cubes. Place cheese cubes and pearl onions on each skewer, alternating

ingredients. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. To make relish, chop peppers, capers, olives and cucumber, and mix with olive oil, lemon juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper. Source: Jarlsberg Cheese

Shrimp and Scallop Kabobs ¼ cup lemon juice ¼ cup vegetable oil 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper ¾ pound sea scallops 12 uncooked large shrimp in shells 8 medium whole fresh mushrooms 8 cherry tomatoes 1 medium zucchini, about 1 inch in diameter, cut into 1-inch slices

Heat coals or gas grill for direct heat. Mix lemon juice, oil, thyme, salt and pepper. Cut scallops in half if more than 1 inch in diameter. Thread scallops, shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes and zucchini alternately on each of four 10-inch metal skewers. Brush with lemon juice mixture. Grill, uncovered, 4 inches from medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, brushing frequently with lemon juice mixture and turning once, until scallops are white and shrimp are pink and firm. Source: Betty Crocker

Chicken and Peach Kabobs 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves 2 small zucchini, cut into ½-inch rounds 16 cremini mushrooms 3 ripe peaches, cut into eighths (may use frozen if fresh are not available) 8 wooden or metal skewers

Marinade 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup coarse grainy mustard 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1 tablespoon orange zest

Dice chicken into 1-inch cubes. In a small bowl, whisk together mustard, vinegar, thyme, salt, pepper and zest. Slowly whisk in olive oil to combine. Thread chicken, zucchini rounds, mushrooms and peach slices onto skewers, alternating ingredients. Be sure to leave enough space at the bottom of the skewer to hold and turn. Place skewers in a single layer on a sheet pan or baking dish and pour marinade over, turning skewers to distribute marinade. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. Marinate, turning skewers occasionally, for at least 30 minutes. Heat grill on high. Place skewers on grill and cook, turning, for about 10 minutes. Serve over rice. Tip: If using wooden skewers, place in water and soak for at least one hour. Source: National Chicken Council

Hot Dog and Veggie Kabobs Grilling spray 1/3 cup teriyaki stir-fry sauce 1 tablespoon light soy sauce 4 beef franks, quartered 1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/2-inch slices 1 cup halved fresh button mushrooms 1 small red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Spray the cold grate of a gas grill with grilling spray. Heat grill to medium. Meanwhile, combine stir-fry and soy sauces in a small bowl; set aside. Thread pieces of franks and vegetables on each skewer. Sprinkle with garlic powder and black pepper. Grill 2 to 3 minutes; turn over and brush with sauce mixture. Grill 2 to 3 minutes more, or until browned and grill marks appear. Turn again and brush

Add a sweet touch to summer barbecues with angel food cake and fruit kabobs. Photo courtesy of Betty Crocker

second side with sauce. Grill until hot, being careful not to burn them. Tips: Metal or bamboo skewers may be used for this recipe. When using bamboo skewers, soak in water at least 30 minutes before using. For easier clean-up, cover grill cooking grate with a piece of aluminum foil sprayed with grilling spray. Source: Ready Set Eat

Angel Food Cake Kabobs 1 cup (1-inch cubes) angel food cake 1 cup whole strawberries 1 cup peach slices 1 tablespoon sugar ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon 6 ounces white chocolate strawberry yogurt

Heat gas or charcoal grill. Arrange cake cubes, strawberries and peach slices alternately on eight 6-inch skewers. In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over kabobs. Place kabobs on a grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook kabobs about 2 minutes, turning once, until golden brown. Serve kabobs with yogurt. Source: Betty Crocker

