Safety on the Water: The LJCA requires proof of a completed Boat Safety Course in order to be eligible to obtain a boat ramp key.
POISONOUS PLANTS: Be on the lookout for the plants in the photos below:
COPPERHEADS AND OTHER SNAKES
All snakes play an important role in nature. Copperheads are a part of our lake environment. They help control rodent populations. While copperheads are venomous, they are generally placid snakes that only bite if stepped on or otherwise threatened. Copperheads bask in the sun during cool weather. Favorite hiding places include stone walls, sawdust, garden mulch, compost piles, under decaying stumps, in wood piles, under abandoned building debris and under large flat stones. A cucumber smell may indicate the presence of copperheads. Juvenile copperheads have a distinctive yellow tail. If you see a copperhead, leave it alone if possible, and rest assured it will do its best to avoid you.
Keeping Safe: To lessen the risk of an encounter with a copperhead, clean up around the yard, remove any trash and avoid any woodpiles and garden mulch. Be very careful when lifting old logs or other trash and check to be sure that no snakes are lurking beneath them. Working in daylight is highly recommended. Wearing a good pair of thick gloves, sturdy boots and thick jeans are good precautions as well.
What to do if bitten: Call 911 or your local emergency number. Get medical help right away. If possible, call ahead to the emergency room so that anti-venom can be ready when the person arrives. Do not attempt to drive yourself.
Calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) will let you talk to experts. Call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Another resource is National Snakebite Support:
First Aid for Snake Bite:
1. Keep the person calm. Reassure them that bites can be effectively treated in an emergency room. Restrict movement, and keep the affected area below heart level to reduce the flow of venom.
2. Remove any rings or constricting items, because the affected area may swell.
3. If the area of the bite begins to swell and change color, the snake was probably venomous.
4. If possible, monitor the person’s vital signs - temperature, pulse, rate of breathing and blood pressure. If there are signs of shock, such as paleness, lay the person flat, raise the feet about a foot, and cover the person with a blanket.
Do NOT allow the person to become over-exerted. If necessary, carry the person to safety.
Do NOT apply a tourniquet.
Do NOT apply cold compresses to a snake bite.
Do NOT cut into a snake bite with a knife or razor.
Do NOT try to suck out the venom by mouth.
Do NOT give the person stimulants or pain medicines unless a doctor tells you to do so.
Do NOT give the person anything by mouth.
Do NOT raise the site of the bite above the level of the person's heart.
What to do if a pet is bitten: If you suspect that your pet has been bitten by a Copperhead snake, keep the animal calm - carry to the car if possible, and drive to the veterinarian's. Do not apply ice or try to suck the poison out. Wrap a bandage firmly around the affected limb.
All snakes play an important role in nature. Copperheads are a part of our lake environment. They help control rodent populations. While copperheads are venomous, they are generally placid snakes that only bite if stepped on or otherwise threatened. Copperheads bask in the sun during cool weather. Favorite hiding places include stone walls, sawdust, garden mulch, compost piles, under decaying stumps, in wood piles, under abandoned building debris and under large flat stones. A cucumber smell may indicate the presence of copperheads. Juvenile copperheads have a distinctive yellow tail. If you see a copperhead, leave it alone if possible, and rest assured it will do its best to avoid you.
Keeping Safe: To lessen the risk of an encounter with a copperhead, clean up around the yard, remove any trash and avoid any woodpiles and garden mulch. Be very careful when lifting old logs or other trash and check to be sure that no snakes are lurking beneath them. Working in daylight is highly recommended. Wearing a good pair of thick gloves, sturdy boots and thick jeans are good precautions as well.
What to do if bitten: Call 911 or your local emergency number. Get medical help right away. If possible, call ahead to the emergency room so that anti-venom can be ready when the person arrives. Do not attempt to drive yourself.
Calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) will let you talk to experts. Call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Another resource is National Snakebite Support:
First Aid for Snake Bite:
1. Keep the person calm. Reassure them that bites can be effectively treated in an emergency room. Restrict movement, and keep the affected area below heart level to reduce the flow of venom.
2. Remove any rings or constricting items, because the affected area may swell.
3. If the area of the bite begins to swell and change color, the snake was probably venomous.
4. If possible, monitor the person’s vital signs - temperature, pulse, rate of breathing and blood pressure. If there are signs of shock, such as paleness, lay the person flat, raise the feet about a foot, and cover the person with a blanket.
Do NOT allow the person to become over-exerted. If necessary, carry the person to safety.
Do NOT apply a tourniquet.
Do NOT apply cold compresses to a snake bite.
Do NOT cut into a snake bite with a knife or razor.
Do NOT try to suck out the venom by mouth.
Do NOT give the person stimulants or pain medicines unless a doctor tells you to do so.
Do NOT give the person anything by mouth.
Do NOT raise the site of the bite above the level of the person's heart.
What to do if a pet is bitten: If you suspect that your pet has been bitten by a Copperhead snake, keep the animal calm - carry to the car if possible, and drive to the veterinarian's. Do not apply ice or try to suck the poison out. Wrap a bandage firmly around the affected limb.
