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Month: March 2016

SECO News, April 2016

SECO News, Duncan's Digest, February 2016

 

As you opened your March billing statement, I hope you were pleasantly surprised to see that SECO Energy’s “Hot Bucks” are hotter than ever. In fact, as of March 1st, residential members are now paying $114.60 based on 1,000 kWh, which is average usage for residential members in our area.

 

Over the past 27 months, SECO Energy has lowered the cost of electricity seven times; this latest reduction equates to a 10.3% decrease over this time frame. The reduction appears as a credit on your bill under the line item “Hot Bucks.” The term refers to the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) portion of your bill.

SECO “Hot Bucks” are Hotter than Ever

 

We work closely with our wholesale power provider, Seminole Electric, to ensure that we offer members the lowest rate possible and still eke out a small margin (required of us as a not-for-profit electric cooperative).

 

When the wholesale price goes down, usually due to reduced fuel costs, SECO Energy lowers the PCA factor and members see their bills decrease.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, when wholesale power costs are lower, SECO Energy shares the savings with members. Lowering the cost of power is a joint effort between SECO Energy’s Board of Trustees, our employees and our wholesale power provider, Seminole Electric Cooperative. Controlling costs is essential for members and the communities we serve. I know how carefully many of you track your expenditures. I want to assure you that our company’s management team and employees work diligently to keep costs down and control expenses to match your effort.

 

I think it’s safe to say that SECO Energy is one of the most affordable, reliable electric utilities in Central Florida. Hands down, we offer the best customer service. I know this because in 2015, SECO Energy was ranked by J.D. Power as highest in customer satisfaction among midsize utilities in the south. I believe our continued commitment to offer members low electric rates, outstanding reliability and strong community support are just a few of the reasons why members are satisfied with the service they receive from their cooperative.

 

To read more about our commitment to members and our communities, visit SECOEnergy.com. Next month, look for a snapshot overview of our 2016 Annual Meeting of the Membership or watch the video on our website, Facebook or YouTube channel.

 

 

Register for Smarthub and win an iPad Mini

 

Win an iPad mini!

 

Click on “My Account” to sign up for SmartHub®. All SECO Energy members who register online with SmartHub by May 15 will be entered in a drawing to win an iPad mini!

 

Using a computer, tablet or smartphone, members can access and manage their SECO account(s) via SmartHub. Seasonal members can use SmartHub to change their mailing address and also gain instant access to current and previous bills. SmartHub allows members to track their energy use and is helpful for members on a budget.

 

Access these convenient features:

 

  • Access current bills – no need to wait for USPS
  • View and pay your bill online via debit or credit card
  • Subscribe to receive text or email alerts
  • Sign up for automatic bank draft or MyWay Prepay
  • Update mailing address and phone number
  • Access billing history and view previous bills
  • Compare yearly or monthly energy usage
  • View social media news feeds
  • Plot high, low and average temperatures against energy use
  • Record energy-saving events (appliance purchases, filter changes)

 

Give SmartHub a try.

 

Contact us at (352) 793-3801 or email customerservice@secoenergy.com for help with registering or with questions. Don’t forget, register by May 15 for a chance to win! Members currently using SmartHub are automatically entered.

 

Get the app for your mobile device – search for “SmartHub” in the App Store for iOS in the Google Play™ store for Android™.

 

 

SECO News HVAC Tune-Up and Filter Change June 2019

 

Want a quick and easy way to reduce energy consumption? Change your HVAC filter regularly. Routinely changing your HVAC filter improves your home’s air quality and reduces energy costs. Also, remember to change the filter on your refrigerator. Clean refrigerator filters provide cleaner water and ice, which can reduce spending on bottled water.

 

Read additional energy-saving tips.

 

 

Car on guy wire
Vehicle accidents are scary, especially if the accident involves power lines or poles.

 

Remember these 5 steps to help you stay safe.

 

  1. Stay in your car − only exit the car if it is on fire
  2. Remain calm
  3. Call 911 immediately.  Tell the operator that a power line or pole is down
  4. Warn bystanders to stay away
  5. Warn first responders the line could be energized

 

Broken power lines can still be energized; touching these can be fatal. Please share this information with family and friends. It could save a life.