JUNE 2017

The Great Picture Hunt

Photo Tips from David LaBelle

Seeing the Light

Treasures Around the House Many people love traveling and foolishly believe anywhere other than where they currently are will produce better pictures than those from home. We become so enamored with far-away places we can miss the beauty right under our noses. We have heard someone say after viewing breathtaking travel pictures, “If I could travel halfway across the world, I could take stunning pictures, too.” Unfortunately, it is not so easy. Wherever you are, you still have to take yourself, your eyes, your vision, your curiosity (or lack thereof) and your attitude. Good, watchful, sensitive photographers make great pictures everywhere, not just in exotic places. While it is easier to interest ourselves and others with pictures of famous or glamorous places, great storytelling images can be found anywhere there is light—even in our homes. I cannot tell you how many times I have been sitting and watched either early morning or late afternoon light crawl across a room or window sill, temporarily revealing a piece of a world I otherwise would have missed. With every moving, magical inch of light, a new, beautiful, often surprising composition is revealed. It’s all new! Because the angle—even the intensity—of the sun’s light changes during the time of day and season, we never see exactly the same picture. In other words, there is something new under the David LaBelle is an internationally known photographer, teacher, author and lecturer who grew up in rural California. He has worked for newspapers and magazines across the U.S. and taught at three universities. For more information, visit www. greatpicturehunt.com.

JUNE 2017

Above, I noticed this cross in the corner of a kitchen window on a rainy day in a house we were renting. Right, Gus sits in a shaft of morning light, providing a beautiful, natural portrait of a time, pet and place. Photos by David LaBelle

sun—the scenes offered that change by the minutes, hours, days and seasons. If you have time on your hands, choose one interesting scene—a composition in your house or yard that receives different amounts or strengths and direction of light at different times of day. Watch how the light changes, and make a series of pictures documenting this incredible taken-for-granted light and life of a day. A cross perched in the corner of a window sill, a shadow moving slowly across a room, open shutters—these common scenes become temporarily alive with a passing kiss of sunlight. Another challenge is to see the picture and record it without moving any piece of it. You move, change angles or lenses if need be, but do not touch the components of the compositional scene—not even to move a curtain. Nothing! This is an invaluable exercise in seeing and composing the natural, the given, the untouched visual gift with your camera.

Too often we get so busy doing—like eating without chewing—that we forget to see and appreciate light, which is the source of our livelihood, our adoration, our avocation and our very existence. We don’t need to spend dollars (or euros) to travel to far-away places to make interesting and meaningful pictures. We just have to slow down and discover the world we are blessed with and bathed in. Photography is not about gear or travel. It is about appreciating, seeing and challenging oneself to make a picture that somehow captures and communicates to others what you saw and felt. Challenge yourself to see your home before you try to see the world. n

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Travel Journal

Satisfying the Appetite for Wanderlust

Sea for Yourself: Take a Dip Say “the Sunshine State” and most people know you are talking about Florida. But with more than 30 percent of the state’s land mass as wetlands—plus 2.1 million acres of estuaries and more than 8,500 miles of tidal shoreline—Florida also could be known as “the Water State.” Florida’s miles of beaches, dozens of attractions connected with the sea, marine life and adventure are not just for tourists. Check out these must-see attractions: Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center in Stuart (www. floridaocean.org) inspires all ages to get their feet wet with interactive exhibits, including a stingray petting pool, sea turtle feeding and a 750,000-gallon game-fish lagoon. The center offers half-price admission Thursday, June 8, in honor of World Oceans Day and Friday, June 16, to celebrate World Sea Turtle Day. The Gulf Specimen Marine Lab in Panacea (www.gulf specimen.org) showcases little sea treasures, such as sea horses, hermit crabs, emeraldeyed spiny box fish, red-andwhite spotted calico crabs and

A family enjoys petting stingrays at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center in Stuart in Martin County. Photo courtesy of Martin County Office of Tourism and Marketing

electric rays. Off the beaten path, between Tallahassee and Apalachicola, it is worth the drive. The Sea Mobile, with 450 gallons of saltwater aquariums, takes sea life to schools and special events, with touchable displays of sea urchins, starfish, sponges and crabs. Seabird and sea turtle rehabilitation distinguish the Marine Science Center at Ponce Inlet in Volusia County (www.marinescience center.com). Visit the Mary Keller Seabird Rehabilitation Sanctuary and the Turtle Terrace to learn how the center helps save injured critters, then climb the Bird Observation Tower to see falcons, bald eagles, pelicans, herons and egrets.

Florida native Pamela A. Keene is a freelance journalist who specializes in travel, gardening, personality and feature writing. The avid traveler also is a photographer and accomplished sailor. Her website is www.pamelakeene.com.

