University of Missouri Extension

ATV Safety Often Neglected
by Bob Schultheis

The recent death of a 5-year-old child while riding an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) with her teenage sister near Hillsboro, Mo., points to the need for greater attention to ATV safety, said a University of Missouri Extension safety expert.

Missouri ranked ninth in the U.S. for ATV-related deaths in 2006, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Missouri Highway Patrol statistics for 2007 show 13 people killed and 231 injured in ATV accidents in the state. “The injury rate is likely understated, because many ATV injuries are treated at home and are not reported,” said Bob Schultheis, University of Missouri Extension natural resource engineering specialist in Marshfield.

People often ignore safety procedures, including those intended to safeguard children, Schultheis said. “I’ve done informal surveys at safety classes in rural schools. About 75 percent of the kids ages 6-10 say they have ridden with someone else on an ATV,” he said. “Most ATVs are not designed to carry passengers. That long seat is needed by the driver to allow shifting weight to stay stable on uneven terrain. ATVs designed for passengers will have a back seat and hand rests.”

Schultheis said about half the children in his informal surveys say they have driven an ATV and about 10 percent say they have driven on a public road. Riding on public roads is prohibited, except for agricultural purposes or official government use, and the driver must have a valid operator’s license.

In Missouri, anyone under age 18 operating an ATV must wear a helmet. Those under 16 must be supervised by a parent or guardian unless riding on property owned by the parent or guardian.

Anyone riding an ATV should wear appropriate safety gear, Schultheis said. That includes a helmet with a label indicating approval by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial Foundation. “Make sure the helmet fits snugly when fastened,” he said. “Full-face helmets will protect your face. Open-face helmets are lighter and cooler, but then you should have some mouth protection to wear with them.”

To protect your eyes, wear a scratch-free face shield or goggles. These should bear the markings VESC8, V-8 or Z87.1 in one corner, or they should be made of hard-coated polycarbonate. They should be securely fastened and well-ventilated to prevent fogging.

Schultheis also recommends a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and leather gloves to protect you from sun, dust, brush and bugs. Sturdy, above-the-ankle boots are needed for foot protection. For frequent riders, he suggests off-road-style motorcycle gloves and a pair of strong, over-the-calf boots with low heels to prevent your feet from slipping out of the footrests

A free copy of MU Extension guide G1936, “All-Terrain Vehicles,” is available at MU Extension centers or online at http://extension.missouri.edu/explorepdf/agguides/agengin/g01936.pdf.

Purchasers of new all-terrain vehicles are entitled to a free one-day training course to learn proper ATV riding procedures. Ask your dealer for details, contact the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887 or enroll online at https://online.svia.org/training/Enroll/EnrollIntro.aspx

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has published a brochure that outlines ATV safety guidelines, including requirements for use of ATVs on public roads. It is available online at http://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/Publications/Brochures/documents/SHP-448.pdf

Talking smoke detectors wake sleeping children better than shrill, beeping alarm

Robert Thomas, Information Specialist, Extension & Ag Information

The piercing 85-decibel alarm from smoke detectors will wake most adults with a start, but small children might sleep right through them.

That’s why parents might want to consider an alarm that talks to their children in case of a fire, said Karen Funkenbusch, a University of Missouri safety specialist.

“Don’t rely on smoke detectors to wake up your child. That may be a fatal error. Research has shown that many children do not wake to the shrill beeping of an alarm, but they will respond to the recorded sound of their parents’ voices,” said Funkenbusch.

A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics showed that 96 percent of children woke up to the sound of their parents’ voices within five minutes, with half the children waking up within 20 seconds. Only 58 percent woke up to conventional smoke alarm tones within five minutes.

“The key to surviving a fire is getting out of your burning house in two minutes or less,” Funkenbusch said. “That means every second is precious.”

Using many inexpensive talking models on the market, parents can not only call their child by name but also give them a quick set of instructions on how to escape safely, she said.

More than 40,000 children are injured and hundreds are killed in house fires in the U.S. each year.

In addition to installing talking smoke alarms, parents should practice an escape plan with their children that identifies two exits from every room, especially bedrooms, she said.

If your house has more than one story or you live in an apartment, make sure there is a window exit with an escape ladder.

“Practice your plan with your children and repeat the lesson throughout the year,” Funkenbusch said.

For more information see:

http://missourifamilies.org/features/copingarticles/coping19.htm

ACQ Treated Lumber Needs Special Fasteners to Avoid Failure Risk

There was a change in chemical preservatives used for pressure-treated lumber available for residential use in the United States starting in 2004. As a result different fasteners need to be used when working with ACQ treated lumber according to Bob Schultheis, natural resource engineering specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

“Pressure-treated Southern pine lumber that was preserved with Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) was phased out due to public health concerns about the arsenic it contained,” said Schultheis. “The new preservatives replacing CCA are Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ) or, less commonly, Copper Azole.”

Both of these chemical treatments are perceived to have less environmental or health risks than the old CCA chemicals. However, these new chemical treatments are more corrosive to nails, screws, and any other metal fasteners or parts that come in contact with the lumber.

