Caterpillars
Three caterpillars-the “Puss”, “Saddleback” and “Io”- pose problems for Florida residents. Touching their prickly spines may inflame the skin. When this happens, you should apply an antiseptic cream to the affected area. If nausea, sweating or dizziness occurs, seek medical treatment.

Insects
Insects can ruin the day, especially bees, hornets and wasps. These insects are found mainly outdoors and can be avoided by following these guidelines. Avoid wearing brightly colored clothing and perfumes. Wear shoes or sandals when walking outdoors. After picnicking or sun bathing, shake out towels and clothing before putting them on. Wear an insect repellent or repelling skin oil. Stings affect people in many different ways. Most stings only cause localized pain, itching and swelling and can be relieved with ice orcold compresses. Applying bleach to the stings on arms and legs can also reduce swelling and draw out the pain. Also, a paste made of baking soda or meat tenderizer and water can decrease the swelling and speed healing. If you know that you are allergic to stings, seek medical attention immediately. Severe reaction to stings can cause hives, welts, vomiting, dizziness, tightness in the chest and difficulty in swallowing or breathing. Seek medical attention immediately for severe reactions to stings.

Scorpions
Florida scorpions are not poisonous. If you are stung by a scorpion, self-treatment is usually sufficient. To provide relief from the itching and pain, apply a mixture of baking soda and water, ice or hydrocortisone cream.

Snakes
Snakes abound in Florida. Most are harmless and help our ecology. However, there are some poisonous snakes that you want to observe only from a distance. It is important that you and your family members recognize them. Only six species are poisonous and they fall into two distinguishable categories: Copperhead, cottonmouth and rattlesnakes have facial pits, located between the eyes and the nostril on each side of the head, V-shaped head and elliptical eye. Coral snakes have bands of red, yellow and black. Coral snakes can easily be mistaken for the harmless king snake and are differentiated by the following poem: Red touch black-a friend of Jack, Red touch yellow-will kill a fellow. Snakes occupy swamps, flatland and fields throughout Florida. To avoid being bitten, watch where you walk, especially at night. Do not stick your hands, arms, feet or legs in any bush, shrub or vegetation. Always wear shoes when walking in the woods or on river banks. Be especially careful on golf courses. If bitten by a snake, stay calm. Do not run. Keep the bite below the level of your heart to slow circulation of the venom. Do not tourniquet or suction the bite. Do not drink anything. Get to the hospital immediately! Contact the Poison Control Center at (813) 253-4444 or l-800-282-3171 (Plant City only) for further information.

Allergies
People expect to be ever healthy in warm, sunny Florida. Any are dismayed to find that allergies and sinus conditions they never experienced up north, develop in Florida. Vegetation varies and pollination from different types of trees and flowers occurs
year-round. This causes problems for asthma and allergy sufferers. The long growing season for grasses poses problems from mid February until Mid-October. Mold spores tend to be high for the majority of the year in all parts of Florida, with a count of more than 2,000 being common during the same period. Fortunately, most homes are centrally air conditioned which reduces the humidity in the air and significantly lowers the mold count to below that of the outdoors. To help keep allergies under control: (1) Dust your house  regularly (2) Minimize your exposure to grasses and pollen (3) See an allergist to determine your specific allergies, and (4) Ask your doctor about prescription and over the counter medications for allergies. Call the Asthma and Allergy
Foundation of America, Florida Chapter, for more information at (813) 972-7872.

Spiders
Two venomous spiders pose a threat in Florida. If you know you have been bitten by a venomous spider, seek medical attention immediately. If unsure, watch for warning signs. The Black Widow (with a red hour glass marking), leaves two tiny red bites with a white middle and a bluish red border. These symptoms can occur 30 minutes after the bite and may include limb pain, redness, itching and swelling, cramping pain, muscle twitching and vomiting. The Brown Recluse spider is recognized by the fiddle-like marking on its back. Its bite leaves a small laceration that festers within 6 to 12 hours. Reactions that may develop in 24-73 hours include fever, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, chills and shock. To care for spider bites, immobilize the affected area and apply cool compresses. Keep the victim still and get them to the hospital as soon as possible.

