Natural Hazards

Teachers, if you are planning a field experience to the Wilderness Center this is a list of things that you need to avoid. It is your responsibility to make your students aware of these hazards and what to do if you should come in contact with these things.

As with any outdoor facility, it is important to apply commonsense when participating in field studies at the WSC. Please make sure you have your activities well planned and students are involved in the assigned activities. Students should be supervised at all times.

Poison Ivy
Students who are sensitive to this plant can develop a red rash, blisters and burning or itching. You can break out within a few hours to several days later. People that are very sensitive to this plant can swell and need medical attention. Contacting the oils of this plant is how you contract Poison Ivy. The best prevention is to learn to identify this plant and to stay away from it. Poison Ivy grows in leaves of three thus the saying, "leaves of three leave it be."

Stinging Nettle
This plant can cause a temporary skin irritation that produces pain and burning. Cleansing the area and applying rubbing alcohol can usually treat it. Again the best prevention is avoidance.

Stinging Insects
The season can have a direct relationship with the number of insects you encounter at the WSC. Be aware that there may be biting insects around. Some students can have a severe allergic reaction to stings from bees, wasps, etc. If a student begins to show signs of an allergic reaction take him or her to the nurse at the nearest school immediately. Mosquitoes and chiggers can make for an uncomfortable field experience. The best precautions include wearing long pants and shirts and using a good insect repellent.

Poisonous snakes
Stay away from all snakes. This is their habitat and we need to avoid them. NEVER try to catch a snake for close observation. Report your find but leave the animal alone. If someone is bitten seek medical attention immediately and keep the student calm.

Ticks
There are ticks at the WSC and we are in an area where deer ticks can carry Lyme disease. The best defense is to not allow ticks to attach themselves to your body. The use of "insect repellents" is also effective in preventing tick bites. Whenever you leave the area have your students check themselves and their clothes for ticks. If a tick is attached, it is best to remove it with a pair of forceps by grasping the head and pulling gently. Do not grasp the abdomen as this may squeeze fluids from the tick into the bite. Clean the bites and apply an antiseptic. Over the next few days watch for symptoms such as a large reddened area around the bite, headache, fever, and/or chills. If this happens, the student should contact his or her physician.

Spider bites
The Black Widow and the Brown Recluse are more likely to be seen in the school building, however, both are found in this area.

Hantavirus
This airborne viral disease is contracted from deer mice and white-footed mice. Both are common in Johnson County. There have only been five confirmed cases since 1995. Most recorded cases have occurred where a person was exposed to mouse feces or urine in a dry airborne state. The best way to reduce the risk of exposure is to avoid contact with mice or mouse-contaminated areas.

Rabies
DO NOT APPROACH ANY ANIMAL. Observe from a distance and you will not risk becoming infected by the rabies virus. Report any animal that is exhibiting any unusual behavior.

Blue River
Make sure that all students stay well back from banks of river.