“The days of being able to use just any fastener with your pressure treated lumber are over,” said Schultheis. “Using the wrong fasteners could have an adverse effect on the structural performance and service life of buildings built with ACQ lumber.”

The corrosiveness of the new chemicals also means that much of the commonly-used metal siding or other parts or equipment, whether aluminum or steel, are likely to be damaged if they are allowed to come in direct contact with the ACQ treated lumber.

No carbon steel or aluminum siding or other metal should be used directly against ACQ treated lumber.

Treatment manufacturers now recommend fasteners that are Type 304 or Type 316 stainless steel, or hot-dipped galvanized that meet ASTM A153 standards. Connectors and sheet steel should meet or exceed the ASTM A653 Class G185 standard.

Never mix galvanized and stainless steel in the same connection. “These requirements apply across the board, whether for ground contact or not, wet or dry conditions. No fasteners should be used unless they are clearly labeled as ‘Approved for use with ACQ’,” said Schultheis.

The bright-colored electroplated galvanized screws commonly available in home improvement centers are examples of fasteners that are non-approved for use with ACQ according to Schultheis.

How do you know if you have ACQ lumber? Look for either an inked stamp on the broad side of the lumber stating the lumber grade and preservative, or a plastic tag on one end of the lumber member that states the lumber grade and preservative used.

Although CCA treated lumber is still manufactured and sold for certain industrial and marine applications, including agricultural posts and poles, most lumber yards may now just carry the ACQ treated lumber.

“If you’re getting bids on a building, be aware that ACQ-approved fasteners are much more costly than fasteners used for common lumber, so the low bid may not necessarily be the best bid, if you’re concerned about the service life of the building,” said Schultheis.

More information about these fastener corrosion issues can be found on-line at www.awc.org/HelpOutreach/faq/CorrosionFactSheet.pdf and www.southernpine.com/ptfasteners.shtml.

Details about CCA lumber and its alternatives can be found on-line at www.epa.gov/oppad001/reregistration/cca/

Beware of Brown Recluse Spiders

The name "brown recluse" describes the color and habits of this venomous spider that has earned a reputation for having a painful bite.

According to John Hobbs, agriculture and rural development specialist with University of Missouri Extension, this spider is usually found in structures that contain dry, cluttered space that is undisturbed and has a supply of insects or other small organisms to serve as suitable prey. “These spiders are reclusive, but they will bite if they are against your skin and movement is restricted,” said Hobbs.

Human reactions to a brown recluse bite vary considerably and depend on the amount of venom injected by the spider as well as the victim's sensitivity to the venom. A painful reaction can occur almost immediately, but often the victim won't realize they have been bitten for an hour or more. Victims usually describe a stinging sensation followed by intense pain.

A small white blister usually develops at the site of the bite. The affected area swells and becomes hard to the touch. This tissue dies and eventually sloughs away, leaving a sunken, ulcerated sore of various sizes. The typical reaction has been described by physicians as unremarkable or mild and covers an area less than the size of a dime. In a small percentage of cases (less than 5 percent) the sore covers a larger area. “Unfortunately, a brown recluse bite may be serious requiring a visit to a doctor,” said Hobbs.

Brown recluse spiders vary in color with abdomens that may be straw-colored, pinkish-gray, pale to medium brown or slate gray. They have one distinctive characteristic – a dark, violin-shaped pattern on the front of the back. The neck of the violin points toward the rear of the arachnid.

Two strategies may help to control the brown recluse spider according to Hobbs.

First, take advantage of the spiders' daily routine. Brown recluse spiders normally hide during the day and don't come out until an hour or two after dark. “The search-and-destroy strategy may prove effective if timed to coincide with their activity. Carry a crawling insect spray as you search for the spiders within a foot or two of walls,” said Hobbs.

Two, roach or mouse glue traps can also work well. Place these in spots the spiders are likely to be, such as dark areas, around boxes, and close to walls and room corners.

More information on the Brown Recluse Spider can be found in the G7386 guide sheet entitled, “Spiders,” which is available at the nearest county extension center or online at extension.missouri.edu.

Summer Sun Safety
Marilyn Preston, MA, Building Strong Families Extension Associate
Whether you are going camping, going to the beach or simply heading out for little league games, it is more important than ever to remember sun safety. The American Cancer Society finds that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer (American Cancer Society, 2007), and the sun’s rays can have a negative affect not only on skin but on the immune system and eyesight as well.

With all of this information, it is important to protect your family’s health. The American Academy of Pediatrics came out with several important guidelines for sun safety that are easy to follow and simple to do.

Protecting your family is as simple as remembering two steps: Plan and Protect.

Plan ahead:

RPlan outdoor activities in the mornings or late afternoons to avoid the sun’s strongest rays, which happen between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

RIf you plan to be outside, make sure you put on sunscreen one half hour before going out, so it has time to work on the skin.

RDress yourself and your family in clothes that protect against the sun. Hold the clothes up to the light to make sure they are made of tightly woven fabrics that will keep out the sun’s rays. Dress babies in light, long sleeved clothes.

RHats and sunglasses help keep the sun out of people’s eyes. Check that the hat shades the ears and neck, too.