JUNE 2017

Florida on the Radar In a recent poll of must-eat road foods by MSN/Pop Sugar, Florida’s Apalachicola oysters were singled out as “painfully tender, ocean-sweet and overwhelmingly satisfying.” Apalachicola’s 54th annual Florida Seafood Festival is in November, and the Apalachicola Oyster Cookoff is in January. To find out more details, check out www. apalachicolabay.org/event. MSN recently named Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as the state’s most-recognized icon. The nearly 66,000-seat stadium hosts the New Year’s Day Outback Bowl. Twice it has been the site of the Super Bowl. It is undergoing a $140 million renovation. Digital Fun Weather apps cover everything from colorful real-time

radar sweeps to 10-day forecasts that predict rain, storm events and temperatures. Download Dark Sky, https://darksky.net/app, for weather exactly where you are, hour by hour. Using GPS technology, it can tell you how many minutes before a major storm will hit your area or exactly when those pesky drizzles will clear up. It has a global radar screen and a seven-day forecast of precipitation and temperatures. Do you know about CityPASS, www.citypass. com? It bundles attractions, museums and landmarks at a discount. Choose from a dozen locations across North America, including Tampa and Atlanta, for good deals. Remember to visit the websites of your vacation destinations to find out about seasonal promotions and discounts on attractions, lodging, meals and events. n

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Festival Roundup

Things to See and Do

Include Your Event Here Want to share a family-friendly event with the readers of Florida Currents? Please send details to info@florida currents.com. Include the date, town, times and a way for readers to register or get more information. Please submit the item at least 60 days before the event (due to press deadline). If you own rights to a highresolution photo promoting your event—perhaps from a past year—please include it along with photo credit information. Thank you.

June 2-3, Kissimmee 139th Silver Spurs Rodeo The dirt flies at 7:30 p.m. with seven traditional rodeo events: bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling and team roping. Come early for bounce houses, music, games and mutton bustin’. www.silverspursrodeo.com; (321) 697-3495

June 2-4, The Keys 2nd annual Guitar Festival Enjoy virtuoso guitarists Larry Baeder, David Feder, Mike Emerson and Mateo playing blues, jazz. flamenco and classical at three concerts throughout the Keys: June 2 in Islamorada at Coral Isles Church; June 3 in Marathon at the Florida Keys Country Club; and June 4 in Key West at the Key West Theater. Festival also includes arts and crafts, street fairs and the John Bartus Songwriters Festival. www.floridakeysguitarfestival.com

June 2-3 and 5, Fort Walton Beach Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival and Parade Treasure hunts, a pirate landing and fireworks highlight the merriment, music and fun. The torchlight parade is Monday, June 5, at 7 p.m. www.billybowlegsfestival.com; (850) 244-8191

June 3, Wellborn 24th annual Blueberry Festival Blueberry treats highlight a day of fun at Andrews Square. www.wellborncommunity association.com

40th Ladies Tarpon Fly Tournament Heidi Nute earned honors last year for “Best Other Fish” with this 25-pound permit caught on a tarpon fly in Islamorada. This year’s all-release fly fishing invitational is June 13-15. It attracts premier women fly anglers and guides. For details, visit www.facebook.com/keystarpon or call (917) 607-8779.

JUNE 2017

June 8-10, Tallahassee 20th annual African Dance Festival The African Caribbean Dance Theater presents internationally renowned artists in dance and drum workshops, and a performance at Tallahassee Community College. Highlights include dance workshops for children, wheelchair African dance class and a vendor marketplace. www.fadf.org; (850) 539-4087

June 9-10, Orlando Polka Dot Flea The best in vintage, funky, shabby, refurbished, antique, rusty, repurposed, quirky, industrial and

well-loved home and garden goods are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the air-conditioned Central Florida Fairgrounds. Admission is $5. www.polkadotflea.com

June 9-11, Palmetto Bradenton Boat Show Browse boats, shop for fishing gear and attend the Captain Joe Fishing School for hands-on tips beginning at 10 a.m. daily at the Bradenton Area Convention Center. Admission is $5. Children 12 and younger are admitted free. Parking is free. www.bradentonboatshow.com