 

Read the full April 2016 SECO News here.

 

Nature’s Reflections – Florida’s Cypress Trees

Beautiful conifers and beneficial wetlands trees

 

Two types of cypress trees are found throughout Florida. The massive bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), grows to 150-feet tall and more than six feet in diameter. It is believed to be the largest tree in North America east of the Rockies. It has small, flat, feathery-like leaves growing on both sides of horizontal branchlets. Leaves and small round cones shed in the fall, hence the name “bald” cypress.

 

Pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens) is somewhat smaller with needle-like leaves that wrap tightly around the twigs. It is also deciduous meaning it sheds annually. Both trees are known for their “knees” and wide buttressed or fluted trunks that add support. Knees are a part of the root system which grows above the soil and varies in height. Some experts believe the knees supply oxygen to the roots of the trees and serve as support to anchor the tree in wet environments. Typically, pond cypress have fewer knees and are less buttressing than bald cypress trees. Both like full sun, acidic soils, easily adapt to wet or dry conditions and live for hundreds of years.

 

Typically, bald cypress grow in and along flowing water, while pond cypress is more limited to still or slow-moving water. Pond cypress grown in soils poor in nutrients experience slower growth, giving the trees a stunted or dwarfed appearance. These trees are often called dwarf cypress or hatrack cypress.

 

These are the classic trees of most southern swamps. They love wet areas and crowd out most other trees on such sites. Cypress swamps provide wildlife habitat and food, water recycling, flood control, excellent groundwater recharge and recreation in parks and preserves. Approximately five percent of Florida’s landscapes are dominated by cypress swamps.

 

Cypress lumber is prized for its durability, decay resistance, and appearance. Pecky cypress is simply the result of a
natural fungus (polyporus amarus) that causes voids to form in the wood. Today, harvesting of both varieties has increased to produce two major products: lumber and landscaping mulch.

 

Column & photo by: Sandi Staton

78th Annual Meeting Welcomes 3,000 Members and Guests

March 30, 2016 – SECO Energy celebrated its 78th Annual Meeting of the Membership on Saturday March 19th, with over 3,000 SECO members and guests. Among the guests were Representatives Dennis Baxley from District 23, and Daniel Webster from District 10; State Senator Charlie Dean attended as well.

 

The light rain didn’t keep away the crowd who gathered for breakfast biscuits, energy saving displays at the Energy Showcase, gifts, door prizes, an update on the business side of the cooperative and the renowned hospitality of SECO employees.

 

SECO Energy 2016 Annual Meeting

 

Members browsed energy saving displays at the revamped Energy Showcase tent and learned new ways to lower their electric bills. The Energy Showcase tent displayed a working rooftop and ground mounted solar panel system along with a touchscreen tool to estimate the amount of energy a home can produce using a rooftop solar panel system. SECO also hosted a number of vendors that brought their ideas and products to further assist members with energy savings.

 

After the meeting, CEO Jim Duncan said he was very pleased with the meeting as a whole, “As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is owned by the members, not investors or stockholders. I always encourage SECO members to attend their Annual Meeting for an update on cooperative business, and we appreciate that this year’s crowd was large. Hands down, SECO employees are the best in the business and I want to thank them for the work they do not only during the Annual Meeting, but throughout the year. SECO’s Board of Trustees, senior staff and employees are committed to providing members with low rates, reliable power and exceptional customer service.”

 

Board of Trustees President Ray Vick shared his thoughts “As a SECO member, and Board President, I look forward to attending the Annual Meeting every year. I enjoy spending this time with fellow members, and we all agree that the hospitality of SECO’s employees can’t be beat. On behalf of myself and the other Board members, I want to thank all of SECO’s hardworking employees who made our 78th Annual Meeting a success.”

 

Duncan added, “Thank you to all the SECO members, special guests and vendors who joined us on Saturday and braved the rain. The door prizes for Saturday were donated by, or purchased from, local businesses who are SECO members and I want to thank them for supporting their cooperative. Congratulations to all of Saturday’s winners.”