RIf your child goes to daycare, summer school or camp, remember to pack a bottle of sunscreen in his or her bag every day.

Protect your family:

RAlways use sunscreen with an SPF of over 15. Look for the words “broad-spectrum” on the label. Broad spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

RPut on sunscreen again after swimming, sweating or toweling off. Remember to do this even if you use waterproof sunscreen.

RReapply sunscreen every two hours.

RUse sunscreen even on cloudy days.

RZinc Oxide is a safe sun block that can be applied to the nose, cheeks and shoulders to give extra protection.RBabies less than six months old should never be in direct sunlight. Keep them in the shade under trees, in strollers or under shelters.

Following these guidelines will help protect your family this summer while you enjoy the weather and have fun together!

Safety Steps When a Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb Breaks

Using compact fluorescent light bulbs is an effective, simple change everyone can do right now to save on their monthly utility costs. Lighting accounts for approximately 20 percent of the average home’s electric bill. Compact fluorescent bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than incandescent light bulbs. They can also last up to 10 times longer than similar incandescent bulbs. “Using these bulbs can be very helpful to the family budget but their use is not without risks,” said Marsha Alexander, University of Missouri Extension housing and environmental design specialist.

Compact fluorescent bulbs contain a small amount of mercury that is sealed within the glass tubing. The amount of mercury found in a typical compact fluorescent bulb would cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. Mercury is the basic element that allows the bulbs to be energy efficient. No mercury is released from an intact bulb. If the bulb breaks, there are some concerns and proper clean-up is essential, said Alexander.

If the compact fluorescent bulb accidently breaks, people and pets should leave the room immediately. Avoid walking through the breakage area on the way out of the room. Open a window to allow for ventilation and stay out of the affected area for 15 minutes or longer. Turn off the central forced-heating and air-conditioning system. If the break happens over a hard surface such as wood or tile, carefully scoop up the glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Use duct tape or some other sticky tape to pick up the remaining glass and powder. Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels and dispose of the towels in a sealed bag. Wash your hands immediately.

To clean-up a broken bulb on carpeting, wear gloves to carefully pick up the glass fragments and place them in a sealed bag. Use duct tape or sticky tape to pick up any remaining glass and powder and seal them in a plastic bag. If small glass pieces and powder remain, vacuum the affected area. Carefully remove the vacuum bag, wipe down the canister and place the vacuum debris in a sealed plastic bag. Wash your hands immediately.

Check with your local city government about disposal requirements, said Alexander. Some recommend taking both broken and used, unbroken mercury-containing bulbs to household hazardous waste centers.

Take Steps to Keep Safe on the Farm during Hot Weather

Summer’s high temperatures and humidity can add an element of danger to farm work, according to Amanda Marney, agriculture preparedness specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real risks for people exposed to excessive heat. “Heat can cause direct harm if you get so hot your body can’t handle it,” said Marney. “It adds to the stress that can be a big contributor to accidents. This is even truer when you can hardly see because of sweat dripping into your eyes.”

Marney Offers These Tips to Help Keep Safe During Hot weather:

Think about safety basics. Make sure all tractors have rollover protection. Replace missing shields. Maintain and use lights, flashers and reflectors on machines. Replace slow-moving vehicle signs as needed. Keep machinery in good working order. Know and follow confined-space safety rules. Learn basic first aid, CPR and emergency response.

Drink plenty of water before you feel thirsty. In hot weather that means at least eight large glasses a day, and more if you are really working up a sweat.

Wear cool clothes. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothes made of natural fibers such as cotton will help you stay cool. Socks made of materials such as Polypropylene and Thermex will help your feet stay cool and dry. A wide-brimmed hat can help you stay comfortable in addition to shielding your face and neck from the sun. Also use sunscreen.

Take time to cool off. Splash yourself with water occasionally. Take breaks in the shade. Five minutes spent cooling off is less time from work than a trip to the emergency room – or months in physical therapy due to a stress-related accident.

Plan work around the heat. Think about the heat forecast as well the rain forecast. Avoid strenuous work if it is very hot; save it for a cooler day.

Watch the sweat factor. Sweat helps cool your skin as it evaporates. However, it can also make your hands slippery and impede your vision. Be extra careful when performing everyday tasks when you are sweaty.

For more information on summer weather safety, visit the agriculture preparedness website at http://aes.missouri.edu/swcenter or call Marney at (417) 669-4362.

Flooded wells may be contaminated:
use shock chlorination to disinfect water

    When large amounts of rain fall over a short period of time, private wells may be flooded by the rising rivers or runoff. “Wells could be contaminated with bacteria, viruses or parasites that can make you ill,” said Bob Broz, an MU Extension water quality specialist.

Water from a flooded well should not be used for drinking or food preparation until the well and plumbing system have been disinfected and the water has been tested for safety.

In addition to dangerous pathogens, floodwater can carry abrasive sediment, debris and other contaminants that can damage well equipment, Broz said.

If you must use the water, check with your local health department for recommendations on how long to boil water before using. Consider using alternative water sources such as bottled water.

