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

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.

Insecticide spill may cause some to notice "skunky" odor

Insecticide spill may cause some to notice "skunky" odor

The Dothan/Houston County EMA in conjunction with The Alabama Department of Public Health, Henry County EMA, Pike County EMA, Barbour County EMA, Coffee County EMA and Dale County EMA issues the following information:

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, January 09, 2013, there was an insecticide spill in Cordele, Georgia.  There is no danger to anyone in this area.

The public could smell a “skunky” like odor.  If you have a respiratory condition, please remain indoors.  If your respiratory conditions worsen seek medical attention. 

If you have any questions, please call the Alabama Department of Public Health at (334) 693-9716 or your local EMA office.

Source:  Dothan/Houston County EMA

Give the gift of healthier indoor air this holiday season

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.

Alabama Power Foundation awards Good Roots grants

Alabama Power Foundation awards Good Roots grants

The Alabama Power Foundation has awarded about $24,000 in Good Roots grants to fund planting of trees across central and southern Alabama.

Good Roots is coordinated with the Alabama Urban Forestry Association and awards up to $1,000 per grant for the purchase of trees for planting in cities, towns, communities and by non-profit organizations. Good Roots is designed to help keep communities beautiful and vibrant.

“The Alabama Power Foundation has a goal of strengthening the communities we serve by giving back and supporting local organizations through our grant programs,” said John Hudson, president of the Alabama Power Foundation. “Communities are still feeling the impact from the April 2011 tornadoes.

New 'Wildfire App' brings American Red Cross safety information to mobile devicse

New 'Wildfire App' brings American Red Cross safety information to mobile devicse

On the heels of a major drought and busy wildfire season, the American Red Cross has released its official Wildfire App. The app puts lifesaving information right in the hands of people who live in or who visit wildfire prone areas.

This free app—available in English or Spanish—is the fourth in a series created by the American Red Cross, the nation’s leader in emergency preparedness, for use on both iPhone and Android platforms. The Wildfire App comes after the highly successful First Aid, Hurricane and Earthquake Apps, which have more than 1.2 million users.

“The Wildfire App gives Alabama residents instant access to our ‘Blaze Tracker’ features so they can prepare their households and businesses and make critical decisions that can save lives.” said Billy Baxter, Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Alabama Region.

This year, the Red Cross has launched 11 wildfire relief operations spanning 10 states.

AWF Outdoor Classroom EXPO & Workshop registration is now open

AWF Outdoor Classroom EXPO & Workshop registration is now open

Alabama Wildlife Federation's Outdoor Classroom EXPO is set for October 11-12 at the AWF headquarters in Millbrook.

The AWF Outdoor Classroom Expo provides activity ideas, learning station project plans, and resources to help educators use and sustain Outdoor Classroom for hands-on, minds-on learning opportunities. 

Expo Sessions will begin at 10 a.m.

AWF Outdoor Classroom EXPO & Workshop registration is now open

AWF Outdoor Classroom EXPO & Workshop registration is now open

Alabama Wildlife Federation's Outdoor Classroom EXPO is set for October 11-12 at the AWF headquarters in Millbrook.

The AWF Outdoor Classroom Expo provides activity ideas, learning station project plans, and resources to help educators use and sustain Outdoor Classroom for hands-on, minds-on learning opportunities. 

Expo Sessions will begin at 10 a.m.