Emergencies can arise from various factors and manifest in multiple forms, profoundly impacting individuals, communities, and organizations. Understanding the different types of emergencies is crucial for effective preparation and response. This essay will discuss four primary categories of emergencies: natural disasters, medical emergencies, fire incidents, and security threats, each necessitating specific emergency procedures.
Natural Disasters: Natural disasters are severe environmental events that can cause extensive damage. These include hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires. Each type requires specific preparedness strategies. For instance, earthquake readiness involves securing heavy furniture to walls and having an evacuation plan in place. On the other hand, preparing for hurricanes might involve creating flood barriers and having an emergency kit ready. Response to these disasters often necessitates evacuation procedures, immediate access to emergency supplies like food and water, and coordination with local disaster relief services.
Medical Emergencies: Medical emergencies refer to sudden health crises that require immediate attention. These include heart attacks, strokes, severe allergic reactions, or traumatic injuries from accidents. Preparedness for medical emergencies involves basic first aid training for individuals and availability of medical kits in homes, schools, workplaces etc., Furthermore understanding how to quickly access emergency medical services (EMS) is crucial. In professional settings such as offices or factories CPR-trained personnel should be readily available.
Fire Incidents: Fires pose a significant risk in both residential and commercial properties. Fire safety measures are essential components of emergency planning which include installing smoke detectors fire extinguishers regular safety drills proper storage of flammable materials among others Effective response to a fire involves knowing how to use firefighting equipment safely executing evacuation plans ensuring all occupants are accounted for possibly using designated routes known as fire escapes
Security Threats: Security threats encompass a range of issues including burglaries active shooter situations bomb threats or cyber-attacks Each scenario demands specific security measures such as surveillance systems controlled accesses routine security drills employee training programs on situational awareness For instance active shooter protocols advise running hiding or fighting depending on the situation while responses to cyber-attacks require secure data backups strong passwords frequent system updates
In conclusion understanding different types of emergencies natural disasters medical issues fires security threats is fundamental to developing robust emergency procedures Planning ahead equipping individuals with necessary knowledge skills fosters resilience helps mitigate impacts such crises thereby safeguarding lives minimizing damage
In the realm of emergency preparedness, being equipped with essential supplies and accurate information can significantly influence the outcomes during unforeseen events. Emergencies can range from natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes to man-made crises such as fires and power outages. Each type of emergency demands specific strategies and tools for effective management and survival.
Firstly, maintaining a well-stocked emergency kit is crucial. This kit should cater to the basic needs of all household members, including pets, for at least 72 hours. Essential items include water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first aid kit, medications, a multi-tool or Swiss knife, personal hygiene items, and copies of important documents in a waterproof container. For regions prone to specific disasters like hurricanes or earthquakes, additional items such as storm shutters or earthquake safety fasteners might be necessary.
Communication tools are also vital. A battery-operated or hand-crank radio ensures access to weather alerts and public announcements even when power is lost. It's advisable to have an extra set of batteries or a solar charger. Moreover, compiling a list of critical contacts such as family members, local emergency services, and utility companies can aid in quick communication if regular channels fail.
Preparing an evacuation plan is another key component. Familiarity with multiple escape routes from your home and neighborhood can prevent confusion under stress. It's beneficial to practice these routes through regular drills with all household members. Identifying predetermined meeting spots outside your immediate area helps in reuniting if you become separated during the chaos.
Information is just as crucial as physical supplies in emergencies. Keeping informed about potential risks specific to your locality allows for better preparation. Many governments offer alerts through various media that provide guidance on how to prepare for and react during different types of emergencies.
Additionally, learning basic first aid and CPR can be lifesaving while professional medical help is en route. Community training programs by organizations like the Red Cross or local fire departments often offer courses.
Finally, adaptability plays a significant role in effectively managing an emergency situation. No matter how comprehensive your preparations are, the unpredictable nature of disasters means that situations can evolve rapidly; hence flexibility is necessary to respond effectively.
In conclusion, preparing for emergencies by gathering essential supplies and staying informed makes a tangible difference in safety during crises. While we cannot predict every challenge we might face during such times, thorough preparation alleviates panic and enhances our resilience against the odds.