June 10, Key West Swim Around Key West The officially sanctioned event is a 12.5-mile swim clockwise around the island of Key West that is open to all age groups. Individual swimmers and relay teams can compete. The route takes swimmers through the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, ending where they began at Higgs Beach. www.fkccswimaroundkeywest.com; (305) 809-3562

June 10, Pensacola Beach 2nd annual Tri The Island Triathlon The nationally sanctioned event welcomes first-timers and seasoned triathletes for a 300-yard swim, 10mile bike and 2-mile run. A sold-out field of 500 athletes is expected. www.santarosaislandtriathlon.com; (850) 434-2800

June 10, Marathon Ta Dance! Marathon Community Theater presents its ninth annual dance showcase at 8 p.m. www.marathontheater.org; (305) 743-0994

June 10-11, Tampa Repticon See reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, spiders and other exotics at the Florida State Fairgrounds beginning at 10 a.m. Talk to educators, breeders and vendors. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 to 12. www.repticon/florida/tampa

June 16-18, Key West 4th annual Mystery Fest Two dozen award-winning mystery and crime fiction authors and true-crime experts headline the

4th annual Cardboard Boat Regatta The Shaddai Shriners of Bay County invite teams of up to six to design and build a cardboard boat capable of rounding a 200-yard course three times. Each boat is manned by two people with paddles. The regatta is Saturday, June 17, at Leslie Porter Wayside Park in Lynn Haven, just at the foot of the Bailey Bridge. It is part of the 2nd annual Hermit Crab Festival. The event—open to people of all ages—is all about “phun” with physics, with the most coveted honor being the “Titanic Award” for most spectacular sinking. For more information and official rules, visit www.shaddaishriners.org or call (850) 769-8303. event, with presentation of the 2017 Whodunit Mystery Writing Competition and Award, a ghost tour and a panel on “How to Commit a Perfect Murder.” www.mysteryfestkeywest.com; (305) 587-9392

June 17, Lynn Haven 2nd annual Hermit Crab Festival Leslie Porter Wayside Park is the hub for a 5K run, fishing tournament, sand sculpture, hermit crab races and more. An annual cardboard boat regatta sponsored by the Shaddai Shriners of Bay County joins the lineup. www.cityoflynnhaven.com; (850) 271-5547

June 17, Fort Walton Beach 10th annual Latin Salsa Festival Exotic food from the Caribbean, folkloric dancing, a dance contest, and dominoes and billiards tournaments are part of the fun from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Fort Walton Landing. www.boricuasaucentes.org; (850) 240-4417

June 17-18, Sebring Heartland Triathlon Swim, bike and run in the nationally sanctioned event. Kids compete in two divisions Saturday. Adults have sprint and Olympic races Sunday. www.heartlandtri.org

June 23, Pensacola Movies in the Park Bring blankets, chairs and picnic baskets to the Hunter Amphitheater at Community Maritime Park to watch “The Boss Baby,” a free, family-friendly movie, at 8 p.m. Concessions are available. No pets or glass containers, please. www.pensacolacommunitymaritime park.com; (850) 436-5670

June 23-24, Chipley 61st annual Panhandle Watermelon Festival A free country music concert and activities for the children kick off festivities at 5 p.m. Friday night at the Ag Center. The fun continues

Saturday with a pancake breakfast, 5K, a parade at 10 a.m., free watermelon slices, arts and crafts vendors, an antique car show, a watermelon auction, and live gospel and bluegrass music. www.panhandlewatermelon.com

June 29, Ona Prospective Student Workshop and Expo The University of Florida College of Agricultural and Life Sciences hosts lunch and informational sessions from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UF/ IFAS Range Cattle Research and Education Center. The cost is $15 in advance or $25 at the door. http://bit.ly/2mPkwG9; (863) 735-1314 ext. 204 JUNE 2017