If your well does have run-in water, you should take steps to ensure the safety of the water and minimize damage to the well.

Turn off the electricity to the pump and inspect the well and pumping system for run-in and signs of damage. If the well cap is missing or is not watertight, debris or sediment may have entered the well. Starting the pump under such conditions could damage the pump. If necessary, have a certified well installer look at the well and have an electrician examine the wiring and power unit for the well.

     “Choosing not to check and clean flooded wells can do damage to the equipment and could lead to health concerns,” said Broz.
You can disinfect contaminated well water through a process called shock chlorination:

m With the electricity off, remove as much sediment from around the well casing as possible. Clean the well cap and the outside of the casing with a solution of 1 ounce of laundry bleach in 2 gallons of clean water. Rinse with clean water and make sure that the casing and pumping system are completely dry before continuing.

m    Once everything is dry, turn on the electricity to the well pump. If the pump works, open an outside faucet and run water onto the ground for 15 to 60 minutes or until the water runs clear. Check each faucet in the home until it runs clear. Close all faucets and turn off the electricity to the pump.

m    Disconnect any household water filters or water softeners and drain the water heater. If you have a gas water heater, put out the pilot light. If your water heater is electric, turn off the power to the heater. Open the well by removing the well cap or the threaded plug in the cap.

m    Prepare a solution of household bleach and water. If your well is 3 to 4 inches in diameter, mix 2 quarts bleach in 10 gallons of clean water. For a well 5 to 6 inches in diameter, mix 1 gallon of bleach with 10 gallons of clean water. Be sure to use eye protection and rubber gloves when mixing.

m    Pour the diluted bleach solution into the well. Avoid pouring directly onto the pump wiring if possible. After turning on the electricity, circulate the solution in the well either by placing a garden hose into the top of the well and running the water for 15 minutes or by starting and stopping the pump several times.

m    Open every water outlet on the system one at a time. Run the water until you can smell the chlorine, then close the faucet. Flush the toilets, refill the water heater and allow the chlorine solution to remain in the system for at least eight hours.

m    After eight hours, run the chlorinated water from the system and have the water tested for bacterial safety. Obtain a water test kit from your county health department. You should continue to use an alternative water source or boil your water for a minimum of one minute until the laboratory reports that the water is safe.

m    Once you receive a safe test result, the water can be consumed. You should have the well tested again in about two weeks to make sure that the disinfection has been completely effective. If the water still contains dangerous amounts of bacteria, repeat the shock chlorination process.

Replace Your Older Smoke Detectors

Even if you regularly check the batteries and test your home smoke alarm, you may not be alerted if a fire breaks out. "If smoke alarms are over 10 years old, you should look at a replacement plan," said Dave Hedrick, director of University of Missouri Extension's Fire and Rescue Training Institute. "Over time, smoke alarms lose their sensitivity, and of course, there have been improvements in the newer models."

Hedrick recommends replacing older units with dual-sensor models. "Smoke detectors with ionization and photoelectric sensors have the ability to activate the quickest in fire situations."

Because 79 percent of structural fires are residential, Hedrick said, "The individual citizen is much more likely to face a fire risk or an actual fire in their home than in a commercial structure."

People also are more likely to die from a fire at home. Residential fires account for 82 percent of fire deaths in the United States. Deaths are twice as high in homes without smoke alarms or with non-working alarms, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Smoke detectors should be tested monthly, and the batteries should be changed regularly. Some newer models have longer-life lithium batteries, so it may not be necessary to change the batteries when daylight-saving time changes. Be sure to check the individual requirements, Hedrick said.

Early detection means having an adequate number, Hedrick said. Smoke alarms should be installed on each level of the home; larger homes may require more than one on each level for ample coverage.

In addition, fire prevention experts recommend installing smoke alarms inside and outside each bedroom, as well as near gas furnaces and water heaters.

Just as important, Hedrick said, "You need a plan for what you're going to do when it goes off. At the point you have an emergency is not the time to figure out what you have to do."

Family members need to know what the smoke detector sounds like and how to get out of the house. "You should have two means of escape in each room," he said. Hedrick said families should practice these activities so family members are familiar with the process.

Finally, families should designate a meeting place outside the home should a fire occur. 'This way you know everybody has gotten out safely, and you can let emergency responders know when they arrive," Hedrick said.

For more information, Hedrick recommended calling the non-emergency number of your local fire department or attending one of the many events during National Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 7-13.

AVOIDING RECREATIONAL WATER ILLNESSES

Each year Americans make an estimated 360 million visits to recreational water venues such as swimming pools, spas, lakes and oceans. This makes swimming the second-most popular physical activity in the country, and the most popular among children. However, within the water often lies an unseen danger. Between 1984 and 2002, a steady increase in recreational water illness outbreaks led to approximately 19,000 people becoming ill.

Untreated or under treated water in lakes, rivers and swimming pools can contain germs from swimmers, sewage, animal waste and wastewater runoff. These germs can cause recreational water illnesses. The most common illness is diarrhea, which is caused by germs like E. coli, Shigella and Giardia. Other illnesses include skin, ear and respiratory infections.