 

SECO Energy 2016 Annual Meeting Facebook bill credit winner Bob Warhu

 

As a new promotion for 2016, members who liked SECO’s Facebook page and engaged with SECO during the Annual Meeting by uploading a photo, liking or commenting on the Annual Meeting status update were entered into a drawing for a $300 electric bill credit. Congratulations to Robert Warhus from Leesburg, a first-time meeting attendee, who was the winner of the bill credit. Members who weren’t able to attend the meeting can like SECO’s Facebook page today for cooperative updates and look for future chances to win.

 

Another opportunity to win at the Annual Meeting on Saturday was with a pledge to The Action Committee for Rural Electrification (ACRE). This political action committee uses contributions to fund candidates who support the interests of electric cooperatives such as SECO. At this year’s meeting, SECO received 42 new pledges to ACRE and raised $1,050. SECO member John Halpin from Ocala pledged an ACRE contribution and was the winner of the Patriotic Picnic Table and accessories. Learn how you can sign up to be an energy voter at www.vote.coop.

 

SECO Energy 2016 Annual Meeting ACRE prize winner John Halpin
Saturday’s prize winners also included: Leslie Burtnett of The Villages won the refurbished 2005 Dodge Dakota; David Cragen of Leesburg won $1,500; Richard Hathaway of Groveland won $1,000; and James Francis of The Villages and Norma Simonsen of Lady Lake each won $500. In addition to the truck and cash prizes, SECO members also had the chance to win almost 100 other door prizes.

 

View the video of the Board President and CEO Reports. Please call 352-793-3801 or email communications@secoenergy.com to share your comments or thoughts about the Annual Meeting.

Energy Insider – 1st Quarter

Eagle Roofing

 

Member Spotlight: Eagle Roofing

 

Innovation is key to success for Eagle Roofing. Unlike the company’s competitors, this manufacturer of concrete roof tiles has special equipment allowing an easy switch of pigment during production and creating hundreds of unique blends. This results in a wide variety of customized tile colors so consumers can fine-tune their choices.

 

Besides color, flat tiles are gaining in popularity because of their modern look and because they are easier to install. However, a new product offering is taking center stage. The Eagle Platinum is the next generation of roof tiles. The design has a thermal barrier protectant that helps lower heating bills in winter and cooling bills in summer by reducing heat transmission up to 40%. The tiles are mold, mildew and bacteria resistant and have added UV protection to keep roof color vibrant. No other concrete tile manufacturer in the world guarantees this type of performance.

 

Eagle Roofing, Eagle Platinum thermal barrier

 

All of this excites Carlo Zancarli, Plant Manager, at the Sumterville Eagle Roofing plant. According to Zancarli, his company has always been very progressive. During the big push to “Go Green,” solar panels started to become popular. However, this never gained a lot of momentum because it took away from the beauty of the roof. He says the same won’t be true with Eagle Platinum. It is a proven winner.

 

Zancarli is very optimistic about the future. “People are realizing tile roofs are a good value. A quality shingle roof will generally last around 15 years with some discoloration. Tile roofs last 30 – 40 years and beyond as they are more resistant to the elements. If you consider durability and energy efficiency even with the increased labor costs and structural components, tile is a good choice,” says Zancarli.

 

This year, Eagle Roofing is off to a great start and predictions are it will get even better. The price is right and so is the market share. “Team Eagle” expects to fly high. Right now the company is running two shifts – almost 24 hours a day – with 102 employees and in the very near future will add another 12 – 15 positions. Capacity at the plant is huge and can accommodate 3 or 4 times the current production. The company owns enough land to build another facility if the market demands.

 

Eagle Roofing, owned by Burlingame Industries and Anderson Columbia, manufactures three different tile sizes and shapes at the Central Florida location. The majority of product is made to order but some of the more popular tiles are kept in stock. Approximately 97% of all product is distributed throughout The Sunshine State with 85% going to South Florida. In addition to the Sumterville plant, Eagle has operations in Arizona and in California.

 

 

Is your business camera ready?

 

Is Your Business Camera Ready?