Outdoor Pursuits

Enjoying the Natural World Around Us

Four Tips for Fishing With Kids Fishing with kids is different than fishing solo or with other adults. It is both wonderful and challenging at the same time. The key to making a fishing trip with kids successful is to understand their needs and concerns. Here are four things to consider if you plan to fish with kids, especially those who have never fished before: • It’s all about the fish. When kids go fishing, they expect to catch fish—lots of them. There’s no such thing as “the fish aren’t biting’.” To improve the odds, go to a proven honey hole or a spot recently stocked with fish. • Make things interesting. Kids get bored easily, so keep them engaged. One way to do that is to tell stories, maybe about fishing when you were a kid or about the ones that got away. Another way to keep kids’ focus is to teach them basic skills, such as baiting a hook, tying a proper knot or casting a line. • Keep it simple. Don’t make fishing more

Most of us remember our first fishing trip. Your kids will, too. Any day is a good day to fish, but if you need an excuse, the first week of June is Fishing Week, and June 18 is Go Fishing Day. Sounds like two great opportunities to make memories. © iStock/BraunS

complicated than it has to be. For example, bait cast and spinning reels can be a challenge for kids to use, so leave them at home. Stick to spincast reels. Not only are they easier to use, they are relatively inexpensive to replace if they accidently end up in the drink. • Minimize discomfort. If you can keep kids warm, dry and fed, you improve the odds for a memorable outing. Bring along plenty of drinks and snacks. If there’s a chance of rain, pack raingear. A chilly morning? Bring a jacket, hat and gloves. Keep outings short, too. That’s especially true with first-timers. Kids can be impatient and get

Many of Curtis Condon’s fondest memories involve outdoor adventures with friends and family, whether fishing with old school buddies, backpacking in the mountains of the Northwest with his sons, or bird watching along the Gulf Coast with his wife. He feels fortunate having the opportunity to write about the outdoors and other subjects for more than 30 years.

JUNE 2017

bored easily, especially if fish aren’t biting. Take your cues from the fish—and the kids. In Pursuit of Prime Seafood Red snapper is one of the tastiest fish in the Gulf, and the timing to catch your next meal couldn’t be better. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced the Gulf recreational red snapper season is as follows: • Open daily, starting the Saturday before Memorial Day, May 27, through Sunday after Independence Day, July 9. • Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in September and October, plus Labor Day, Monday, September 4. Outdoor App of the Month—First Aid Accidents and injuries happen. The chances increase outdoors, where bumps, bruises, cuts and blisters are often part of the experience. That’s when it’s beneficial to

have first aid information at your findertips. There’s an app for that. It is called First Aid, created by American Red Cross. It is available for Apple and Android phones. Best of all, it’s free—and ad-free. June Mentionables The first week of June is Fishing Week. June 3: National Trails Day. June 18: Go Fishing Day. June 18: International Picnic Day. June 24: Swim a Lap Day. June 25: National Catfish Day. Show-and-Tell Time Send us your favorite outdoor tip, photo or story. If selected for publication, we will send you $25 for one-time use of the item. When sending a photo, identify people and pets, and tell us the story behind the picture. Email your submission to info@ floridacurrents.com. 

Escambia River

Find a balance between pump filtration time and energy efficiency to save money on your power bill without sacrificing cleanliness—or enjoyment—of your pool.

A Word About Water

Pump Up Energy Savings at the Pool A swimming pool provides the perfect summer retreat. But no one wants it to be a wallet drain. A pool is equipped with an energy guzzler: the pump. The bigger the pump, the higher the power bill. Make sure your pool uses the smallest pump possible. Variable-speed pumps offer savings. A knowledgeable pool supply or service firm can help you choose a proper pump for your pool, taking into consideration its size, filter and piping. Greater savings come from decreasing pump operation time, no matter the pump size. Keep drains clear of debris, or your pump will have to work harder to circulate water. Find a proper balance for backwashing the filter—the process of filtering and disposing of dirty water. Too much wastes water. Too little strains the pump. Here are truths to common myths that lead to extra pump time and wasted energy: • You do not need to run your pump each day to keep chemicals mixed. Circulate while adding chemicals and they will stay mixed.

