Stay Away from This Dangerous Georgia Plant

Author Anne Erickson

February 18th 1:02 PM

Spring is on the way, and that means it’s planting season. Who doesn’t love the beauty of spring? I always enjoy planting seeds each year and looking at the ground to see new buds sprouting. But, not all plants are harmless. In fact, some are dangerous. One Georgia weed could even cause respiratory problems and dermatitis. So, let’s get into this dangerous Georgia plant so you can avoid it this season.

A-z-animals.com has put together a list of the most dangerous planets in Georgia. “It’s not surprising that such a vibrant state is also home to over 4,000 native species of plants,” the publication writes. “Some of these plants though are dangerous.” So, why is it important to know how to recognize hazardous plants? One reason, according to A-z-animals.com, is to “help reduce the potential for illness from accidental touch or consumption.” Another reason is that “toxic plants can result in symptoms as severe as skin irritation, allergic responses, digestive problems, or other conditions that may need medical treatment.” It’s true. I have very sensitive skin, and I’ve broken out in rashes from toxic plants before.

So, what’s the most dangerous plant in Georgia? They say it’s the Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron Vernix). What makes it so bad? Well, what’s interesting is that these plants are actually not toxic to birds or other mammals. In fact, wildlife eat them when food is hard to find. But, for humans, it’s a different story. According to A-z-animals.com, when humans consume these plants, it could cause urushiol-induced contact dermatitis. “While poison sumac is related to poison ivy and poison oak, it’s more toxic,” they write. “Although touching poison sumac leads to uncomfortable red rashes, it’s worse to burn and inhale this plant since it can cause severe allergic respiratory problems.” So, be careful out there. Find the full list of the most dangerous plants in Georgia via A-z-animals.com here. Also, find more poisonous plants here.

7 Severe Weather Safety Tips That May Save Your Life

• 1. Know the Difference Between an Advisory, Watch and Warning

  A weather advisory, watch and warning all need to be taken seriously. So, what do they mean? According to the National Weather Service, “a warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely.” A watch is where “the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain.” Finally, an advisory means, “hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely.”

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• 2. Stay Inside at All Costs

  During a severe thunderstorm, and any severe weather event, the best thing to do is stay inside and sheltered. “The best defense against thunderstorms is to stay inside a sturdy building or shelter that can protect you from deadly lightning, large hail, damaging winds, flooding rain and tornadoes,” the National Weather Service says. Also, you don’t want to risk getting hit by lightning, like in the image below.

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• 3. Get Low and Protected

  During a tornado, get underground if possible. If you don’t have a basement, get to the lowest floor possible. Also, during a tornado, watch for flying and falling debris. The National Weather Service advises to “use pillows, blankets, coats, helmets, etc. to cover up and protect your head and body from flying debris.”

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• 4. Always Have an Emergency Kit

  Be prepared. Have a good emergency kit, both in your house and your car. For the car, “An emergency kit should include booster cables, shovel, tow rope, sand or cat litter, and a flashlight with extra batteries,” the National Weather Service says. “Do not forget a first aid kit, non-perishable food, and blankets or sleeping bags.”

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• 5. Stay Gassed Up

  This one my mom and dad always tell me to do. And, they’re right. “Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel line,” the National Weather Service advises.

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• 6. Be Prepared for Heat, Too

  Heat can make for a severe weather event, too. So, dress appropriately when it gets really hot. “Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures,” the National Weather Service says. They add to guzzle lots of “water or non-alcoholic fluids.”

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• 7. Don't Stick Around

  Sometimes, you just have to leave ahead of the storm to be safe. In the case of a hurricane, the National Weather Service says to “leave immediately if ordered.” They also say that if you are allowed to stay, to “take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level during the storm. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can,” and “stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors.”

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• More tips

  Weather isn’t just about thunderstorms and tornados. Air quality is a big part of weather events these days, too. Be on the lookout for air quality alerts in your area. If you have respiratory issues, you should wear a mask when out and about in bad air quality. You should also say inside if the air quality is especially bad.

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• Be safe on the beach

  Even on a perfect weather day, if you’re at the beach, there are risks. The NOAA states, “To stay safe, you need to stay aware of the weather, the ocean, tide, and what is going on around you.” They add, “Storms, such as thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes far out at sea can create dangerous waves and currents at the beach, even on a sunny day!”
  

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Author Anne Erickson

Category:

• Augusta Local
• Human Interest
• WGAC