Weather Extremes — Heat
The most serious concern in a hot environment is heat stroke. Heat exhaustion and fainting are less severe, but can also occur.
Tips to prevent a heat-related illness:
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Wear appropriate clothing (light colored and loose fitting) and sunscreen.
- In very hot weather, limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
- Never leave children or pets in a parked car.
Weather Extremes — Cold
In very cold temperatures the most serious concern is hypothermia. Frostbite is another serious effect of cold exposure.
Tips to stay safe in cold weather:
- Dress warmly (layers, hat, scarf, mittens, etc).
- Stay dry or get out of wet clothes immediately.
Outdoor Allergies
When allergens such as pollen and mold spores are inhaled, they may cause allergic reactions.
Tips for outdoor allergy relief:
- Be aware of the pollen count and mold spore count.
- Avoid fresh cut grass.
Animals to Avoid
Stinging Insects
Yes, wasps, hornets and bees will sting in defense of their nests. However, most are not aggressive, and will leave you alone as long as you are at least a few feet away from their nest and not disturbing it in any way.
The one exception is the yellow jacket hornet. Typically ground-nesting, these hornets aggressively defend their nest, and become most likely to sting from July through September. When you are hiking or playing outdoors, scan the area for signs of flying insects coming and going from a spot on the ground – then avoid that spot. If you picnic outside during “yellow jacket season,” check your food before putting it in your mouth – and shake off any stray hornets looking for a handout. Without a nest to defend, they typically won’t sting unless you touch them first.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes may pose a risk of transmitting West Nile Virus. If you live in an area where there is standing water, it is best to protect your children and yourself with insect repellant during mosquito season.
Tips to avoid bites:
- Wear long pants and sleeves.
- Apply insect repellant to clothing.
- Regularly change the water in bird baths, pet dishes, flower pots and other objects in your yard that collect water.
- Keep gutters and downspouts clear of wet leaves and standing water.
Ticks
Ticks are uncommon in our area, but bites can spread Lyme disease and other diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever. If you or your child is bitten by a tick, watch for symptoms and seek medical attention if they develop. Most cases can be treated successfully with antibiotics.
Tips to prevent tick-borne diseases:
- Wear long pants and sleeves.
- Tuck pants legs into your socks.
- Apply repellant to clothing.
- Conduct a body check upon return from tick-infested areas.
- Properly remove attached ticks.
- Upon returning indoors, take a shower and change clothes
Venomous Snakes
The Great Basin Rattlesnake is the only venomous snake in our vicinity. It is a timid, retiring animal and rarely seen. They are more common near the mouth of our canyons, but even here, they are rarely found.
Venomous snakes are typically non- aggressive and prone to hiding. Unless you step on one or put your hand on it while rock-climbing, you are not likely to be bitten. One good general tip: if you are lifting up a rock or log to see what’s hiding under it, always lift so that the opening is away from you, not pointing towards you. Then be sure to put the rock or log back gently in the same place. Be courteous to insects and wildlife you find there.
Sick Wild Animals
Rabies is extremely rare in our Valley. Teach children that healthy wild animals are afraid of people. “Friendly” or “sleepy” animals out during the day or that do not run away from people, are sick and should not be approached. If they are too sick to run away, they are also too sick to attack people. If you see such an animal in the neighborhood, call the county animal control office so it can be picked up.
Don’t worry about catching Bird Flu from birds – all instances are in Asia, in people who literally live with their chickens. You might possibly see birds sick with conjunctivitis (an eye disease) or West Nile virus.
These diseases do not normally spread to humans, but it’s still best to not pick up or handle sick or dead birds. To avoid the chance of West Nile Disease, wear mosquito repellent when you are out in wet areas or at dusk in summer. If you go tramping though fields in warm weather, check for ticks when you get home, just in case. These are more likely to be found in rural areas; very rarely is one found in a city park.
Big Scary Animals
Healthy wild animals – coyotes, deer, raccoons, woodchucks, skunks, etc. – run away from humans. Some animals have become used to us, but they still do not attack – they are just slower to move away.
Skunks typically do not spray unless seriously provoked.
Mt. Lions are extremely rare and there are no records of attacks on humans in our area.
Water
Kids love water! And Cache Valley has plenty- from wonderful wetlands to large reservoirs to numerous streams, rivers, and canals. And let’s not overlook mud puddles! Our streams and canals are most dangerous- streams especially during spring runoff. Young children must be supervised by a responsible adult whenever playing in these areas!
Germs
Dirt is really not that dirty. Germs travel from person to person, and very few things in nature are able to transmit diseases to people. Touching rocks, logs (even rotting ones), leaves, moss, a shed snake skin or discarded feather will not give you “germs,” and is safer than touching a store or school door-handle.
Things you should not touch bare-handed:
- mushrooms you can’t identify
- human litter
If you are exploring a creek, it’s best to use a hand wipe or hand sanitizer afterward. Very few creeks are completely pollution-free.
Plants to avoid
Poison Ivy
Poison ivy is uncommon but small patches in shrub form do occur. The best protection is to know how to recognize it, then avoid touching it. Poison ivy has three leaflets (parts to a leaf) arranged roughly like a triangle. Be especially careful not to burn any poison ivy shrubs in a campfire; smoke carries the oil that causes irritation. If contact is made, wash the area several times with cool water and a strong soap like Fels-Naptha as soon as you can. You can also buy skin products that can be used to prevent poison ivy reactions.