• Your pool will not be dirty if you do not run your pump to constantly clean debris. Try running it six hours or fewer a day, as suggested by the U.S. Department of Energy. If the cleanliness is not to your liking, increase filtration time by 30-minute increments until you are satisfied. If six hours works well, try decreasing filtration time to find a balance with energy efficiency. To keep debris down without running your pump overtime, use a skimmer to manually clean the water. Try running your filter for several short periods during the day rather than allowing debris to pile up after one long, continuous filtration. • Your pump does not need to run continuously to keep algae at bay. Proper chemical balance and brushing down pool walls are the best algae fighters. Make sure your pool is not needlessly draining energy dollars. You will have a prime poolside spot to relax in afterward. The relief you see on your power bill will be well worth the effort. n Find more ways to save energy around your home at www.erec.com and www.TogetherWeSave.com. JUNE 2017

Escambia River

Above, Escambia River Electric Cooperative’s David Greene drops an egg container from high in the bucket at Jay Elementary School. Below, Claire Pennell and Peyton Dykes rush to see if their eggs survived the drop.

Egg Drop Day at Jay Elementary Escambia River Electric Cooperative visited Jay Elementary School’s kindergartners on April 13 for Egg Drop Day. Students were instructed to create a protective container that would hold a raw egg and prevent it from breaking when it hit the ground. The children enjoyed coming up with ideas to keep their egg safe and then creating the packages together with their parents. The students loved watching their eggs fall from the bucket truck and could not wait to see if they survived the drop. n 26

JUNE 2017

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Escambiaâ€‚ River After a Major Power Outage

Steps to Restoring Power Step 1.

Transmission towers and lines supply power to one or more transmission substations. These lines seldom fail, but they can be damaged by a hurricane or tornado. Tens of thousands of people could be served by one high-voltage transmission line, so if there is damage here, it gets attention first.

Local Substation

Transmission Substation

Step 2. A utility may have several local distribution substations, each serving

Local Substation

thousands of consumers. When a major outage occurs, the local distribution substations are checked first. A problem here could be caused by a failure in the transmission system supplying the substation. If the problem can be corrected at the substation level, power may be restored to a large number of people.

Step 3.

Main distribution supply lines are checked next if the problem cannot be isolated at the substation. These supply lines carry electricity away from the substation to a group of consumers, such as a town or housing development. When power is restored at this stage, all consumers served by this supply line could see the lights come on, as long as there is no problem farther down the line.

Restoring power after a major outage is a big job that involves much more than simply throwing a switch or removing a tree from a line. The main goal is to restore power safely to the greatest number of members in the shortest time possible.

JUNE 2017

The major cause of outages is damage caused by fallen trees. Thatâ€™s why most utilities are involved in ongoing right-of-way maintenance programs. While restoration priorities differ by utility, repairs generally follow a plan similar to this one.

Step 5.

Sometimes, damage will occur on the service line between your house and the transformer on the nearby pole. This can explain why you have no power when your neighbor does. Your utility needs to know you have an outage so a service crew can repair it.

Area enlarged: The consumerâ€”not the cooperativeâ€”is responsible for having damage to the service installation on the building or the meter pole repaired. Your co-op cannot fix this. Call a licensed electrician. Other Co-ops

During a major outage, neighboring utilities help one another by providing line crews, equipment and supplies to assist with restoring power.

Tap Line

Local Substation

Step 4.

The final supply lines, called tap lines, carry power to the utility poles or underground transformers outside houses or other buildings. Line crews fix the remaining outages based on restoring service to the greatest number of members.

Report your outage to the cooperative office. Employees or response services use every available phone line to receive outage reports. Remember, a major outage can affect thousands of other customers. Your co-op appreciates your patience.

Co-op Office

Tap Line

Individual households may receive special attention if loss of electricity affects life support systems or poses another immediate danger. If you or a family member depend on life support, call your cooperative before an emergency arises. When a significant outage occurs, your co-op will fix your problem as quickly as possible, or will call to let you know to seek shelter elsewhere.

DANGER! Stay clear of fallen lines.

