Field Safety
LISF members should read through this page and follow the links for more information. Hopefully this will help you be better able to protect yourselves while in Stillwell Park and to assist folks there who may be in distress. It may not take much on your part. Recognizing a serious problem and the simple acts of calling the police and admitting them to the field can be a lifesaver. We have been called upon to do this in the past and undoubtedly, with the increasing number of people using the trails around the field and in the woods, we will be called upon to do it again.
Environmental Hazards
Hot Weather Flying – and how to cope with it
Heat Related Illnesses – watch for signs and take action
Cold Weather Flying Kit – a few equipment recommendations
Learn How to Read the UV Index Scale – to help you avoid harmful exposure to UV radiation.
Eye Safety – on the field and in the woods. It’s not just for farm workers.
Groundhog Burrows – are quite often hidden and pose a serious threat.
Loose Dogs – Per Nassau County “dogs are not allowed in Nassau County parks or preserves“. They are being walked in Stillwell preserve anyway, particularly early in the morning. Be wary of them. They are very often unleashed and out of the control of their owners. They pick up ticks in the grass and woods, jump on people and will chase and jump on model sailplanes. If this situation isn’t bad enough, the victim of a dog bite may find that New York Dog Bite Law is woefully inadequate for compensation of damages. Please be extra careful when approached.
Ticks 2023 Update – Deer, raccoons, rabbits, squirrels and mice drop ticks all over the place, plus ticks can travel faster than people generally give them credit for and they will actively seek you out. We need to be mindful of ticks other than just in tall grass, especially with Babesiosis on the rise.
Ticks 101 – an excellent article targeted at folks on Long Island by Enrico Nardone
Ticks 102 – The Powassan virus (POW), spread by ticks, has had cases reported in NY. If you don’t know what the risks are then this article is highly recommended for you.
What to Do After a Tick Bite – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Rise of the Tick – Further reading by Outside Magazine
Mosquitoes – Department of Health
Poison Ivy and Other Poisonous Plants – This is from the FDA. If you want more helpful information try, Welcome to the World of Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac. While there check out how to identify poison ivy. It looks quite different dependent on the season. Did you catch all the exceptions to the identifying rules?
Medical Issues
First Aid App – Mobile Apps by the American Red Cross that you can download to your phone, preferably before you need them
Hands-Only CPR – American Heart Association
First Aid/CPR/AED – Smorgasbord manual by the American Red Cross
Safety Equipment
First Aid Kit – American Red Cross
Fire Extinguisher – An ABC fire extinguisher only costs about $33.00.
Cell Phone – Repurpose an old cellphone as an emergency phone.
Identification – Basic and medical alert identification
Plan Ahead
Flying Checklist – Make one and use it.
Emergency Contacts
Syosset Fire Department and Ambulance: 911 or (516) 921-0000
Nassau County Police 2nd Precinct: (516) 573-6200
Town of Oyster Bay Public Safety: (516) 677-5350
Nassau County Police Public Security Unit: (516) 572-0300
Brandywine Tree Service – Bill: (516) 978-4684
Home Safety
Field pests can and do follow us home.
Pests.org – This site’s “guides provide advice and the resources you need to make important decisions about protecting your home from pests.”