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Natural Hazards

Developed as part of the National Emergency Services Curriculum Project

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General

• There are many things in our environment that can have a negative affect on the performance of ground team members Hot or Cold weather– Terrain– Poison Plants– Insects and Snakes– Fatigue

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Terrain

• The terrain that teams are often working in can impact their performance– Cliffs and steep terrain– Drainage, flood or swampy areas– Rough terrain (boulder fields or areas of loose rocks

or sand)

• Allow enough time for your teams to safely traverse hazardous areas

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Poison Plants

• Cover Exposed Skin

• Don’t handle plants or vines unnecessarily• “If leaves are three, let this plant be”• If exposed, WASH

– You– Clothing– Equipment

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Poison Plants Continued

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Poison Plants Continued

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Snakes & Insects

• Be watchful for nests and resting places– Look before you leap

• Dispose of trash properly to avoid attracting insects or other critters

• Carry and use your medication for allergies as necessary

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Insects to watch out for

Fire Ant

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Insects to watch out for Continued

Honey/Bumble Bee

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Insects to watch out for Continued

Wasp

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Insects to watch out for Continued

Brown Recluse Spider

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Insects to watch out for Continued

Black Widow Spider

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Insects to watch out for Continued

Can transmit disease

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Insects to watch out for Continued

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Snakes

• If you fear snakes, it is probably because you are unfamiliar with them or you have wrong information about them.There is no need for you to fear snakes if you know—

• Their habits.• How to identify the dangerous kinds.• Precautions to take to prevent snakebite.• What actions to take in case of snakebite

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Avoiding Snakebites

• Follow these simple rules to reduce the chance of accidental snakebite:

• Don’t sleep next to brush, tall grass, large boulders, or trees. They provide hiding places for snakes.

• Don’t put your hands into dark places, such as rock crevices, heavy brush, or hollow logs, without first investigating.

• Don’t step over a fallen tree. Step on the log and look to see if there is a snake resting on the other side.

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Avoiding Snakebites Continued

• Don’t walk through heavy brush or tall grass without looking down. Look where you are walking.

• Don’t pick up any snake unless you are absolutely positive it is not venomous.

• Don’t pick up freshly killed snakes without first severing the head. The nervous system may still be active and a dead snake can deliver a bite.

• Nearly all snakes avoid man if possible. Most snakes get out of the way and are seldom seen.

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Snakes to watch out for

Cottonmouth / Water Moccasin

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Snakes to watch out for Continued

Cottonmouth / Water Moccasin

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Snakes to watch out for Continued

Canebreak Rattlesnake

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Snakes to watch out for Continued

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

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Snakes to watch out for Continued

Pigmy Rattlesnake

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Snakes to watch out for Continued

Copperhead Snake

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Snakes to watch out for Continued

Coral Snake

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Snakes to watch out for Continued

Mojave Rattlesnake

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Snakes to watch out for Continued

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Fatigue

• Can cause reduced search effectiveness, lack of concentration, and possibly unnecessary injuries or death

• Everyone is susceptible

• Can be recognized and prevented

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Fatigue Symptoms

• Inability to concentrate• Slurring words, incomplete sentences and

speech patterns

• Bloodshot eyes and haggard facial expression

• Inability to walk properly

• Drooping eyelids

• False energy or “slap happiness”

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Preventing Fatigue

• Taking frequent breaks or catnaps when not on duty

• Eating light snacks through the day

• Changing seating arrangements in vehicles regularly

• Adequate sleep during crew rest periods

• Complete meals and adequate water intake

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Preventing Fatigue Continued

• Sit, lie down, rest, and sleep whenever possible

• Do not engage in unnecessary physical activity when waiting for an assignment

• Buddy System - Watch each other• If members show signs of fatigue take them

off duty until they can be effective– You can be replaced

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Natural Hazards Tasks

• Ground Team Member– O-0101: Identify Natural Hazards– O-0103: Prevent and Treat Fatigue

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QUESTIONS?

THINK SAFETY!