Developing an effective emergency plan is a crucial step for individuals, families, and organizations to ensure safety and minimize the impact of unexpected disasters or emergencies. The process involves several key steps that are adaptable depending on the specific needs and circumstances of those preparing the plan.
Step 1: Assess Potential Risks The first step in developing an emergency plan is to assess the potential risks specific to your area or environment. For individuals and families, this might mean considering natural disasters common to your geographic location such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods. Organizations need to conduct a thorough risk assessment that includes these natural threats as well as other possibilities like technological failures, cyber-attacks or health emergencies like pandemics.
Step 2: Create a Communication Plan Communication is vital during an emergency. Establish clear channels and methods of communication. Families should designate a contact person outside the immediate area to communicate with in case local communications are down. Organizations should have a system in place to quickly disseminate information to all employees, including remote workers.
Step 3: Build an Emergency Kit An emergency kit is essential for both individuals and organizations. For families, this kit might include water, non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, copies of important documents, and special-needs items like prescription medications or pet supplies. Organizations should tailor their kits to the needs of their operations and staff but similarly include first aid supplies along with other necessary tools for safety and business continuity.
Step 4: Draft the Emergency Procedures Drafting detailed procedures is critical so everyone knows what to do when disaster strikes. Families should discuss scenarios like evacuation routes from home and meeting points if separated. Schools or businesses must create detailed evacuation plans that are regularly practiced through drills. This includes accounting for guests and persons with disabilities.
Step 5: Educate and Practice Once a plan is established it is not enough to simply have it on paper; it must be understood by all parties involved. Families should review their emergency plan at least annually or whenever there's a significant life change such as moving homes or schools. Similarly, organizations need regular training sessions and updates whenever there are changes in personnel or facility layouts.
Step 6: Review and Update Regularly Emergency plans should never be static documents; they must evolve as new information becomes available or circumstances change. After any drill or actual emergency event, debriefings can help identify what worked well within the plan and areas where improvements are necessary.
In conclusion, By following these steps-assessing risks, communicating effectively, preparing emergency kits, drafting procedures clearly understanding roles during an emergency situation by educating everyone involved-individuals families organizations alike can be better prepared face various types emergencies ensuring safety minimizing impacts where possible.
Effective communication during emergencies is crucial for ensuring safety, coordinating response efforts, and providing peace of mind to those affected. In this essay, we will explore various strategies and technologies that are integral to managing communications in the throes of emergency situations.
Strategies for Effective Communication During Emergencies
Preparedness Planning: The foundation of effective emergency communication lies in thorough preparedness. This involves creating a comprehensive communication plan that addresses who to communicate with, how to reach them, and what information to convey. It's important that this plan is understood and accessible to all members of an organization or community.
Clear Messaging: During an emergency, it's vital to communicate clearly and concisely. Messages should be simple, direct, and free of jargon so they can be understood by everyone, regardless of their stress levels or familiarity with the subject matter.
Regular Updates: Providing regular updates is essential to keep individuals informed about the situation and any changes in procedures or instructions. This helps reduce panic and confusion, ensuring that everyone knows what actions they need to take.
Two-way Communication: While disseminating information is critical, equally important is having channels open for feedback or queries from the other end. This not only helps in addressing concerns but also provides ground-level insights which can be crucial for decision-making during emergencies.
Technologies Facilitating Emergency Communications
Emergency Alert Systems (EAS): These systems enable government authorities to broadcast urgent public warnings across various platforms such as radio, television, and cellular networks about imminent threats like natural disasters or terrorist activities.
Social Media Platforms: Platforms like Twitter and Facebook have become vital tools for real-time information sharing and crisis management. Authorities use these platforms for broadcasting alerts while individuals use them for checking on loved ones or updating their own status during emergencies.
Mobile Apps: Dedicated mobile applications such as FEMA’s app provide weather alerts, safety tips before disasters strike, recovery information post-disaster, and locations of open shelters.
Satellite Phones: In scenarios where traditional communication infrastructures are compromised (e.g., severe natural disasters), satellite phones become invaluable as they do not rely on local networks to operate.
HAM Radio: Amateur radio operators often assist with emergency communications when other systems are down or overloaded. They can provide valuable links between affected populations and emergency responders.