Other bugs
We have other frequent visitors, but they cause little harm: Lovebugs are seasonal insects that usually arrive two times a year-in April/May and again in September. Lovebugs do not hurt people, but they can damage the finish of your car due to a chemical in their system. Be sure to wash them off immediately to prevent paint damage. Roaches, Palmetto bugs, are another annoyance. The main concern is that they spread germs. To keep a roach problem to a minimum, consider having an exterminator spray your home monthly. Also, keep counter tops free of food and crumbs. Keep exterior doors closed. You can also lay roach traps between exterminator visits.

Boating
Boating can introduce you to a world of natural beauty and great sport in Florida. Remember, though, a boat is a sophisticated vehicle that requires expert handling and attention to safety. Boating is a licensed recreational sport and there are rules of the water to follow. Know Florida boating laws and proper boating procedures. For further information on boating safety and available boating courses, contact the Marine Patrol, United States Power Squadron, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or the Boat Owners Association of the United States, 880 S. Pickett Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22304. Outfit your boat with enough Coast Guard-approved flotation devices for all your passengers. Let a friend know your travel and return plans so that any delay will be noted and help can be dispatched from shore. Avoid alcoholic beverages when driving a boat. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, more than l,000 people die annually from accidents involving alcohol and boats. Finally, pay attention to weather bulletins before taking off on the high seas. Be sure that you are heading out for a day of fun in the sun, not showers.

Food Poisoning
Picnics are a year-round pleasure in Florida, but heat can cause many foods to spoil quickly. Pack foods in ice, especially seafood and dairy items. Take no chances-never eat anything that looks or smells unusual. Food poisoning symptoms include nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever and chills. Call your doctor or go to the hospital immediately if you suspect food poisoning.

Hurricanes
Autumn winds bring hurricanes, not falling leaves to Florida. Tampa Bay’s hurricanes are the result of warm temperatures in surrounding water. Hurricane devastation has hit Florida in the l990’s, most recently Hurricane Andrew in l992 and Hurricane Opal in l995. They rocked the coast of Florida with powerful winds, torrential rainfall, high tides and flooding. Andrew caused more than $25 million in damages to southern Florida. Opal’s destruction surpassed $3 billion. Here are some tips for hurricane preparedness: Keep your TV or radio tuned to local weather reports for sophisticated tracking and early warning guidelines. Continue to monitor storm news until an “All Clear” is given. Hurricanes are unpredictable and change course quickly and erratically. They lose power over land, but can go back to the water and build up power and come ashore again. Be familiar with the evacuation routes. Know the location of the nearest shelter. Shelters do not accept pets, so plan ahead for your animals. Buy enough non-perishable and bottled water to last at least two weeks at the beginning of hurricane season. Avoid the use of candles; stock up on batteries and keep flashlights handy. Know these hurricane designations: A Hurricane Watch is issued when there is a possible threat that a hurricane may hit and usually within 36 hours. Use the warning period. Be sure to monitor radio and TV announcements, fuel and service vehicles, secure your home with plastic and plywood, check food and water supplies, check prescription medicines and first aid items, and stock up on extra batteries. A Hurricane Warning means that hurricanes are expected to hit land within 24 hours. Protect yourself: closely monitor TV and radio for instructions and information, follow instructions given by local officials, leave early if evacuating and notify neighbors and/or relatives of your evacuation plans. When the storm arrives: (1) Stay away from windows and doors – even if they are covered. (2) Stay in a small room, hallway or closet. Take a battery powered radio with you. (3) If in a two story home, go to an interior room of the home. (4) Most important, stay calm in a hurricane. This will allow you to think clearly and help your family to stay safe.