Illustration by Katherine Fowler, Carolina Country (North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives)

JUNE 2017

Parting Shot

Readers Share Their Special Photos

Read This, Not That

Loyal Michigan State Spartans fans make their allegiance well known with a trio of signs devoted to their school. They clearly want people to take note of those signs, which are on a dock bordering their home on a Key Largo canal. They also want you to know that fellow “snow flees”—people like them who are looking to escape the harsh Midwest winters—are welcome. But please do not read the private sign! —Pam Blair, Florida Currents editor We always are looking for photos to feature in Parting Shot and Postcards From Florida. We pay $25 for one-time use. Please send your best shots (must be a minimum 1,000 KB file size), along with the story behind the photo and information about where it was taken. Include your name and mailing address (for payment purposes) and send to photos@floridacurrents.com.

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Take the First Step to a Heart-Healthy Life.

Start! Walking. Start! Something. Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in America. But did you know that just 30 minutes a day of physical activity can improve your health and decrease your risk of heart disease? An easy way to work physical activity into your regular routine is to start walking. For every single hour of regular, vigorous exercise, you can add two hours to your life expectancy. It’s easy to Start! whether you’re by yourself or with friends, family and co-workers. You’ll all feel a difference and live longer, heart-healthier lives. Join the movement.

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Escambia River Electric Cooperative Inc. www.erec.com Jay office P. O. Box 428 Jay, FL 32565 (850) 675-4521 (800) 235-3848

Walnut Hill office 4950 Highway 99A Walnut Hill, FL 32568 (850) 327-4122

Office Hours 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday

Staff Clay R. Campbell, General Mgr./CEO Faye Diamond, Mgr. of Administration/CFO Wesley Scott, Mgr. of Corporate Services Alex Scanlon, Mgr. of Engineering Derek Bridwell, Mgr. of Information and Communication Technology Sabrina Owens, Mgr. of Marketing Earl Youngblood, Mgr. of Operations Jackson Smith, Mgr. of System Automation Sonya Dooley, Dir. of Finance Nick Jackson, Dir. of Member Services

Trustees Escambia County James E. Hall Ernie Hester J. D. Powell Sam Walker, Vice President Gary Wiggins Santa Rosa County Mickey Diamond Rick Hunsucker, President Ed Kelley Radford Locklin Jr., Secretary/Treasurer Dale Westmoreland The board of directors meets at 5 p.m. the third Monday of each month at the Jay office, except each May, when it meets at the Walnut Hill office.

For Power Outages: Call (877) OUT-EREC or (877) 688-3732 For emergency conditions, call 911

JUNE 2017

FL-151

Use Energy Wisely

Run Appliances After Dark When it is hot outside, the best time to run your dishwasher or do the laundry is after dark. Heat-producing appliances make your house hotter. That makes your air conditioner work harder—and the harder it works, the more it costs you in energy bills. The same goes for your oven and stove. Consider cooking dinner on the grill and heating up food in the microwave, which does not Running your dishwasher after dark during summer months helps add heat to the air. keep your home’s interior cooler without taking a toll on your air When you run your dryer, conditioner—and your energy bill. minimize the amount of moisture and heat buildup it produces in the laundry room by cleaning the lint from its filter after every use and by having your dryer vent—properly vented to the outside of your house, of course—cleaned out once a year so it works efficiently and does not become a fire hazard. It might seem like running your kitchen and bathroom ventilating fans would be a good way to clear stale, hot air from the house—and it is, after you cook a meal or take a hot shower. But turn off those fans as soon as the air clears. Running a vent fan for just one hour will suck up an entire houseful of air-conditioned air and blow it outdoors. When the weather is extra hot, no effort to conserve energy is too small to make a difference on your bill and to your family’s comfort. n Important Account and Payment Information When you call EREC with a question about your bill, please have your account number ready for our member service personnel. This allows us to serve you in the most efficient manner possible. Your bill is due and payable upon receipt. Payment may be made by mail, online at www.erec.com, at one of our collection stations, at our convenient night depository at the cooperative office or in person at the cooperative office. We ask that you allow five days for mail and delivery to ensure we receive your payment on time. Your electric service is subject to disconnection if payment is not in the office by the collection date, even though you may have mailed the payment. Accounts not paid within 15 days after date of bill will receive reminder notices showing the account will be disconnected if not paid. Return check charge is $25 or 5 percent of the check, whichever is higher.