It's starting to get a little warmer in North Texas, and even though that definitely means more fun in the sun, officials have a stern warning for us: look out for snakes!
City officials have some words of advice in the event you do encounter a snake in the wild.
Per NBC DFW, first thing to do is remain calm; moving too fast can cause the snake to react and bite your lower body. Keep your distance, ESPECIALLY if you hear rattling. If that's the case, move away from the area.
And though this isn't always a surefire plan to keep your property clear of snakes, always keep your lawn cut and managed, and remove brush or debris.
[shortcode-inline-related expand="1" link="/987thespot/latest/texas-mom-sweet-talks-snake-out-of-her-daughters-car" headline="Texas mom sweet talks snake out of her daughter's car: "Well, hello there"" image="/media-library/image.jpg?id=64560363"]In case you are bitten by a snake, the CDC recommends:
-Seek medical attention as soon as possible (dial 911 or call local Emergency Medical Services [EMS]).
• Antivenom is the treatment for serious snake envenomation. The sooner antivenom can be started, the sooner irreversible damage from venom can be stopped.
• Driving oneself to the hospital is not advised because people with snakebites can become dizzy or pass out.
-Take a photograph of the snake from a safe distance if possible.
• Identifying the snake can help with the treatment of the snakebite.
-Keep calm
-Inform your supervisor
-Apply first aid while waiting for EMS staff to get you to the hospital.
• Lay or sit down with the bite in a neutral position of comfort.
• Remove rings and watches before swelling starts. Wash the bite with soap and water.
• Cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.
• Mark the leading edge of tenderness/swelling on the skin and write the time alongside it.
Experts add that if you are bitten by a snake, you should always seek medical attention especially if a child, older adult, or anyone with a compromised immune system is bitten.
In case a snake does bite you, the CDC also recommends several things you should NOT do:
-Do not pick up the snake or try to trap it. NEVER handle a venomous snake, not even a dead one or its decapitated head.
-Do not wait for symptoms to appear if bitten, get medical help right away.
-Do not apply a tourniquet.
-Do not slash the wound with a knife or cut it in any way.
-Do not try to suck out the venom.
-Do not apply ice or immerse the wound in water.
-Do not drink alcohol as a painkiller.
-Do not take pain relievers (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen).
-Do not apply electric shock or folk therapies.
If you have been bitten by a snake, contact 911, go to an emergency room, or call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for help.
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