Welcome

The likelihood of a natural disaster occurring in Alabama is high. Hurricanes, floods, droughts, and winter storms are possible. In addition to what we see from nature, we also can expect some man-made disasters in Alabama. Among the list of potential man-made disasters are wildfires and accidents involving hazardous materials and chemical stockpiles.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 4 million work-related accidents occurred in 2006. The National Safety Council reports that about one out of every 16 people experience an unintentional injury each year. Most of the accidents and injuries were avoidable. Take steps to ensure you don’t cause an accident or injury.

Disasters come in many forms and may happen when we least expect them. But you can be prepared. This site has many resources intended to help you prepare for disasters such as those listed above. Spending a few hours in preparation for a disaster can make recovery easier and may even save lives – your own and those of loved ones – not to mention companion animals and possessions.

EDEN Offers Animal Agrosecurity Course

The EDEN Animal Agrosecurity andEmergency Management Course is designed for primarily for Extension educators/agents, as they strive to improve preparedness for animal issues in disasters or potential disasters in their communities. But it is also available to anyone interested in animal biosecurity and emergency management.

The EDEN Animal Agrosecurity and Emergency Management Course will
prepare you with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach others in your community how to:

* apply emergency management principles to animal emergencies

* recognize threats, identify vulnerabilities, and establish an action plan for animal disasters

* partner with interagency representatives in an interdisciplinary effort to address animal emergency issues

Materials provided with this EDEN course are available for use at workshops and/or community awareness presentations. They include:

* ready-to-use presentations

* applied activity guidelines including scenario-based exercises

* printable documents suitable for handouts

The EDEN Animal Agrosecurity and Emergency Management Course is one of several courses available online on the EDEN website in the Learning Opportunities section.

Ready Tip

Safely Use Power and Hand Tools

--Virginia Morgan

I’ve recently talked to two people who nearly lost fingers to a power saw because of momentary distractions from the task at hand. Both accidents involved blood, a trip to the emergency room, and stitches. They were lucky they didn’t lose the injured digits. Accidents can happen when you’re using any hand or power tool—kitchen mixer to chainsaw—so pay attention to what you’re doing.

Basic safety rules include the following.

• Maintain your tools routinely. Clean and sharp tools work best when they’re in good condition. See the user’s label for lubricating and changing accessories. When tools are damaged beyond repair or worn out, replace them.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment. For example, wear goggles when you’re working with tools that produce dust, chips, or other debris. Wear close-toed shoes when using a lawn mower, weed eater, or other tool that could injure your feet.
• Keep electrical cords out of the way and out of water, oil, and other fluids.
• Disconnect power tools when you’re changing blades, oil, or other maintenance activities, or when you’re not using them.
• Put your tools out of the way. Not only can they get damaged if they’re in the work path or hidden in the grass, they can cause you or someone else to trip and fall.
• Use tools for the tasks they’re intended to do. Misusing a tool can lead to its damage or your injury.

Get your project done—safely!

For more information about hand and power tool safety, check the following resources.

Agricultural Engineering Safety Lesson Plan: Hand Tool Safety

Chainsaw Safety a Prime Concern

Farm Safety

Hand and Power Tools

Safe Use of Hand Tools

Tool Safety

More Ready Tips