Lightning
Did you know that you moved to the Lightning Capital of the United States? The Tampa Bay area is subject to thunderstorms and rainy weather, especially from June l to November 30. Thunderstorms can cause strong winds, large hail, tornados, flash floods and dangerous lightning. Florida ranks first in the nation for thunderstorms, averaging 143 days annually. Lightning strikes kill l00 to 600 people in the U.S. annually. Each day more than 50,000 lightning bolts hit the earth. Lightning voltage is extremely high, often surpassing one million volts. Air temperature near a lightning strike is 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit- hotter than the surface of the sun. Lightning results from a buildup and discharge of electrical energy between positively and negatively charged air. Thunder is a shock wave of this air. Remember, if you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Take the following precautions to prevent a lightning strike: (1) Find and stay inside a safe shelter. (2) Get out of boats and get away from the water. (3) Unplug electrical appliances and do not use the telephone. (4) Do not take a shower or a bath. Lightning can travel through pipes and plumbing. (5) If outside, find a low spot away from trees, fences and poles. (6) If in your car, stay there with the windows rolled up. Helping a Lightning Strike Victim Besides knowing how to keep from being struck by lightning, you need to know to help a lightning strike victim. Victims require immediate care and attention: Call 9ll for medical assistance. Do not attempt to move the victim unless there is a threat of being struck again. If moving the victim is necessary, keep in mind the possibility of spinal, neck and back injuries. Clear the victim’s airway and be sure he can breathe. If the victim is not breathing, being CPR immediately. Don’t be discouraged if CPR does notoffer immediate results because many lightning victims require lengthy CPR. If and when a victim regains consciousness, provide emotional support. Take the victim to a hospital for follow-up care.

Poisonous Plants
Florida has beautiful plants for your home or garden. However, precautions must be taken to avoid accidental poisoning by plants. Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac are common types of poisonous plants. If you come in contact with these plants, a mild rash may appear within two to seven days. Wash the affected area with mild soap and water to prevent spreading and apply calamine lotion to relieve itching. The Oleander is a beautiful, flowering shrub that also causes rashes. Avoid picking the pastel flowers or using the braches as sticks for barbecuing. Other exterior plants to watch for are the China Berry, Boxwood, Lantana, False Poinciana and Water Hemlock. Some household plants are dangerous, too. The Diffenbachia is a popular decorator that can cause severe poisoning if ingested. Check with the Poison Control Center, (813) 253-4444 or l-800-282-3171 (Plant City only) for information on any plant or shrub that is unfamiliar.

Swimming
Water safety is one of the most important responsibilities of a Florida resident, especially if you have small children. Everyone should know how to swim. Drowning is the third most common death among children and 40 percent of drowning victims are under the age of nine. We encourage everyone living in Florida to educate themselveson the dangers and precautions to take around water. To avoid drowning: (1) Do not let children out of your sight near water. (2) Keep doors locked and pools fenced in when small children are around. (3) Remove all floating objects from the pool when not in use. Children may see these objects as toys and try to reach them. (4) Keep an approved flotation device poolside at all times. (5) Begin children in swimming classes as early as possible. (6) Do not dive into unknown water, especially if you cannot see the bottom. With the numerous amount of swimming pools and other bodies of water around Florida, precaution and education are the best defenses. To aid a drowning victim: (1) Call for help. (2) Perform the Heimlich Maneuver to clear the air passage of any water or other foreign objects. (3) Begin resuscitation immediately and continue until medical assistance arrives. Do not give up on the CPR, it may take a long time before the victim will be revived.

Live Aquatic Hazards
Gulf waters are home to some live hazards. These include a variety of marine life such as jellyfish, stingrays and sharks. Jellyfish can be found mostly in shallow salt water. They are clear and blob-like, resembling gelatin. Reactions to their sting may include cramps, nausea and vomiting. The affected area should be washed with baking soda or rubbing alcohol. Medical attention is usually not necessary, except in very serious cases. Stingrays are normally hidden because they burrow under the sand on the gulf or ocean floor. The best way to avoid contact with these creatures is to shuffle your feet along the sand when in the water. Stingrays inject poison through their tail. If stung, one should immediately soak the area in hot water and seek medical attention. Although rare, sharks do attack, even in shallow waters. Sharks normally feed on squid and fishes smaller than themselves. Swim with groups of people since humans who are attacked by sharks are usually swimming alone or wearing black or blue bathing suits. Also, don’t Florida Living swim if you have a bleeding cut (sharks can smell blood) or at night, when sharks normally feed. Don’t confuse sharks with the dolphins found playing in the Gulf of Mexico-dolphin fins make a rounded, circular motion, while shark fins cut a straight path across the water!