Accidentally swallowing contaminated water, or even getting it in your mouth can cause you to become ill. You can also get infections in your eyes, ears and nose, as well as in cuts or scrapes. Everyone is at risk, but children, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems are more at risk for developing a serious illness if they become infected.

To protect yourself and your family from recreational water illnesses, follow these healthy swimming behaviors.

► Do not swim when you have diarrhea. You can spread germs and make other people sick.

► Do not swallow swimming water, and try to avoid getting water in your mouth.

► Do not swim in rivers or streams after it rains, or if the water is cloudy. Wastewater runoff is highest following a rain.

► Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom, after swimming and before eating.

► Do not change children’s diapers poolside. Always wash your hands after changing a diaper.

Public swimming pools do treat water with chlorine to reduce the levels of bacteria. If the chlorine is maintained at proper levels, it kills most germs, but a few germs can survive for several hours to days. Germs thrive more easily in water that is not treated properly or warmer water such as in spas or hot tubs where the chlorine evaporates more quickly.

When water is contaminated or conditions are uncertain, avoid getting water on your face or head. By taking simple precautions you can enjoy water activities this summer while protecting yourself and your family from recreational water illnesses.

For more information on healthy swimming, contact your local public health department or visit www.cdc.gov.

After recent storms and strong winds caused roof damage to many homes, one MU Extension specialist is on a mission to encourage more builders to use “hurricane ties.”

“When used in the construction of residential roofs, hurricane ties are extremely useful as a means of keeping structures connected during high winds and in seismic situations,” said Jeff Barber, housing and environmental design specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

According to Barber, who is also a registered architect, hurricane ties resist and often prevent the moment of “lift-off” when a roof passes the tipping point of no return. “We have all seen the slow tipping images of roofs as they disconnect from their supporting walls and fly away, often as an intact system. Hurricane ties would greatly reduce the instances of that,” said Barber.

The use of the hurricane ties adds tested connection strength and redundancy when placed on each rafter and truss connection point. “Two poorly placed toe-nails can fail easier than a six-nail engineered connector,” said Barber.

The total added cost for a moderate size house would approach $500 according to Barber. This cost needs to be contrasted to what it costs to replace a lost roof. “Resistance to straight line winds, updraft, downdraft and tornado winds, boils down to a matter of strength and the difference between two nails and six nails,” said Barber.

According to Barber, hurricane clips can be added to an existing roof if the eaves are open or the soffit materials are removed. The clips are not present on most new construction because they are not typically required by Missouri building code ordinances,” said Barber.

To be as effective as the hurricane clips are designed to be, the framing contractor should carefully follow the instructions for the placement and type of nails.

Powered Lawn Mowers Can Throw
Objects at 200+ mph

People fall victim to the revolving blades of powered lawn mowers each year, according Bob Schultheis, a natural resource engineering specialist with University of Missouri Extension

"Objects can be thrown at more than 200 mph -- about 300 feet per second. The reaction time of most people is about two-thirds of a second, so there is no time to react to a spinning blade or to a thrown object," Cole said.

     A special precaution is that adults should make sure kids are properly trained before entrusting mowing jobs to them.

      Schultheis says if slopes are too steep for either riding or push mowers, they should be trimmed by hand or planted to a low-maintenance ground cover.

      With riding mowers, take extra care when turning, and look behind before backing up. With push mowers, avoid pulling backward. You risk having your feet slip under the mower deck.

      And, power or push, be sure to shut the mower off before unclogging it or leaving it.

      "Also, people in tennis shoes, sandals, bare feet and shorts run the risk of serious injury if the mower throws a rock or stick, or if their feet slip on the grass. And cotton ear plugs don't work for keeping out loud noise levels given off by gas-powered mowers," Schultheis said.

More advice:

èSelect the right mower for the job.

èMake sure you have the size, strength and experience to run it.

èKnow your equipment. Read the owner manual and follow all "safety decal" instructions.

èPrepare properly. Make sure all mower guards and controls are working. Pick up sticks, toys, rocks and trash in the area to be mown.

èDress for safety. This means wearing deep-tread, hard-toe shoes and long pants for foot and leg protection.

èKeep bystanders well away.

èUse safety glasses and expandable foam ear plugs, plus a dust mask for those prone to respiratory allergies.

èUse proper fueling methods. Remove the ignition wire from the spark plug, and cool a hot mower 10 minutes or more before refueling. Refuel outdoors or in a well-vented area, and use the right fuel/oil mix for the type of engine.

èElectric mowers should be plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) circuit to prevent possible shocks or electrocution.

èWait until grass is dry before mowing.

èWith push mowers, mow across the slope, never up and down. With riding mowers, mow up and down slopes; not across them. And never allow extra riders.

For more information on home-safety and lawn-care topics, Schultheis says to pick up a free copy of the Publications Catalog (MP205) from county University of Missouri Extension centers. Or go to this Web site: http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/

Driving Challenges and Choices For Senior Citizens

     Nearly everyone has heard stories about older drivers who are dangerous behind the wheel. But are older adults who drive really a problem?