In conclusion, the combination of well-planned strategies and advanced technologies plays a pivotal role in managing communications during emergencies effectively. By preparing ahead of time, maintaining clear lines of communication throughout the event, adapting messages as required based on evolving circumstances, and utilizing robust technology solutions wisely; organizations can drastically improve their ability to respond efficiently during crises thereby mitigating risks associated with poor communication such as loss of life or increased panic.
Evacuation Procedures: Guidelines and Safety Tips for Emergency Situations
When faced with an emergency that necessitates evacuation, having a clear and practiced plan is crucial for ensuring the safety of everyone involved. Whether it's a natural disaster, fire, or other threatening situations, effective evacuation procedures can mean the difference between chaos and orderly escape. Here, we delve into essential guidelines and safety tips to prepare for efficient evacuations.
Understanding Evacuation Procedures
The foundation of any successful evacuation lies in its planning. This involves understanding the potential hazards specific to your environment-be it a workplace, school, or residential area-and designing procedures that address these risks appropriately. The primary goals are to ensure swift and safe departure from danger to a secure location.
Developing an Evacuation Plan
Identify Exits: Clearly mark all possible exits in the building. Regularly check that these exits are accessible and free from obstructions. In larger buildings, post evacuation maps prominently at various locations.
Designate Assembly Points: Establish specific locations where evacuees should gather after leaving the building. These points should be far enough to be safe yet close enough to be reached easily by all occupants.
Assign Roles: Designate individuals as evacuation leaders who can assist others during an emergency. Training staff or family members on how to act during an evacuation can save time and prevent panic.
Practice Drills: Conduct regular drills to ensure everyone knows what to do when an actual emergency occurs. Drills help familiarize occupants with the sound of alarms and the procedure of reaching assembly points safely.
Safety Tips During Evacuation
Stay Calm: Panic can lead to rush decisions and injuries. Keeping calm helps in executing pre-planned procedures more effectively.
Use Stairs Not Elevators: In cases of fires or power outages, elevators can be hazardous or non-operational; always opt for stairs.
Assist Others: Help children, the elderly, disabled individuals, or anyone struggling during an evacuation.
Carry Essentials: If possible (and without causing delay), take important personal items such as medications, glasses, or identification.
Follow Instructions: Pay attention to directions from authorities or designated leaders who may have more information about the situation.
After Evacuation
Once you reach the assembly point:
Finally, review how well your evacuation went at a later time when conditions are normal again; identify any weaknesses in your plan and improve them accordingly.
In conclusion, effective evacuation procedures don't just happen-they require careful planning and practice. By adopting these guidelines and safety tips into your emergency preparedness strategy today, you can safeguard lives tomorrow when every second counts in an urgent situation.
The term "aftermath and recovery" refers to the critical phase following an emergency or disaster where individuals, communities, and organizations strive to restore normalcy. This phase is as crucial as the immediate response during the emergency itself, for it involves dealing with both the short-term and long-term consequences of the event.
Emergencies can range from natural disasters like earthquakes and floods to human-caused events such as industrial accidents or acts of terrorism. Regardless of the cause, the aftermath often presents a complex set of challenges that require coordinated efforts to overcome.
Initially, the aftermath focuses on assessing the damage caused by the emergency. This includes evaluating the impacts on infrastructure, homes, and lives. Emergency management teams work diligently to ensure that all individuals are accounted for, while also providing necessary medical care to those injured. This stage is chaotic and fraught with emotion as people come to terms with their losses.
Recovery involves more than just rebuilding physical structures; it also encompasses healing psychological wounds and restoring social networks. Psychological first aid becomes a vital component in helping survivors deal with grief, loss, and trauma. Community support groups and mental health professionals play significant roles in these efforts.
Economic recovery is another pivotal aspect of this phase. Businesses need to be revitalized and jobs restored to bring back economic stability and reduce dependency on aid. Governments often step in with subsidies or loans to help businesses get back on their feet.
On a larger scale, systematic planning for rebuilding infrastructure must be undertaken with a vision towards making it more resilient against future emergencies. This might involve changing building codes, enhancing flood defenses, or other measures that reduce risk.
The process of recovery must also incorporate lessons learned from the emergency. This is crucial for improving future emergency preparedness plans. Post-event analyses provide invaluable data that can shape better response strategies and minimize the impact of subsequent emergencies.
Community involvement is essential throughout this process. Effective communication between government agencies, non-profit organizations, community leaders, and affected populations ensures that recovery efforts are comprehensive and inclusive.
