Safety & Property Rights Issues
Working in or around streams generally is not dangerous; however, accidents can happen. The use of common sense is always the best safety precaution. Additionally, follow these recommended tips to have a safe and enjoyable day at your stream.
- Work in teams - Avoid working alone around water. Children should always be accompanied by watchful adults.
- Notify friends or family members - Tell somebody you know where you will be and when you expect to return. Carry a cell phone, if available.
- Avoid working in streams during storms or high water - Danger increases as water levels and speeds rise. Try to stay in shallow areas. If it is specifically required by your action plan to sample during a storm, then work in teams and exercise extreme caution.
- Be wise with water contact - During and after sample collection, keep hands away from eye and mouth areas. Always wash hands with soap and clean water after sampling. Never eat after sampling until hands have been washed. Wear rubber gloves and boots, especially if the stream is likely to be polluted. If there is any concern that the stream may be severely polluted, it would be wise to consult with local health authorities or natural resources agencies for specific warnings or guidance.
- Avoid dangerous objects - Avoid objects with signs of biohazard or contamination. Be watchful for sharp objects such as broken glass. Do not pick up suspicious objects or stick hands into crevices.
- Be aware of hazards - Be careful around traffic (wear bright orange clothing or safety vests if working in or near streets). Protect your eyes by watching out for protruding tree branches. Avoid sampling at areas having high or steep stream banks. Select sampling sites where no one is likely to slip and fall when trying to approach the stream.
- Avoid working in areas where hunting may be taking place - Wear two articles of bright orange clothing (hat, vest, etc.) if you are unsure whether hunting is taking place near your stream sites.
- Be prepared for first aid - Know the location of a nearby phone in case of emergency and always bring a first-aid kit containing antiseptic, bandages, etc.
- Don’t lift too much - If lifting objects into or out of the stream, use proper body mechanics (bend your knees, etc.) and lift only comfortable weights.
- Be careful around animals and plants - Avoid unfamiliar animals. Do not intrude on animal homes. Learn to identify poisonous plants, especially poison ivy, and be aware of your sensitivity to them. Try to avoid trampling a lot of vegetation.
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- It is very important to notify local landowners if you plan to do work around their property.- The best policy is to personally ask landowners for permission to access their property.- You also might go to your local town office and obtain the tax maps specific to your locations of interest. You can locate the landowners (names and addresses) near your stream using the maps and then mail them notices about the activities you hope to do near or on their land. This gives them an opportunity to allow or deny your access to their land.
- Next, place a notice in your local newspaper about the planned activities.
- You also might create flyers describing your planned activities and the reasons for doing them and then post them in public places or hand them out to local landowners (note: it is illegal for citizens to place items in anyone's mailbox). (Remember to include a phone number and address where you can be contacted.)
- Do not trespass on the land of people who do not want you there!
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