      Most older drivers exhibit good driving skills, have excellent safety records and pay close attention to what they are doing. If they suspect problems, older drivers begin to make adjustments, such as not driving at night or on snow or heavy rain. "Most older drivers will make an informed decision about when it’s time to put the car keys away, but there are some older drivers who are a danger to themselves and others," said Renette Wardlow, human development specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

     Based on the number of miles driven, older drivers have a high accident and fatality rate. In fact, the accident rate for senior citizens is second only to young adults, ages 16 to 24. There are over 25 million drivers who are 65 years of age or older but only a few states currently require age-based road tests before license renewal. Missouri is not one of them.

     Age by itself is not a good indicator of driving skills. Some senior citizens are overly cautious and give up driving before needed while others fail to recognize their decline in driving skills.   "Most Americans begin to experience a decline in vision, reflexes, hearing and flexibility around age 55. Many senior citizens can adjust to cope safely with the gradual physical decline that accompanies aging. The key to safe driving is to recognize the challenges associated with these changes and to make wise choices," Wardlow said.

Most people living in a rural area are managers of a sewage treatment system -- their own septic tank and drain field. Unfortunately, many neglect their management duties and that leads to problems.

Surveys in Missouri show that 70 percent of home septic systems are not functioning properly. The most common causes of system failure are from lack of regular maintenance, excessive water entering the system, or improper system siting, sizing and design.

"Signs of problems with your septic system include green, actively growing grass over the absorption field, soggy soil above parts of the absorption field or settling soil near the septic tank," said Bob Schultheis, natural resources engineering specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

Other signs of a possible septic system problem include slow-flushing toilets and slow-draining sinks, particularly those lowest in the house.

"If you catch problems early enough, all you may need is to have your septic tank pumped and inspected by a licensed and bonded professional contractor. If you have neglected your sewage management duties, you could be looking at bigger problems," said Schultheis.

Depending on tank size and sewage volume, the sludge and scum must be pumped out every two to five years to allow bacterial digestion to continue in the tank. Otherwise, raw sewage may flow directly through the tank and into the absorption field, causing it to fail.

Schultheis also advises not wasting money on septic tank additives, such as yeasts and enzymes. “No additives have been shown to help bacterial action, and some actually create more problems by moving dissolved sludge from the septic tank to the absorption field pipes where the problem costs more to fix,” said Schultheis.

A recently revised publication from University of Missouri Extension, “Septic Tank-Absorption Field Systems: A Homeowner’s Guide to Installation and Maintenance” (EQ 401) offers a practical guide to sewage management duties. The publication describes how residential septic systems work, proper design and installation, and recommended system maintenance. (Back to top)

Farm Safety is Responsibility of Parents and Adults
As farm projects swing into a high mode, extension specialists say it is important to remind parents and adults that the protection of children on the farm is their responsibility.

“The number one threat to the health and life of children is accidental injury. Most accidents that injure, disable or kill children can be prevented,” said Karen Funkenbusch, research associate with the University of Missouri Rural Health and Safety Outreach Program.

As children grow older, many are recruited to help with routine work that requires the use of machinery and power equipment. Many youth work on family farms driving tractors or working with lawn mowers, power equipment and livestock.

“Parents have the responsibility to protect, train and guide young people when they work with potentially dangerous equipment. The first step in preventing accidents is being able to recognize hazards and know how to correct them,” said Funkenbusch.

Nearly four out of five agricultural-related accidents to youth, involve tractors turning over or passengers falling off. The majority of passenger victims are under 16.

Per hour driven, young people are four times more likely to have an accident than are their parents when driving a tractor on public roads.

Bob Schultheis, natural resource engineering specialist, University of Missouri Extension, offers several different ideas for reducing farm tractor accidents.

First, Schultheis says it is important to have a “Tractor Operator Only” policy.

“Don’t allow riders on tractors and youth should only drive tractors that have rollover protection and seat belts. Driving on public roads should only be done after considerable field experience and the person is licensed to drive,” said Schultheis.

A second type of protection is to provide and require the use of equipment that reduces the amount of physical hazard from agriculture work according to Schultheis.

This type of protection includes rollover protection on the cab or frame of tractors, ear muffs or ear plugs to protect their ears when working on noisy jobs, gloves to protect hands from cuts and burns, safety shoes to protect toes and feet, a “bump” cap or hard hat to protect their heads and goggles and face shields to protect their eyes and face.

“Young people who become accustomed to using protective equipment at an early age are more likely to use this equipment the rest of their lives. Safety training and education are also important in preventing farm accidents. In fact, they help people learn more quickly than do personal experiences,” said Schultheis.

Informal safety training by a parent or other family member is equally important.

Machinery operators, no matter what their age, need hands-on training. Schultheis says it is important to not expect teenagers to know how to do something, just because they have watched an adult.

“As a parent, you can save yourself time, money and worry, by providing your teens with formal and informal hands-on equipment training, keeping your children away from equipment until they are able to use it safely, and supervising your teens work activities once they have started to use a piece of equipment,” said Schultheis.

This type of effort can result in less damage to equipment and other property, and more importantly, it can save a child’s life or prevent a disabling injury.