In conclusion, dealing with the aftermath and recovery from an emergency is a multifaceted endeavor that extends far beyond immediate relief efforts. It involves emotional healing, economic restoration, infrastructural rebuilding, community engagement, and strategic planning for future resilience. Each aspect interlinks tightly with others, creating a complex but coherent path towards recuperation and eventual return to normalcy.
Continuous improvement in emergency procedures is essential for maintaining safety and readiness in any organization. It encompasses a systematic approach aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of existing protocols to better handle unexpected situations or crises. This ongoing process involves regular reviews and updates, ensuring that all procedures remain relevant, robust, and effective.
The first step in continuously improving emergency procedures is to perform a comprehensive review of current practices. This assessment should consider various factors such as changes in organizational structure, technological advancements, past emergency incidents, and feedback from employees who have engaged with the procedures during actual emergencies or drills. Such reviews help identify potential gaps or weaknesses that may impede effective response during an emergency.
Updating emergency procedures should follow this thorough evaluation. Updates might include integrating new technology solutions like mobile alert systems, revising evacuation routes based on recent infrastructural changes, or refining roles and responsibilities to align with personnel changes within the organization. Moreover, legislative updates relevant to health and safety regulations must also be incorporated to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Training is another critical element of continuous improvement. Regular training sessions not only help familiarize staff with revised procedures but also reinforce their roles during an emergency. Training can take various forms, including simulations, drills, or theoretical classes. Each session provides valuable insights into the practical aspects of implementation and highlights areas requiring further refinement.
Feedback mechanisms are vital in fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Soliciting feedback from employees involved in drills or actual emergencies offers direct insights into the practical challenges faced during implementation. Such feedback should be systematically collected and analyzed as part of the review process.
Moreover, benchmarking against industry best practices can provide additional perspectives on improving emergency responses. Organizations might look at how peers handle similar situations or adopt standards set by professional bodies which specialize in safety and emergency management.
Finally, documentation plays a crucial role throughout the continuous improvement cycle. Updated emergency procedures need to be clearly documented and accessible to all employees. Documentation serves not just as a reference material but also as a legal document that outlines an organization's commitment to maintaining workplace safety.
In conclusion, continuous improvement of emergency procedures is not a one-time task but an ongoing commitment to safety and efficiency in crisis management. By systematically reviewing processes, integrating feedback, adopting new technologies, adhering to regulations, and ensuring thorough training and clear documentation, organizations can significantly enhance their preparedness for emergencies-ultimately preserving health, safety, and continuity even in adverse conditions.
Arboriculture (/ˈɑːrbərɪˌkʌltʃər, ɑːrˈbɔːr-/)[1] is the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants. The science of arboriculture studies how these plants grow and respond to cultural practices and to their environment. The practice of arboriculture includes cultural techniques such as selection, planting, training, fertilization, pest and pathogen control, pruning, shaping, and removal.
A person who practices or studies arboriculture can be termed an arborist or an arboriculturist. A tree surgeon is more typically someone who is trained in the physical maintenance and manipulation of trees and therefore more a part of the arboriculture process rather than an arborist. Risk management, legal issues, and aesthetic considerations have come to play prominent roles in the practice of arboriculture. Businesses often need to hire arboriculturists to complete "tree hazard surveys" and generally manage the trees on-site to fulfill occupational safety and health obligations.[citation needed]
Arboriculture is primarily focused on individual woody plants and trees maintained for permanent landscape and amenity purposes, usually in gardens, parks or other populated settings, by arborists, for the enjoyment, protection, and benefit of people.[citation needed]
Arboricultural matters are also considered to be within the practice of urban forestry yet the clear and separate divisions are not distinct or discreet.[citation needed]
Tree benefits are the economic, ecological, social and aesthetic use, function purpose, or services of a tree (or group of trees), in its situational context in the landscape.
A tree defect is any feature, condition, or deformity of a tree that indicates weak structure or instability that could contribute to tree failure.
Common types of tree defects:
Codominant stems: two or more stems that grow upward from a single point of origin and compete with one another.
Included bark: bark is incorporated in the joint between two limbs, creating a weak attachment
Dead, diseased, or broken branches:
Cracks
Cavity and hollows: sunken or open areas wherein a tree has suffered injury followed by decay. Further indications include: fungal fruiting structures, insect or animal nests.
