Safety in the Field: Keep Your Eye on the Sky and Be Prepared

March 21 through 27 was weather hazards awareness week across New York. Weather conditions such as severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and floods can happen quickly and with little warning, so for individuals who spend significant amounts of time working in the field, doing volunteer monitoring, or enjoying the outdoors, it pays to keep an eye on the sky.

The most important thing you can do when preparing to spend time outdoors is to check the weather forecast. While forecasters from the nearby National Weather Service office may not always be able to predict severe weather in rapidly changing conditions, they usually do a good job of posting general warnings. For example, if the potential for severe thunderstorms exists, it may be better to postpone that camping trip out on the island! This is especially important when entering unfamiliar terrain, as weather patterns and warning signs may be different from what you might be used to. When you head out into the field, make sure that somebody knows exactly where you are going and when you expect to return. This person should be instructed to alert authorities if they don’t hear from you by a specified time.

Two other essential considerations for spending time in the field are to prepare an emergency supply kit and emergency plan. The emergency supply kit should include not only a first aid kit with any prescription medication necessary, but also some bottled water and non-perishable food items. A flashlight with fresh batteries, some waterproof matches, an emergency blanket, a good topographic map of the area you are entering, a compass, and a jacknife are also essentials. A cell phone may be helpful if service exists in the travel area. In winter, adequate warm, synthetic fiber clothing is essential. Keep in mind that the body uses more energy to keep warm in cold weather, so extra food and water are necessary.

An emergency plan involves taking note before leaving, as well as during the trip, of places where you can take shelter if severe weather comes up. Keep an eye on the sky and listen for thunder. If the wind picks up, the sky gets dark, or billowing clouds build, it may be time to head for shelter. Exercise caution in areas prone to flash flooding. Never drive across flooded roads. The road may be washed away under the water. It is always difficult to see the impacts of flooding at night, so extra caution is advised during nighttime driving.

If you are planning to be near water for water quality monitoring or recreation, keep these tips in mind:

	It is always best to travel with at least one partner. Know the emergency contacts and pertinent health information such as allergies, diabetes, epilepsy, etc. for each person in your group.
	Put your wallet and keys in a safe place, such as a watertight bag you keep in a pouch strapped to your waist. Without proper precautions, your wallet and keys might end up at the bottom of the lake or downstream!
	Watch for irate dogs, farm animals, wildlife (particularly snakes), and insects such as ticks, hornets, and wasps. Know what to do if you get bitten or stung. Watch for poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and other types of vegetation in your area that can cause rashes and irritation.
	Never drink the water from a lake or stream. Assume it is unsafe to drink, and bring your own water from home. Iodine tablets or a water filtration unit are other options.  Do not monitor or swim in a lake if it is posted as unsafe for body contact. If the water appears to be severely polluted, contact the DEP/DEC or local authorities.
	Do not walk on unstable lake or stream banks. Disturbing these banks can accelerate erosion and might prove dangerous if a bank collapses. Disturb shoreline vegetation as little as possible.
	Most importantly, trust your instincts. If at any time you feel uncomfortable about the weather conditions or your surroundings, stop monitoring/playing and leave the site at once. Your safety is more important than the data, or that big fish on the line!

Next Month’s Newsletter: Aquatic Invasive Species