KEEPING YOUTH SAFE:
MINNESOTA 4-H RISK MANAGEMENT EXPECTATIONS
Emergencies – Toxic Plants, Wild Animals,
Bees and Ticks
Minnesota 4-H is committed to providing safe and healthy environments for youth and adults
participating in 4-H programs and activities.
STEP 1
Know and follow the Overall Risk Management Policies and Practices information sheet when
planning all 4-H programs. Use this when completing steps 2 and 3. The Overall Risk
Management Policies and Practices information sheet is available at www.4-H.umn.edu/riskmanagement or from your 4-H Program Coordinator.
STEP 2
Complete the Risk Management Program Planning tool before 4-H programs occur, utilizing
the information from the Overall Risk Management Policies and Practices information sheet
(above). The Risk Management Program Planning tool is available at www.4-H.umn.edu/riskmanagement or from your 4-H Program Coordinator.
STEP 3
Use the following additional information when planning for potential emergencies that could
involve toxic plants, wild animals, bees and ticks.
TOXIC PLANTS
Many native and exotic plants are poisonous to humans when ingested or through skin contact
with plant chemicals. It is important to create an awareness of these plants, learn to identify the
risk and prevent exposure to them. If someone ingests a poisonous plant, call 911 for immediate
help.

To prevent poisoning from plants:

Adults should survey the area for toxic/poisonous plants and set flags or rope off areas
to indicate the presence of toxic/poisonous plants.

Warn 4-H members to stay out of these areas.
© 2016 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. In
accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats upon request. Direct requests to 612-624-2116.
Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 10 percent postconsumer waste material.

Do not eat any plant/non-food items. Do not assume that a plant is safe for people just
because birds or wildlife eat it.

Teach others to identify and stay away from poisonous plants.

Remember the phrase, "leaves of three, let it be."

Report the toxic/poisonous plants to a caretaker or groundskeeper for future removal.

Remind participants to wash hands frequently as oils may cause itching or burning
sensations.

If someone touches a poisonous plant, blisters may appear on the skin. If someone
touches one of these plants, rinse right away with running water for at least 5 minutes.
Seek medical attention as needed.

Remember that some people are very allergic so watch for reactions and be prepared for
medical attention.

Additional resources:

Poisonous plants in Minnesota
http://www.mnpoison.org/prevention/plantsandmushrooms/index.htm

Poisonous plants http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/plants/

Poison ivy and it’s control http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yardgarden/weeds/poison-ivy-and-its-control/
WILD ANIMALS
If wild animals, no matter the size, are present in an area you are using for an event or activity,
observe through quiet observation and never approach, try to touch, or feed wildlife. Animals
that become habituated to humans eventually become aggressive.


Safe practices around wildlife.

Observe wildlife from a distance and do not follow or approach them.

Respect an animal’s boundaries by giving it space.

Be observant and notice if human behavior is upsetting the animal.

Do not feed wild animals.

Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Safe practices when around wildlife.

Be aware of animals that may be in the vicinity (ex. camping, awareness of bears or
snakes).

Keep 4-H members close to you and in sight at all times.

Do not hike alone. Carry a walking stick that can be used to wave at an animal.

If an animal tries to attack, yell and get away. If possible, create a barrier between the
individual and the animal.

Store food items and trash securely, using locations that do not attract animals and
that animals cannot reach.

Remind participants to wash hands frequently as touching eggs or other natural items
could cause illness through contamination of other food or items touched.

Control pets at all times.

Be aware of what to do if you encounter wild animals. http://www.safetyrisk.net/wildanimal-safety/
BEES AND TICKS
Stings and bites from insects can produce varying reactions. Be aware of the surroundings and
avoid contact with bees, wasps, ticks and other bugs if possible.
Bees and wasps


Normal reactions to a bee/wasp sting can be temporary pain and discomfort, slight
swelling or redness.
To identify the varying levels of reactions from mild to moderate to severe as well
as from multiple stings, the Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/bee-stings/symptoms-causes/dxc-20251623 provides an excellent
resource on symptoms and treatment for bee/wasp stings.


Refer to the 4-H Risk Management information on allergic reactions for more
information.
Ticks



Learn to identify the different types of ticks found in Minnesota.

Utilize appropriate measures to deter ticks.

Wear protective clothing, long sleeves and pants.

Stay on trails.

Use repellent.

Always check your body and clothes after programs in the outdoors have occurred.

Learn the proper ways to remove ticks

Be aware of the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease and other tick diseases in
Minnesota.
The University of Minnesota Extension Ticks and their
Control http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/ticks-and-their-control/
provides information on tick identification, prevention and control.
October 17, 2016