Lean: a lean of more than 40% from vertical presents a risk of tree failure
Taper: change in diameter over the length of trunks branches and roots
Epicormic branches (water sprouts in canopy or suckers from root system): often grow in response to major damage or excessive pruning
Roots:
Proper tree installation ensures the long-term viability of the tree and reduces the risk of tree failure.
Quality nursery stock must be used. There must be no visible damage or sign of disease. Ideally the tree should have good crown structure. A healthy root ball should not have circling roots and new fibrous roots should be present at the soil perimeter. Girdling or circling roots should be pruned out. Excess soil above the root flare should be removed immediately, since it present a risk of disease ingress into the trunk.
Appropriate time of year to plant: generally fall or early spring in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere.
Planting hole: the planting hole should be 3 times the width of the root ball. The hole should be dug deep enough that when the root ball is placed on the substrate, the root flare is 3–5cm above the surrounding soil grade. If soil is left against the trunk, it may lead to bark, cambium and wood decay. Angular sides to the planting hole will encourage roots to grow radially from the trunk, rather than circling the planting hole. In urban settings, soil preparation may include the use of:
Tree wells: a zone of mulch can be installed around the tree trunk to: limit root zone competition (from turf or weeds), reduce soil compaction, improve soil structure, conserve moisture, and keep lawn equipment at a distance. No more than 5–10cm of mulch should be used to avoid suffocating the roots. Mulch must be kept approximately 20cm from the trunk to avoid burying the root flare. With city trees additional tree well preparation includes:
Tree grates/grill and frames: limit compaction on root zone and mechanical damage to roots and trunk
Root barriers: forces roots to grow down under surface asphalt/concrete/pavers to limit infrastructure damage from roots
Staking: newly planted, immature trees should be staked for one growing season to allow for the root system to establish. Staking for longer than one season should only be considered in situations where the root system has failed to establish sufficient structural support. Guy wires can be used for larger, newly planted trees. Care must be used to avoid stem girdling from the support system ties.
Irrigation: irrigation infrastructure may be installed to ensure a regular water supply throughout the lifetime of the tree. Wicking beds are an underground reservoir from which water is wicked into soil. Watering bags may be temporarily installed around tree stakes to provide water until the root system becomes established. Permeable paving allows for water infiltration in paved urban settings, such as parks and walkways.
Within the United Kingdom trees are considered as a material consideration within the town planning system and may be conserved as amenity landscape[2] features.
The role of the Arborist or Local Government Arboricultural Officer is likely to have a great effect on such matters. Identification of trees of high quality which may have extensive longevity is a key element in the preservation of trees.
Urban and rural trees may benefit from statutory protection under the Town and Country Planning[3] system. Such protection can result in the conservation and improvement of the urban forest as well as rural settlements.
Historically the profession divides into the operational and professional areas. These might be further subdivided into the private and public sectors. The profession is broadly considered as having one trade body known as the Arboricultural Association, although the Institute of Chartered Foresters offers a route for professional recognition and chartered arboriculturist status.
The qualifications associated with the industry range from vocational to Doctorate. Arboriculture is a comparatively young industry.
The International Society of Arboriculture, commonly known as ISA, is an international non-profit organization headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia,[1] United States. The ISA serves the tree care industry as a paid membership association and a credentialing organization that promotes the professional practice of arboriculture.[2] ISA focuses on providing research, technology, and education opportunities for tree care professionals to develop their arboricultural expertise. ISA also works to educate the general public about the benefits of trees and the need for proper tree care.[3][4]
Worldwide, ISA has 22,000 members and 31,000 ISA-certified tree care professionals with 59 chapters, associate organizations, and professional affiliates throughout North America, Asia, Oceania, Europe, and South America.[5]
ISA offers the following credentials:
The Certified Arborist credential identifies professional arborists who have a minimum of three years' full-time experience working in the professional tree care industry and who have passed an examination covering facets of arboriculture.[6][7] The Western Chapter of the ISA started the certification program in the 1980s,[citation needed] with the ISA initiating it in 1992.[8]
The Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) or simply Master Arborist credential identifies professional arborists who have attained the highest level of arboriculture offered by the ISA and one of the two top levels in the field. There are several paths to the Board Certified Master Arborist, but typically on average each has been an ISA Certified Arborist a minimum of three to five years before qualifying for the exam (this can vary depending upon other education and experience). The certification began as a result of the need to distinguish the top few arborists and allow others to identify those with superior credentials.