 

Most people are not well versed in talking with the media and until it’s too late, often don’t understand the power of their words. In business there is a dollar amount attached to every word we speak. So before communicating with those who buy ink by the barrel or can instantly make you a TV star, prepare yourself by considering the following:

 

  • Think about the worst possible scenarios you might experience at your business. Develop and memorize key messages you can offer the media in those situations
  •  Never be afraid to disagree with the premise of a question or to say you don’t know
  •  Be careful how often you agree with a reporter, one question can lead to another and he may be setting you up for “the kill”
  •  Do your best to lead the conversation and keep the momentum going forward
  • Take your time and give careful thought before answering a question as your answer has the potential to shape the remaining conversation
  • If a reporter doesn’t ask questions that allows you to make important points, find a way to provide your information with statements like “It’s important to remember that…”

 

 

The New Generation of Tech Products, Block Chain

 

The New Generation of Tech Products

 

If you think we’re tech-savvy now, just wait. The future is bright with the promise of a new generation of technological products designed to actually make our life simpler. Here’s a sneak preview of what’s to come……

 

The seeds of change are growing rapidly. This century’s technological advancements will shape the way we live and do business more than ever before. Already, self-driving trucks are on the road in Nevada and testing of self-driving cars continue with many believing they may soon be running all over the place.

 

Have you heard of the Block Chain? Goldman Sachs says it has the potential to change everything about the way we do business as did the invention of the Internet. The Block Chain allows a decentralized transaction of money, goods or property through an Internet connection without third-party verification. It’s basically a public ledger of transactions based on trust that will challenge the way traditional financial and legal institutions do business.

 

If this is more than your mind can comprehend, don’t worry, the future will allow you to find solutions without human input as artificial intelligence and robotic advancements become more commonplace in the market. You might think this isn’t for you but perhaps you haven’t seen Moley (pronounced Molly), the personal robot chef scheduled to go on sale in 2017. She is the future and just one of a generation of robots expected to make our lives easier.

 

The New Generation of Tech Products, Moley the personal robotic chef

 

Development of new products is certainly exciting but existing products are rising to a whole new level as well. For example 3D printing has been around for over 20 years, but has recently become a hot item in manufacturing combining metals, plastic, rubber and other items into cars, rocket engines, drones and even complete houses that are quickly built and affordable.

 

All of this may seem a bit too “Jetson-ish” for you but rest assured, if you don’t already, you will have some type of home automation in the near future. It may be as simple as 24/7 remote access to a smart appliance, an energy management or security system, or lighting. Even pushbutton TV remote controls are taking a backseat to apps that allow consumers to use their Smartphone or tablet to control a multitude of devices. This will bring a whole new meaning to “fighting over the TV remote.” At the same time, voice control, such as Apple’s Siri, is becoming more commonplace. So just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, take a deep breath because most likely things are about the change.

 

 

Bright Idea for Safety

 

Bright Idea for Safety

 

Daylight Saving Time began on Sunday, March 13th, but don’t keep your employees in the dark. Instead, read how you can keep them safe….

 

For employees who begin their day early, the beginning of Daylight Saving Time may have them coming to work in the dark. Statistics show a well-lit facility not only makes people feel more secure but keeps them safer.

 

If you’ve been considering a lighting installation, SECO Energy makes it easy. We are glad to provide a quote absolutely free of charge. We offer a number of lighting choices to meet your needs and our convenient lease plan includes worry-free maintenance.

 

If you already have Cooperative lighting and are in need of a repair, our goal is to respond within 72 hours. Just call us at 1-800-732-6141 or if you prefer email us at arealightrepair@secoenergy.com. Be sure and include the GIS number on the front of the pole. If there are multiple lights on a pole, please use flagging tape and tie a knot on the side corresponding with the light needing repair. If both lights are out of service, place the knot in the middle.

 

Reminder: If your facility lighting, or other equipment, is controlled by a timer, be sure you adjust it for Daylight Saving Time.

 

 

BARBIE SHAW

Manager of Key Accounts & Energy Services
OFFICE: (352) 569-9787
CELL: (352) 303-3567
barbie.shaw@secoenergy.com

Hank Bolduc, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

HANK BOLDUC

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9789
CELL: (352) 303-3546
hank.bolduc@secoenergy.com

Ryon Meyers, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

RYON MEYERS

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9781
CELL: (352) 636-9593
ryon.meyers@secoenergy.com

J.D. Simmons, SECO Energy Key Accounts Consultant

J.D. SIMMONS

Key Accounts Consultant
OFFICE: (352) 569-9790
CELL: (352) 303-3183
jd.simmons@secoenergy.com

 

 

Win a Truck and Enjoy Breakfast at March 19 Annual Meeting

SECO Energy invites members to its 2016 Annual Meeting of the membership on Saturday, March 19th. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the Business Meeting starts at 10:30 a.m.

