• Sunburn. Florida sunshine is warming, relaxing and can spoil your vacation if you don't follow these common-sense guidelines. Even on cloudy days the sun's ultraviolet rays can cause a severe burn. Prepare yourself and your children, especially if you are fair-skinned. Use a good sunblock lotion and reapply it often, especially if you're in the water. Wear a hat. If you do get a sunburn, a bath in cool water with baking soda can help, along with lotions from a pharmacy. Don't hesitate to see a doctor if you blister from the burn. It can definitely spoil your vacation, if you're not careful.

• Lightning. Lightning kills more Floridians than hurricanes and tornadoes combined. In the event of a lightning storm, do not seek shelter under trees or near metal buildings or poles. Do not stand out in the open. Your car is usually a safe place provided it is not under or next to trees. Inside a wood or concrete building, away from doors and windows, is the safest place.

• Hurricanes. Fortunately, today's hurricanes are tracked and we can predict their arrival. If you are told to evacuate an area because of a coming hurricane, do not think it would be neat to stay and watch it. Hurricanes can be deadly and are a more severe storm than you can imagine.

Creature Facts

• Alligators. Florida alligators are unpredictable and quite fast. Do not approach one to get a better look. They may look slow and appear to be sleeping, but they can outrun you. Alligators feed in the evening, but they can attack at any time of day. They can be especially attracted to small pets and small children.

• Lizards. The small lizards you see all over Florida are quite harmless and are similar to chameleons. They can, however, be pesky as they sneak into your room, car or even luggage. They feed on small bugs, so don't hurt them.

• Mosquitoes. Florida, like most states, has mosquitoes. In the evenings, wear a mosquito repellent like Skin So Soft, Off or one of the other available brands. We also have a type of small mosquito called a "no see'um." These are tiny, but their bites are just as irritating as those of their larger cousins.

• Ants. In Florida we have a species of ant called the "fire ant." Their bites can be quite painful, and numerous bites can cause an allergic reaction in some people, especially small children and the elderly. This ant is quite small and is red in color. Watch where you are stepping or standing, as standing on top of a fire-ant hill will get your attention quite quickly.