The Master Arborist examination is a far more extensive exam than the Certified Arborist Exam, and covers a broad scope of both aboriculture management, science and work practices. The exam includes the following areas:
Another credential that is on a par with the Master Arborist is that of the American Society of Consulting Arborists, the Registered Consulting Arborist.[9] There are perhaps six hundred individuals with that qualification, and only 70 arborists who hold both credentials.[citation needed]
An arborist, or (less commonly) arboriculturist, is a professional in the practice of arboriculture, which is the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants in dendrology and horticulture.[citation needed]
Arborists generally focus on the health and safety of individual plants and trees, rather than managing forests or harvesting wood (silviculture or forestry). An arborist's scope of work is therefore distinct from that of either a forester or a logger.[citation needed]
In order for arborists to work near power wires, either additional training is required or they need to be certified as a Qualified Line Clearance Arborist or Utility Arborist (there may be different terminology for various countries). There is a variety of minimum distances that must be kept from power wires depending on voltage, however the common distance for low voltage lines in urban settings is 10 feet (about 3 metres).[1]
Arborists who climb (as not all do) can use a variety of techniques to ascend into the tree. The least invasive, and most popular technique used is to ascend on rope. There are two common methods of climbing, Single Rope System (SRS) and Moving Rope System (MRS). When personal safety is an issue, or the tree is being removed, arborists may use 'spikes', (also known as 'gaffs' or 'spurs') attached to their chainsaw boots with straps to ascend and work. Spikes wound the tree, leaving small holes where each step has been.[citation needed]
An arborist's work may involve very large and complex trees, or ecological communities and their abiotic components in the context of the landscape ecosystem. These may require monitoring and treatment to ensure they are healthy, safe, and suitable to property owners or community standards. This work may include some or all of the following: planting; transplanting; pruning; structural support; preventing, or diagnosing and treating phytopathology or parasitism; preventing or interrupting grazing or predation; installing lightning protection; and removing vegetation deemed as hazardous, an invasive species, a disease vector, or a weed.[citation needed]
Arborists may also plan, consult, write reports and give legal testimony. While some aspects of this work are done on the ground or in an office, much of it is done by arborists who perform tree services and who climb the trees with ropes, harnesses and other equipment. Lifts and cranes may be used too. The work of all arborists is not the same. Some may just provide a consulting service; others may perform climbing, pruning and planting: whilst others may provide a combination of all of these services.[2]
Arborists gain qualifications to practice arboriculture in a variety of ways and some arborists are more qualified than others. Experience working safely and effectively in and around trees is essential. Arborists tend to specialize in one or more disciplines of arboriculture, such as diagnosis and treatment of pests, diseases and nutritional deficiencies in trees, climbing and pruning, cabling and lightning protection, or consultation and report writing. All these disciplines are related to one another and some arborists are very well experienced in all areas of tree work, however not all arborists have the training or experience to properly practice every discipline.[citation needed]
Arborists choose to pursue formal certification, which is available in some countries and varies somewhat by location. An arborist who holds certification in one or more disciplines may be expected to participate in rigorous continuing education requirements to ensure constant improvement of skills and techniques.[citation needed]
In Australia, arboricultural education and training are streamlined countrywide through a multi-disciplinary vocational education, training, and qualification authority called the Australian Qualifications Framework, which offers varying levels of professional qualification. Government institutions including Technical and Further Education TAFE offer Certificate III or a diploma in arboriculture as well as some universities.[3][4] There are also many private institutions covering similar educational framework in each state. Recognition of prior learning is also an option for practicing arborists with 10 or more years of experience with no prior formal training. It allows them to be assessed and fast track their certification.[citation needed]
In France, a qualified arborist must hold a Management of Ornamental Trees certificate, and a qualified arborist climber must hold a Pruning and Care of Trees certificate; both delivered by the French Ministry of Agriculture.[5][6]
In the UK, an arborist can gain qualifications up to and including a master's degree. College-based courses include further education qualifications, such as national certificate, national diploma, while higher education courses in arboriculture include foundation degree, bachelor's degree and master's degree.[citation needed]
In the US, a Certified Arborist (CA) is a professional who has over three years of documented and verified experience and has passed a rigorous written test from the International Society of Arboriculture. Other designations include Municipal Specialist, Utility Specialist and Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA). The USA and Canada additionally have college-based training which, if passed, will give the certificate of Qualified Arborist. The Qualified Arborist can then be used to offset partial experience towards the Certified Arborist.