 

Come and join us for entertainment and breakfast – we are serving big breakfast biscuits with sausage, eggs and cheese, as well as coffee, soda, cookies and doughnuts.

 

“I want to personally invite all SECO members to the 2016 Annual Meeting,” said CEO Jim Duncan. “As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, our owners are our members, meaning we are not focused on shareholders and profits. Every SECO employee concentrates on delivering reliable electric service, low rates and top-notch customer service for each member, and the Annual Meeting is a great way for our employees to showcase SECO’s hospitality, renew friendships and meet new members.”

 

Members who attend will receive several gifts and are eligible to enter the drawing for the grand prize, a refurbished 2005 Dodge Dakota 4×4! The prize drawing begins after the conclusion of the Business Meeting; we have a lot of cash and door prizes, largely donated by local businesses who are SECO members, to give away. Winners must be present to claim their prizes.

 

2016 Annual Meeting, March 19

 

New for 2016, those who engage with us on social media at the meeting will be entered to win a special $300 electric bill credit awarded just before the Business Meeting begins. Members who “like” SECO Energy on Facebook and attend the meeting can win by uploading a photo to or commenting on our 2016 Annual Meeting status update. Interacting with SECO can have a big payoff, don’t forget to include #secoenergy or #secoselfie on your comments and photos. The SECO Energy Facebook Help Squad will be at the meeting to help you access the page and get started. Again, the randomly drawn winner of the bill credit must be present to claim the prize.

 

Visit our Energy Showcase in the big tent and browse our displays to discover ways to save energy and lower your electric bill. You’ll find displays that educate about safe landscaping for accessing electric equipment, locating underground facilities before digging, understanding our vegetation management program and more. Inside the Energy Showcase tent, members will also find a working solar demonstration display that includes a simple touchscreen solar estimator. Find out how to sign up for an online account, called SmartHub, at www.secoenergy.com. All members registered with SmartHub by May 15th will be eligible to win an iPad mini.

 

2016 Annual Meeting, March 19

 

Board President Ray Vick is looking forward to the meeting and stated, “Our employees and members appreciate this time to come together and enjoy each other’s company. Please join us to experience SECO’s world-class hospitality. Mr. Duncan and I will update the membership about the business side of SECO and a number of other issues that affect electric cooperatives. And, of course, the prizes are always the best part.”

 

For express registration, members should bring their ID, the official notice and a copy of a bill. The meeting takes place at our Sumterville Compound at 293 S. Hwy 301, across the street from our headquarters. Employees will be on hand to offer parking assistance and shuttle service. Gates open at 8:00 a.m.

 

SECO Scholarship Application Deadline is March 25th

SECO Energy would like to remind area high school seniors that there is still time to apply for $36,000 in scholarships. Completed applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 25th.

 

Again this year, SECO Energy will award up to twelve $3,000 scholarships to deserving high school seniors from throughout its service territory. Applications are available on our website, at area high school guidance offices and at any of SECO’s customer service centers in Marion, Lake, Citrus and Sumter counties.

 

CEO Jim Duncan stated, “As a parent, I know first-hand the expense of a college education and I am honored that SECO can help families alleviate that cost. At SECO and as a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we are committed to the communities we serve by contributing to the education of our future leaders.”

 

SECO Scholarship Application Deadline is March 25th

 

To qualify, graduating high school seniors must reside in a home served by SECO and be enrolled in an accredited college, university, or vocational/technical school by the end of 2016.

 

All applicants will be evaluated by an independent panel of educators from within the SECO service territory, and winners will be selected based on past and present school activities, community outreach, financial need and scholastic record.

 

SECO “Hot Bucks” are Hotter than Ever

Once again, SECO Energy’s “Hot Bucks” are hotter than ever. As of March 1st, SECO is lowering the cost of electricity again. Residential members will now pay $114.60 based on 1,000 kWh used, which is average residential usage in our area.

