Plant Safety Basics
What should you do before touching or eating a plant you do not recognize?
Leave it alone and ask a trusted adult or plant expert.
What should you do if you think a poisonous plant touched your skin?
Wash or rinse the skin promptly with soap and plenty of water, and tell an adult.
What should you do before petting a dog you do not know?
Ask the owner for permission and wait for the answer.
Should you feed a wild animal, even if it seems friendly?
No. Never feed wildlife.
What are three basic steps for an ordinary insect sting?
Remove the stinger quickly if present, wash the area, and apply a wrapped cold pack.
Name two things you can wear to protect yourself while gardening or clearing plants.
Gloves and long sleeves, long pants, boots, or closed-toe shoes.
Plant sap gets into someone's eye. What should the person do?
Rinse the eye immediately with room-temperature water for 15 to 20 minutes and get expert help.
Name one time when you should not disturb a dog.
When the dog is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
What is the safest way to watch a wild animal?
Stay at a safe distance and never approach, chase, or touch it.
What insect-sting symptoms require an immediate call to 911?
Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat.
Why should you never eat a berry or mushroom just because an animal eats it?
Something that is safe for an animal may still be poisonous to a person.
Should you make someone vomit after they swallow part of an unknown plant?
No. Tell an adult and contact Poison Control for instructions.
What should you do if an unfamiliar dog approaches you?
Remain still, avoid direct eye contact, and do not run or scream.
What should you do if a wild animal is injured or acting strangely?
Stay away and tell an adult, park employee, or animal-control professional.
How should an attached tick be removed?
Grasp it close to the skin with clean fine-tipped tweezers and pull upward with steady, even pressure.
What hygiene step should you take after handling plants or working in soil?
Wash your hands before eating or touching your face.
What is the U.S. Poison Control phone number?
1-800-222-1222.
A pet is growling, hiding, or showing signs of fear. What should you do?
Stop approaching, give the animal space, and tell the owner or another adult.
Why should food and trash be stored securely outdoors?
It keeps animals from being attracted to people and becoming aggressive or dependent on human food.
When should you contact a doctor after removing a tick?
If a rash or fever develops within several days to weeks.
Why should you never burn poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, or other unknown plants?
The smoke can carry irritating plant oils and cause a serious breathing reaction.
Name one sign after a plant exposure that means you should call 911 immediately.
Trouble breathing, collapse, a seizure, or being unable to wake the person.
What should you do if an animal bite or scratch breaks the skin?
Wash it promptly with soap and water, tell an adult, and get medical advice.
What should you do if you see a snake nearby?
Stop, give it plenty of space, and slowly back away. Never touch, catch, or bother it.
What should you do after a snakebite, and what should you avoid?
Get emergency medical help, stay calm and still, and remove tight jewelry. Do not use ice or a tourniquet, and do not cut or suck the wound.