# Presentation: 077598

## Natural Hazards

- Developed as part of the National Emergency Services Curriculum Project

**Notes:**
This is an overview of the natural hazards that our teams may face in the field.  This class is normally conducted in 30 to 45 minutes with questions.

## 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

**Notes:**
These are the issues that will be addressed as part of the class.

## 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

**Notes:**
Emphasize preparation and knowing where they are, where they’ve been, and especially where they will be going.  Just because they are team members does not mean that they should not be prepared.  Look at the weather before you go out – check your equipment to be sure you are ready to perform in that environment.

Also note that it is not necessary for personnel to push so far and fast that they get hurt.  That wastes the other rescuers time.

## 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

**Notes:**
Make sure they can recognize it and know how to take care of it if they do get exposed.

## Poison Plants Continued

**Notes:**
Here’s what it looks like in it’s normal state.

## Poison Plants Continued

**Notes:**
Here it is in the fall into winter.  Remember – it doesn’t have to be green – it can blend in as seen above.

## 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

**Notes:**
Essentially, keep your wits about you and think before you act – what you do may determine how long or short your life is.

## Insects to watch out for

- Fire Ant

**Notes:**
Normally found in the Southern states, these insects are normally not deadly in small amounts, but some people have died from exposure.  This is typically a bigger threat to young children and the elderly, but if covered in them (say by standing on a dirt mound that is actually a large ant hill) they can kill anyone.

## Insects to watch out for Continued

- Honey/Bumble Bee

**Notes:**
Again, normally harmless in small numbers, bees can be problematic if you stumble over their hive.  

Also, personnel need to be aware of team members that are allergic to bee stings – you may have only a few minutes to react and get them treated.

## Insects to watch out for Continued

- Wasp

**Notes:**
Typically more threatening than bees, wasps are typically found in low lying areas and pack a punch as well.

## Insects to watch out for Continued

- Brown Recluse Spider

## Insects to watch out for Continued

- Black Widow Spider

**Notes:**
Found mainly in the southwestern US, these spiders are also poisonous, but the bite is survivable (again affecting small children and the elderly worse).  

If bitten by a spider report and treat it immediately.

## Snakes to watch out for

- Cottonmouth / Water Moccasin

**Notes:**
On the next several slides we will show the known poisonous snakes of the US.  Students are not expected to distinguish them from non-poisonous snakes.  There are many non-poisonous snakes that look alike, and generally if you are close enough to recognize if they are poisonous – you’re too close.

The cottonmouth or water moccasin is typically found in the eastern US, normally in low lying areas – often seen in or on the edge of water.

## Snakes to watch out for Continued

- Cottonmouth / Water Moccasin

**Notes:**
It is called a cottonmouth because if you look close in it’s mouth it looks like cotton on the inside – but if you can see that you are also looking at it’s fangs – not good.

## Snakes to watch out for Continued

- Canebreak Rattlesnake

**Notes:**
Typically found in warmer climates – the southern US, this is one of the typical rattlers identified by it’s rattle – that it may lose in nature – be careful.

## Snakes to watch out for Continued

- Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

**Notes:**
Typically found in cooler climates – the Northern US, this is one of the typical rattlers identified by it’s rattle – that it may lose in nature – again be careful.  Commonly seen in the Great Lakes area.

## Snakes to watch out for Continued

- Pigmy Rattlesnake

**Notes:**
Typically found in warmer climates – the south eastern US, this is one of the typical rattlers identified by it’s rattle – that it too may lose in nature.  Notice how these snakes have blended into their environment.

## Snakes to watch out for Continued

- Copperhead Snake

**Notes:**
Found all over the US, this is another one of the poisonous snakes out there.

## Snakes to watch out for Continued

- Coral Snake

**Notes:**
And last but not least, this is another poisonous snake.  The coral snake is typically the snake that people think of identifying if it is poisonous or not by it’s colors.  It has relatives in nature with slightly different patterns that aren’t poisonous – but again – if you are close enough to tell you are too close.

Side note – In which state can you find all of the poisonous snakes identified in this slide set?  Florida

## Fatigue

- Can cause reduced search effectiveness, lack of concentration, and possibly unnecessary injuries or death
- Everyone is susceptible
- Can be recognized and prevented

**Notes:**
Though probably the least recognized problem for teams – this is probably the one that occurs most.  Our personnel have other jobs that they do day in and day out, and then come out for CAP activities after them.  They might already be tired from their day to day work before they ever come to us.  Know that this can be a problem, and be aware of what to do.

## 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”

**Notes:**
These are the common symptoms of personnel that are getting tired or fatigued.  Realize though that some people will show these traits normally – you need to have something to compare their actions too.

## 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

**Notes:**
Theses are several of the methods to reduce or prevent fatigue.

## 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

**Notes:**
And some more prevention tips – just remember, you can always be replaced.

## Natural Hazards Tasks

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

**Notes:**
Theses are the tasks associated with this slide set.  Students should review them and prepare to test based on their knowledge.

Remember also – that although team leaders don’t have a specific task with this, they must be aware of the state of team members assigned to them – never mind themselves – set the example. 

## QUESTIONS?