This presentation was produced and is copyrighted by Stewart- Peterson®, Inc. 2003-2005. Permission is granted for use by active AgEdNet.com® subscribers. All other use is prohibited.

STEWART-PETERSON and AGEDNET.COM are registered trademarks of Stewart-Peterson, Inc.

SF007 Keeping Safe from Weather Problems

Farm Management Library

MAIN IDEA:

• How can agricultural workers minimize the dangers from extreme weather?• Too hot• Too cold• Stormy weather (lightning, wind or hail)

Keeping animals cool when it’s hot …

• Adequate, available water

• Minimum handling

• Circulating air

• Shade• Finish corral work before 10 a.m.

• Limit time in working facility

• Reduce calories for pen-fed animals

Keeping farm workers safe in hot weather …

• Listen to weather reports and plan accordingly.• Avoid working during the hottest part of the day.• Drink more water.• Have a partner watch for danger signs. • Stop and rest if overheated.• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting,

natural-fiber clothing.• Apply sunscreen.

Extra cautions for hot weather …

• Some medications increase sensitivity• Most risk:

• Children, elderly, anyone with a chronic disease

• Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

• Dangers include dehydration, sunburn, skin cancer, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.

More about heat exhaustion …

• Symptoms: clammy, profuse sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea

• Body temperature: normal• Treatment:

• Loosen clothing, drink water, lay down with feet slightly elevated

• Cool with wet cloths, a fan, or air conditioning• Do not force fluids if vomiting occurs.• Seek medical treatment immediately.

More about heat stroke …

• Symptoms: dizziness, weakness, confusion.

• Temperature: can climb to105 F, skin feels dry

• Treatment:• Call for immediate medical help. • Put the person in shade, loosen clothing and

cool with water to lower body temperature.

Keeping safe in cold or wet weather …

• Cold plus moisture = danger• Frostbite• Hypothermia• Slips and falls on ice• Icy driving conditions,

reduced visibility

• Most at risk:• Children, elderly, those with

special medical situations• Medication or condition that

reduces circulation

What is hypothermia?

• Body loses heat faster than it can be produced

• Once temperature is too low, the brain is affected.

• Victim cannot think clearly, loses coordination

• If temperature drop continues, death will occur.

Signs of hypothermia:

• Shivering• Exhaustion• Confusion• Fumbling hands• Memory loss• Slurred speech• Drowsiness• Temperature below 95 F

Tips for cold weather …

• Wear proper clothing in layers.• Take frequent short breaks in warm dry shelters.• Schedule work for warmest part of the day.• Avoid exhaustion or fatigue.• Have a buddy watch for danger signs. • Drink warm, sweet beverages; avoid caffeine

and alcohol• Eat warm, high-calorie foods.

What about stormy weather?

• Dangerous weather situations:• Tornadoes

• Hurricanes

• Flash floods

• Floods

• Hail

• Lightning

Being prepared for stormy weather …

• Listen for National Weather Service warnings.

• Most weather-related deaths caused by:• Floods and flash floods• Lightning• Tornadoes

• See Internet Resources for tips to minimize weather dangers.

This presentation was produced and is copyrighted by Stewart- Peterson®, Inc. 2003-2005. Permission is granted for use by active AgEdNet.com® subscribers. All other use is prohibited.

STEWART-PETERSON and AGEDNET.COM are registered trademarks of Stewart-Peterson, Inc.

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