Tree Risk Assessment Qualified credential (TRAQ), designed by the International Society of Arboriculture, was launched in 2013. At that time people holding the TRACE credential were transferred over to the TRAQ credential.[citation needed]
In Canada, there are provincially governed apprenticeship programs that allow arborists' to work near power lines upon completion. These apprenticeship programs must meet the provincial reregulations (For example, in B.C. they must meet WorkSafeBC G19.30), and individuals must ensure they meet the requirements of the owner of the power system.[citation needed]
Trees in urban landscape settings are often subject to disturbances, whether human or natural, both above and below ground. They may require care to improve their chances of survival following damage from either biotic or abiotic causes. Arborists can provide appropriate solutions, such as pruning trees for health and good structure, for aesthetic reasons, and to permit people to walk under them (a technique often referred to as "crown raising"), or to keep them away from wires, fences and buildings (a technique referred to as "crown reduction").[7] Timing and methods of treatment depend on the species of tree and the purpose of the work. To determine the best practices, a thorough knowledge of local species and environments is essential.[citation needed]
There can be a vast difference between the techniques and practices of professional arborists and those of inadequately trained tree workers. Some commonly offered "services" are considered unacceptable by modern arboricultural standards and may seriously damage, disfigure, weaken, or even kill trees. One such example is tree topping, lopping, or "hat-racking", where entire tops of trees or main stems are removed, generally by cross-cutting the main stem(s) or leaders, leaving large unsightly stubs. Trees that manage to survive such treatment are left prone to a spectrum of detrimental effects, including vigorous but weakly attached regrowth, pest susceptibility, pathogen intrusion, and internal decay.[8]
Pruning should only be done with a specific purpose in mind. Every cut is a wound, and every leaf lost is removal of photosynthetic potential. Proper pruning can be helpful in many ways, but should always be done with the minimum amount of live tissue removed.[9]
In recent years, research has proven that wound dressings such as paint, tar or other coverings are unnecessary and may harm trees. The coverings may encourage growth of decay-causing fungi. Proper pruning, by cutting through branches at the right location, can do more to limit decay than wound dressing [10]
Chemicals can be applied to trees for insect or disease control through soil application, stem injections or spraying. Compacted or disturbed soils can be improved in various ways.[citation needed]
Arborists can also assess trees to determine the health, structure, safety or feasibility within a landscape and in proximity to humans. Modern arboriculture has progressed in technology and sophistication from practices of the past. Many current practices are based on knowledge gained through recent research, including that of Alex Shigo, considered one "father" of modern arboriculture.[11]
Depending on the jurisdiction, there may be a number of legal issues surrounding the practices of arborists, including boundary issues, public safety issues, "heritage" trees of community value, and "neighbour" issues such as ownership, obstruction of views, impacts of roots crossing boundaries, nuisance problems, disease or insect quarantines, and safety of nearby trees or plants that may be affected.[citation needed]
Arborists are frequently consulted to establish the factual basis of disputes involving trees, or by private property owners seeking to avoid legal liability through the duty of care.[12] Arborists may be asked to assess the value of a tree[13] in the process of an insurance claim for trees damaged or destroyed,[14] or to recover damages resulting from tree theft or vandalism.[15] In cities with tree preservation orders an arborist's evaluation of tree hazard may be required before a property owner may remove a tree, or to assure the protection of trees in development plans and during construction operations. Carrying out work on protected trees and hedges is illegal without express permission from local authorities,[16] and can result in legal action including fines.[17] Homeowners who have entered into contracts with a Homeowner's association (see also Restrictive covenants) may need an arborists' professional opinion of a hazardous condition prior to removing a tree, or may be obligated to assure the protection of the views of neighboring properties prior to planting a tree or in the course of pruning.[18] Arborists may be consulted in forensic investigations where the evidence of a crime can be determined within the growth rings of a tree, for example. Arborists may be engaged by one member of a dispute in order to identify factual information about trees useful to that member of the dispute, or they can be engaged as an expert witness providing unbiased scientific knowledge in a court case. Homeowners associations seeking to write restrictive covenants, or legislative bodies seeking to write laws involving trees, may seek the counsel of arborists in order to avoid future difficulties.[19]