 

In the past 27 months, SECO has lowered electric rates a record seven times; this latest reduction equates to a 10.3% decrease over that timeframe. This decrease reinforces SECO’s commitment to keeping electric rates low for members. The reduction will appear on SECO bills under the line item “Hot Bucks.” The term refers to the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) portion of your bill.

 

SECO “Hot Bucks” are Hotter than Ever

 

Seminole Electric is SECO Energy’s wholesale power provider. SECO works closely with Seminole to ensure it offers our members the lowest rate we can; when the wholesale purchase price goes down, usually due to a reduction in fuel costs, SECO lowers the PCA and members see their bills decrease.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, when wholesale power costs are lower, SECO shares the savings with its members. Decreasing the current electric rate is a joint effort between SECO, Seminole Electric, and SECO’s employees. SECO employees and management work diligently to keep costs down and control expenses.

 

CEO Jim Duncan is pleased to announce this latest decrease, “We at SECO realize that many of our members carefully track their expenditures. Like our members, SECO carefully plans its expenses; we are mindful that controlling costs is beneficial for our members and the communities we serve.”

 

Duncan continued, “I believe SECO’s continued commitment to low electric rates is just one of the reasons why our members are satisfied with the service they receive from our cooperative. When our members open their electric bills, instead of being surprised by higher rates, they are continually pleased to see SECO’s cost of power falling.”

 

Currently, SECO is ranked by J.D. Power as highest in customer satisfaction among midsize utilities in the south. The latest rate decrease reinforces SECO’s position as one of the most affordable electric utilities in Central Florida.

 

SECO Members Hit by Bill Scam

SECO Energy is warning all members that another scam involving utility bills is in the works. SECO members have reported receiving calls or emails from an unknown company claiming that a new company is now their energy provider.

 

These unknown companies are offering members “clean energy” and requesting that payments be directed to them instead of SECO. Unfortunately, members realize that there is a problem when they receive a notice from SECO that their electric bill is unpaid.

 

Scam Alert

 

Be aware that any company claiming to be a new electric service provider instead of SECO is a scam. Please share this important information with friends and neighbors. Scammers may be trying to dupe consumers from other utility companies as well.

 

If you have questions about utility scams or have received a call or email that you believe is a scam, please contact us at 352-793-3801 or email customerservice@secoenergy.com.

 

Members can read SECO’s article “Liars, Scammers and Thieves-Oh My” in the December 2015 SECO news.

 

Nature’s Reflections – What To Do?

On finding an injured, or orphaned wild animal

 

First, determine if help is really needed. In the spring it is common to see baby wild animals or birds that may appear to be in need of assistance. Most often it is being well cared for by a parent who may be hunting for food, or watching from an unseen location. Back away and observe the animal to see if the parent returns. A bird, fallen from the nest, could be returned if possible or moved to a branch, or safer location.

 

Signs that an animal may actually need assistance: Has it been cornered by another animal or domestic pet? Is there evidence of bleeding? Does it look like it has a broken limb? Is it shivering, or appear stressed? Is there a dead parent, or siblings nearby? Is it crying and wandering about? If any of these signs are observed, it’s time to take action.

 

Do not try to handle an animal without first consulting a wildlife professional. Even small animals can cause injury. Contact the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) regional office in Ocala at (352) 732-1225, and report the situation, or consult a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They will give direction for care until help arrives. A list of rehabilitators can be found at: myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve.
SECO Energy's Nature’s Reflections March 2016, What to do? On finding an injured, or orphaned wild animal.
Once in touch with a professional, describe the animal and its physical condition as accurately as possible.

 

If your safety is at risk, watch from a safe distance. Otherwise, while waiting for help to arrive take these steps: Put the animal in a container safe for transport such as a cardboard box. First, punch air holes and line it with an old t-shirt or soft cloth. Wearing gloves, cover the animal with a towel or pillowcase and gently place it in the container. Keeping the animal covered will help calm and reduce its stress. Do not give it food or water.

 

Place the container in an area out of direct sunlight where it is quiet. Wild animals can become stressed by voices and other man-made noises. If injured or orphaned, they’re already in a compromised condition. Keep their world dark and quiet to lower their stress level and help keep them alive until help arrives.

 

Read the full March 2016 SECO News here.

Column & photo by: Sandi Staton