Page 138 - School Garden Development Guide - 4th Edition

Risk and Benefits Management/Safety

Weather
One of the benefits of living in the Sunshine State is our beautiful
weather. If you have lived in South Florida for any length of time,
you also know that we have intense weather cycles and they
change frequently. It is very important to be on high alert as it
relates to the weather.

Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke and Dehydration
Weather hazards such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke and
dehydration must be taken seriously. Stay hydrated! Be sure
to have drinking water and shady areas available for all garden
visitors. When working in the garden, please take frequent breaks.

Lightning
Although gardens love the rain, sometimes with rain, lightning
is present. Florida is the number one state in the country for
lightning deaths every year. Monitor storms and weather daily,
use weather monitoring tools and the severe weather warning
system. As soon as you see lightning or hear thunder, please
evacuate the garden and go indoors.

Wind
There is nothing like a breezy South Florida day -- in fact, when
the sun is beating down, it is one of the things that many of us
appreciate. We also know that sometimes we experience heavy
winds and hurricanes. Be mindful when the wind kicks up and
cancel activities when gardens are under or near compromised
trees.

Take extra precautions to make sure that all tools are put away and
garden hardscapes are anchored appropriately. School Garden
Teams should subscribe to receive alerts from Earth Networks the
District’s Severe Weather Warning System.

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138 School Garden Development Guide - 4 Edition