A good Web resource for age-appropriate tasks is the North American Guidelines for Children's Agricultural Tasks at http://www.nagcat.org. (Back to top)

Children are At Risk on the Farm

About 100 children and youth die in farm work accidents each year in the U.S. and many more are seriously injured.

According to Karen Funkenbusch, research associate with the University of Missouri Rural Health and Safety Outreach Program, children can be injured riding on tractors, in grain wagons, or in activities around grain bins or chores with farm animals or by drowning in farm ponds.

Funkenbush offers these basic tips to keep children safe on or around the farm:
è Do not allow children to roam freely on the farm. Design a safe fenced play area.
è    Regularly inspect the farm for hazards that can injure children.
è    Be sure farm ponds and pits are fenced.
è    Assign children only age-appropriate work tasks and then train and supervise them.
è Equip all barns, farm shops, chemical storage areas and livestock pens with door latches that can be
        locked so children cannot enter.
è    Always turn equipment off, lower hydraulics and remove the key.
è    Never allow extra riders on tractors or let underage drivers operate farm vehicles.
è    Make sure tractors and other equipment are in proper working order. Install rollover protective bars
        and seat belts on tractors that don’t have them.
è    Discuss safety issues as a family and determine age-appropriate farm chores.

     When accidents do cause disabilities, there is help. The Missouri AgrAbility Project provides services for rural people with disabilities.

     The AgrAbility Project is a collaborative effort of University of Missouri Extension, the University of Missouri-Columbia, Departments of Occupational and Physical, School of Health Professions, and Services for Independent Living.

     For more information, call Karen Funkenbusch at (800) 995-8503 or visit Missouri AgrAbility Project online at http://www.fse.missouri.edu/agrability/. More farm safety information is available from the National Safety Council, (630) 285‑1121.

Your local University of Missouri Extension office also has guide sheets related to farm safety. One of the most popular is G1950, “Responding to Farm Accidents,” which is also available online at http://extension.missouri.edu.   (Back to top)

Agriculture Ranks as Second Most Dangerous Occupation
           Agriculture ranks as the second most dangerous occupation, just behind the mining and quarrying industry.   In 2002, there were
            about 3.4 million Americans working in agriculture. There were 730 agriculture-related deaths (up two percent over 2001) and nearly
            150,000 disabling injuries according to the National Safety Council.(Back to top)

Deaths From Tractor Overturns are Preventable

Once again, deaths in farm tractor overturns remained the leading cause of injury death of farmers in 2002.

According to data from farm safety specialists and National Safety Council, over 250 operators and passengers suffered fatal injuries while working on a tractor during 2002, with a majority attributed to overturns.

Most of these fatal incidents could have been prevented with the use of rollover protection according to Bob Schultheis, natural resource engineering specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

“Unfortunately, nearly 50 percent of farm tractors currently in use don't have a certified ROPS (rollover protective structure) with a seatbelt,” said Schultheis.

Overturns typically occur when tractors are operated on slopes or uneven terrain, often at speeds that render them unstable. Other overturns results from improper hitching of trailing equipment to axles or other tractor components that disrupt the tractor's center of gravity.

Another risk for a tractor overturn results from a highway collision with another vehicle that sideswipes or rear ends a tractor moving at a slower speed.

“Retrofitting farm tractors with ROPS and a seatbelt will significantly reduce the risk of being fatally injured in a tractor overturn. Extra riders should not be allowed so that the tractor operator can pay full attention to operating the tractor,” said Schultheis.(Back to top)

Cooler temperatures make this the perfect time to test your home for harmful radon gas according to Bob Schultheis, natural resources engineering specialist, University of Missouri of Missouri Extension.

"Testing in Missouri has shown that 18 percent of all homes have radon levels above the level considered dangerous (4.0 picocrquies per liter of air)," said Schultheis.

Radon is a colorless, odorless and radioactive gas caused by the natural breakdown of rocks and soils that contain uranium and radium.

Radon is also the second leading cause of lung cancer, immediately behind smoking. It is also something every house in the Ozarks has but the levels vary between neighboring houses.

“The best time to test your home for radon is during cooler weather, when it is 60 degrees or less. The house should be closed up at least 12 hours before and during the test,” said Schultheis.

Energy-efficient or poorly ventilated homes are more likely to have higher radon levels according to Schultheis. This is because radon enters the home through cracks and openings in floors and walls, and through floor drains and sumps.

The most common radon detectors are charcoal canisters and alpha-track detectors. The charcoal canister units (about $15) are used for short-term testing. A positive result from a short-term test is no immediate cause for panic. A long-term test (three to 12 months) using an alpha-track detector to verify continuous exposure levels should follow it.

If you do find a radon problem, Schultheis says, spend less time in high-concentration areas, such as basements. Don't smoke, and when practical, ventilate the living area. It is also a good idea to keep crawl-space vents open year-round and seal all floor and wall cracks.

The cost to make repairs to reduce radon depends on how your home was built according to Donna Chilton, home and environmental design specialist.

"Radon problems can be fixed by qualified contractors for a cost similar to many common home repairs like painting or having a new water heater installed. The average cost for a contractor to lower radon levels in a home is about $1,200," said Chilton.

