Local hairstylist wins national SportClips award
Out of more than 18,000 hairstylists in the SportClips network, the company’s 2019 Heart of a Champion award winner came from Plant City.
Ravina Ramsey won this year’s award, which is given to a stylist who demonstrates principles of integrity and good customer service on a regular basis. SportClips’ website describes three guiding principles for those with the Heart of a Champion: “Do what’s right, do your best and treat others the way they want to be treated.”
Children’s Board promotes water safety
Children’s Board and the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA partnered in the month of May to educate families with young children on the importance of teaching kids about water safety.
The group said swim lessons can cut the risk of drowning by 88 percent, which would be huge for Hillsborough County: there were 13 drowning deaths among children in the county last year and drowning is considered the leading cause of death for children age 1 year old through 6 years old. The Children’s Board offers several safety tips for parents:
Infants and toddlers can drown in as little as one inch of water and it is especially hazardous when infants have not yet developed neck muscle control. Drowning hazards include pet water bowls, buckets, toilets, blow-up pools and bathtubs.
Limit kids’ access to pools. Install barriers and locks on your pool, and be sure any pool your child visits has barriers and locks. All pools should have a pool fence with self-closing, self-latching locks that are out of reach from small children. It’s also a good idea to install alarms on all doors and windows so you’re alerted if a child goes outside
Children drown silently, they do not splash or call out for help like an adult would. This makes it even easier for a drowning child to go unnoticed, so stay alert.
Designate a “water watcher.” Assign an adult to keep their eyes on the child at all times when they are near water. The watcher should avoid distraction, especially by phone calls, texting, reading or any other electronic devices.
Be within arm’s reach. When infants and toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm’s reach and close enough to rescue the child if needed.
Never rely on a floatation devices. Flotation devices, such as water wings, inner tubes or even life vests should be used only in conjunction with close adult supervision.
Be aware of hidden hazards. Empty bathtubs, buckets and inflatable pools when they are no longer in use. Keep pet bowls out of reach of children and bathroom doors closed.
For more information about the Children’s Board-funded Mobile Swim Program, please call the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA at 813-224-9622 Ext. 1292.
Tax-free holiday starts this week
Worried about hurricanes? Don’t forget to get a head start on prepping with the 2019 tax-free holiday, which starts tomorrow and runs through June 6..
Generators, gas cans and other items considered essential to help weather a storm are considered fair game in the sale, which eliminates sales tax for items determined to be important for weathering any Florida storm.
The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute offers several tips for those looking to get and use a generator.
When the lights go out, gen-erators keep your home humming with light and power. When purchasing a generator, consider the types of items you need to power. Determine how many kilowatts are needed for essential items (charging family cell phones, a refrigerator, etc.) during an emergency.
Research generators online before you buy. Talk with the staff at the store or go online. Discuss safety features and ask about manufacturer fueling and care instructions.
Know what features you want. Circuit-breaker-protected outlets will guard against generator overload. A larger fuel tank will provide extra running time. Integrated fuel gauges will help keep tabs on fuel levels and prevent power interruptions. Low tone mufflers make for quieter operation. Fold-down handles and wheels can make it easier to move your generator.
If you are planning to use a generator, a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home is smart. Now is a great time to pick one up and batteries are tax-free during the sales tax holiday.
Identify the generator’s placement. Give portable generators plenty of room for ventilation. Place the generator outside and away from windows, doors, and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
Keep generators dry. Before a storm hits, identify how to cover and vent the generator. Buy model-specific tents or generator covers online, at a home center or hardware store.
Buy the right extension cords. Be sure you have on hand heavy duty extension cords, suitable for outdoor weather, that will easily reach your generator.
Have the right fuel on hand, before a storm hits, in an appropriate container. Select containers that seal well. Store fuel in a safe place, away from heat sources and out of the reach of children. Label the can with the date of purchase and the ethanol content. Check filled cans regularly and replenish them if needed. Fuel that is more than 30 days old should not be used in any outdoor power equipment. Use the type of fuel recommended by the generator manufacturer. It is illegal to use any fuel with more than 10 percent ethanol in outdoor power equipment.
For more information, visit LookBeforeYouPump.com or OPEI.org.
Two days left of Jeep giveaway
Operation Paying It Forward’s Jeep Liberty giveaway entry period has two days left.
The group is giving away a Jeep to one lucky winner and is now accepting online nominations through Friday. The winner must have a valid driver’s license and insurance, and will be responsible for the tax, tag and title transfer.
To nominate yourself or someone you know, visit operationpayingitforward.com/recipient-nomination-form.