Safety First

County Agent News

Dan Folske

August 16, 2010

Safety First

            Wow! What a wakeup call regarding tornado and storm safety! When Dennis got the call that a tornado was heading his way he went right to the basement and survived the total destruction of his farmstead. What did many people in town do when the tornado warning siren went off? They walked or drove to the edge of town to get a better view! If the tornado west of town had grown and continued to move east instead of going back up into the clouds there could have been many fatalities. All the great photographs are certainly helpful to investigators from the National Weather Service but none are worth a single fatality because someone went out to see a storm for themselves instead of taking cover. 

            The tragic loss of life in last Thursday’s storm also reminds us to be aware of the weather when traveling and that we really don’t need to be somewhere at a given time when it puts our life and the lives of others in peril. And remember that winter storms in North Dakota often result in very serious situations when someone just has to get home or to a ballgame in spite of the weather. Stranded or missing motorists often result in putting law enforcement and other emergency response personnel into perilous situations. 

Harvest Safety

            Last week I talked about having fire extinguishers on harvest and haying equipment.  As harvest really gets going and everyone puts in long hours, fatigue can be a major factor in farm related accidents. I know that getting the crop in is important and I am as guilty as others for putting in too many hours in a tractor or combine but taking time to take care of yourself is important too! 

            Take time to shut down equipment before working on it and make sure you know where everyone in the field or farmyard with you is before you start up or move a machine. I don’t want to be on a rescue call for you or someone you are working with!