For more information on how to obtain radon testing for your home, call the Missouri Radon Information Helpline at (800) 669-7236.

For more information on radon ask your county University of Missouri Extension center for MU Guide G1968, "Radon: An Indoor Health Hazard?" Or, get the publication online at http://muextension.missouri.edu. (Back to top)

More than 500 people die each year in their homes from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning according to a local extension specialist. Research suggests many more may be getting sick from smaller, non-fatal CO exposures.

“Carbon monoxide is produced when a fuel, like natural gas, propane, fuel oil, wood, charcoal or gasoline, is burned. It can leak from faulty or poorly maintained fuel-burning appliances or can enter the house because of a blocked chimney or flue that hasn’t been cleaned,” said Donna Chilton, environmental design specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

Well-maintained equipment and applications, safe operation and the installation of carbon monoxide detectors will help prevent accidents and save lives.

According to Chilton, carbon monoxide detectors should meet Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards, have a long-term warranty and be designed so they can be easily self-tested and reset to ensure proper functioning. The best place for a carbon monoxide alarm is near sleeping areas.

“Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless poisonous gas that interferes with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Low-level exposure to carbon monoxide can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea or loss of muscle control. Concentrations above 800 parts per million can cause unconsciousness after one hour and death in two,” said Chilton.

Chilton says all home fuel-burning equipment (like furnaces, chimneys and flues) should be inspected annually to ensure proper ventilation and efficient operation.

“It is also important that all fuel-burning heaters used to warm the house be vented to the outside. If you must use an unvented heater, leave a window (in the same room with the heater) open at least one inch. Unvented heaters should be turned off at night,” said Chilton.

Install exhaust fans over gas cooking stoves and ranges to vent the fumes outdoors to reduce pollutants during cooking.

“Don’t use ovens or gas ranges to heat your home, even during an emergency,” Chilton said.

She also recommends not closing all foundation vents under the house when heating equipment - like floor furnaces and central-heating systems - are located under the house.

Another common source of carbon monoxide is backdrafting. Fireplaces and woodstoves should have a dedicated outdoor air supply to prevent backdrafting into the living space. Chilton says that with both gas and wood fireplaces, it is important to always make sure the flue is open when the fireplace is in use.

“In airtight houses with a number of combustion appliances that use house air to supply the fuel burners, chimney backdrafting can occur as a house becomes depressurized from exhaust fans, a fireplace or from competition for air among other combustion appliances,” said Chilton.

According to Chilton, it is also important to never use a charcoal grill indoors (burning charcoal gives off a large amount of carbon monoxide) and to never run an automobile engine continuously in an attached garage without proper ventilation.

For more information about carbon monoxide and other combustion gases, contact your local University of Missouri Extension center for a copy of guide sheet GH5001, “Indoor Air Quality.” That guide sheet is also available online at <http://muextension.missouri.edu/explore>.

University of Missouri Extension improves people’s lives with education and research from the four campuses of the University of Missouri System and Lincoln University. All extension programs focus on the identified high-priority needs of people throughout the state. Each county extension center, with oversight by locally elected and appointed citizens, is your local link to these unbiased resources and programs.(Back to top)

For more information on preparing for disasters Evans suggests browsing to the federal preparedness Web site, www.ready.gov.

According to one regional extension specialist, the most important feature of any workshop is proper lighting.

“No matter how plentiful your tool selection, you must have plenty of light to see what you are doing,” said Ed Browning, natural resources engineering specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

According to Browning, the guidelines for light levels in a shop are 50 foot-candles for an office area and rough bench work, 30 foot-candles for machine repair area and 100 foot-candles for a shop bench area. For general repair area lighting, 30 foot-candles would convert to one two-bulb fluorescent light fixture per 100 square feet of area.

One foot-candle (English measurement) is the amount of light displayed on one square foot of surface area one foot from the light source. One foot-candle is equal to one lumen (metric) per square foot, which is the most common measure of
light output.

“In my own shop, I’ve designed general lighting at the 100 foot-candle level because I’m finding it takes a little more light to read the fine print on drill bits,” said Browning. “At that level it takes nearly four two-bulb fluorescent light fixtures per 100 square feet of area.”

There are two advantages to using fluorescent lighting instead of incandescent. First, a 40-watt fluorescent will put as much light as a 150-watt incandescent bulb for one-quarter the cost of operation. Second, the lifespan of a fluorescent light may be 10 times as long.

Browning does not recommend high intensity discharge (HID) lights such as mercury, metal halide, high-pressure sodium and low-pressure sodium for indoor use because they take time to start and should not be turned on and off repeatedly.(Back to top)

Marie Steinwachs, director of University of Missouri Extension’s Household Hazardous Waste Project, recommends that instead of purchasing household hazardous products consumers first try using some of the alternative available There are several simple non-hazardous products that can be used very effectively and safely around the home.

For example, for an all-purpose cleaner use baking soda. Dissolve four tablespoons baking soda in one-quart warm water for a cleaning solution or use baking soda sprinkled on a damp sponge.