1NATHAZ.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Natural Hazards Developed as part of the National Emergency Services Curriculum Project

2NATHAZ.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 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

3NATHAZ.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 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

4NATHAZ.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 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

5NATHAZ.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Poison Plants Continued

6NATHAZ.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Poison Plants Continued

7NATHAZ.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 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

8NATHAZ.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Insects to watch out for Fire Ant

9NATHAZ.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Insects to watch out for Continued Honey/Bumble Bee

10NATHAZ.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Insects to watch out for Continued Wasp

11NATHAZ.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Insects to watch out for Continued Brown Recluse Spider

12NATHAZ.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Insects to watch out for Continued Black Widow Spider

13NATHAZ.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Snakes to watch out for Cottonmouth / Water Moccasin

14NATHAZ.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Snakes to watch out for Continued Cottonmouth / Water Moccasin

15NATHAZ.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Snakes to watch out for Continued Canebreak Rattlesnake

16NATHAZ.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Snakes to watch out for Continued Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

17NATHAZ.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Snakes to watch out for Continued Pigmy Rattlesnake

18NATHAZ.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Snakes to watch out for Continued Copperhead Snake

19NATHAZ.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Snakes to watch out for Continued Coral Snake

20NATHAZ.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Fatigue Can cause reduced search effectiveness, lack of concentration, and possibly unnecessary injuries or death Everyone is susceptible Can be recognized and prevented

21NATHAZ.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 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”

22NATHAZ.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 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

23NATHAZ.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 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

24NATHAZ.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Natural Hazards Tasks Ground Team Member –O-0101: Identify Natural Hazards –O-0103: Prevent and Treat Fatigue

25NATHAZ.ppt Last Revised: 16 July 2002 QUESTIONS?