Welcome to Ohio State University Extension, Montgomery County

The office of OSU Extension, Montgomery County, a well-known resource in our community, is a welcoming environment with excellent customer service, a competent and caring staff, and a clean, secure facility with the latest teaching technology and communication systems.  Our team members value one another, sincerely care for one another, and are effective and efficient in meeting customer needs.

OSU Extension, Montgomery County receives financial support from the Montgomery County Commissioners.  We acknowledge and greatly appreciate their continued support.

Click here to view a PowerPoint document which is a report to the County Commissioners highlighting our office and programming.

Would you like more information on Ohio State University Extension's urban programming? Check out "Urban Programs: Education to Strengthen Neighborhoods" at:  http://urbanprograms.osu.edu/

Speaker of the House Jon Husted Recognized as Friend of OSU Extension and OARDC

Please click here to see the picture and press release of Speaker of the House Jon Husted.

Safety First

JUNE IS NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH
The National Safety Council has designated June as National Safety Month. Their Web site offers valuable safety information and ideas for promoting safety. Each week of June, they will host a webinar relating the weekly theme. Topics include: emergency preparedness - week 1, distracted driving - week 2, poisoning prevention - week 3, and falls prevention - week 4. Check them out at http://www.nsc.org.

RESOURCES FOR PETS DURING EMERGENCIES
The American Veterinary Medical Association has resources for helping families prepare for disasters with both small and large animals. You can get a copy of their booklet at local veterinarian offices or online at http://www.avma.org/products/disaster/savingfamily.asp.

PLAYING IT SAFE AROUND WATER
Adapted from an article written by Tim Butcher, OSHA Coordinator and Health and Safety Coordinator, OSU Extension

As the weather warms, our thoughts turn to outside work and fun.  If you have a pond , stream or swimming pool on your property, these can be excellent sources of water for livestock, irrigation, fire fighting or recreation.  However, if children or unprepared adults live on or visit the property, these same water resources can be the source of tragedy if you don't take steps to manage the danger.

Adults often underestimate the curiosity of children or think verbal warnings are enough to keep children safe around water.  Because you can't make the water less attractive, you have to make having it safer.

Consider fencing the approaches to the water on your property; not only will this control livestock access and have environmental benefits, but will help keep children from wandering into the water.  Fencing can also limit your liability if someone is hurt in the water on your property.

Signage is also a useful warning to people intent on entering the water.  The wording can be general such as prohibiting swimming without adult supervision, or more specific such as a warning of sloping unstable banks or the potential presence of agricultural chemical residues.

If swimming is something you are either going to allow or don't think you can prevent, it's a good idea to provide life saving equipment.  A rescue post with an attached weatherproof lifeline and buoy can be used instead trying to rescue a struggling swimmer.  A rescue pole should be available to assist victims out of the water.

Of course none of these measures are of any use if someone gets into trouble when alone.  No one should swim alone anywhere regardless of skill level because of the unknowns in the water.  Drop offs, temperature shock and the risk of entanglement are too common.

Children should be taught at an early age how to swim, and about water safety. Finally, anyone can benefit from First Aid and CPR training. Contact your local Red Cross chapter or YMCA to see when the very next class will be offered.

This summer, play it safe around water.