Before undertaking works in the UK, arborists have a legal responsibility to survey trees for wildlife, especially bats, which are given particular legal protection. In addition, any tree in the UK can be covered by a tree preservation order and it is illegal to conduct any work on a tree, including deadwooding or pruning, before permission has been sought from the local council.[citation needed]
The protagonist in Italo Calvino's novel The Baron in the Trees lives life on the ground as a boy and spends the rest of his life swinging from tree to tree in the Italian countryside. As a young man he helps the local fruit farmers by pruning their trees.[citation needed]
Some noteworthy arborists include:
Forestry is the science and craft of creating, managing, planting, using, conserving and repairing forests and woodlands for associated resources for human and environmental benefits.[1] Forestry is practiced in plantations and natural stands.[2] The science of forestry has elements that belong to the biological, physical, social, political and managerial sciences.[3] Forest management plays an essential role in the creation and modification of habitats and affects ecosystem services provisioning.[4]
Modern forestry generally embraces a broad range of concerns, in what is known as multiple-use management, including: the provision of timber, fuel wood, wildlife habitat, natural water quality management, recreation, landscape and community protection, employment, aesthetically appealing landscapes, biodiversity management, watershed management, erosion control, and preserving forests as "sinks" for atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Forest ecosystems have come to be seen as the most important component of the biosphere,[5] and forestry has emerged as a vital applied science, craft, and technology. A practitioner of forestry is known as a forester. Another common term is silviculturist. Silviculture is narrower than forestry, being concerned only with forest plants, but is often used synonymously with forestry.
All people depend upon forests and their biodiversity, some more than others.[6] Forestry is an important economic segment in various industrial countries,[7] as forests provide more than 86 million green jobs and support the livelihoods of many more people.[6] For example, in Germany, forests cover nearly a third of the land area,[8] wood is the most important renewable resource, and forestry supports more than a million jobs and about €181 billion of value to the German economy each year.[9]
Worldwide, an estimated 880 million people spend part of their time collecting fuelwood or producing charcoal, many of them women.[6][quantify] Human populations tend to be low in areas of low-income countries with high forest cover and high forest biodiversity, but poverty rates in these areas tend to be high.[6] Some 252 million people living in forests and savannahs have incomes of less than US$1.25 per day.[6]
Over the past centuries, forestry was regarded as a separate science. With the rise of ecology and environmental science, there has been a reordering in the applied sciences. In line with this view, forestry is a primary land-use science comparable with agriculture.[10] Under these headings, the fundamentals behind the management of natural forests comes by way of natural ecology. Forests or tree plantations, those whose primary purpose is the extraction of forest products, are planned and managed to utilize a mix of ecological and agroecological principles.[11] In many regions of the world there is considerable conflict between forest practices and other societal priorities such as water quality, watershed preservation, sustainable fishing, conservation, and species preservation.[12]
Silvology (Latin: silva or sylva, "forests and woods"; Ancient Greek: -λογία, -logia, "science of" or "study of") is the biological science of studying forests and woodlands, incorporating the understanding of natural forest ecosystems, and the effects and development of silvicultural practices. The term complements silviculture, which deals with the art and practice of forest management.[13]
Silvology is seen as a single science for forestry and was first used by Professor Roelof A.A. Oldeman at Wageningen University.[14] It integrates the study of forests and forest ecology, dealing with single tree autecology and natural forest ecology.
Dendrology (Ancient Greek: δένδρον, dendron, "tree"; and Ancient Greek: -λογία, -logia, science of or study of) or xylology (Ancient Greek: ξύλον, ksulon, "wood") is the science and study of woody plants (trees, shrubs, and lianas), specifically, their taxonomic classifications.[15] There is no sharp boundary between plant taxonomy and dendrology; woody plants not only belong to many different plant families, but these families may be made up of both woody and non-woody members. Some families include only a few woody species. Dendrology, as a discipline of industrial forestry, tends to focus on identification of economically useful woody plants and their taxonomic interrelationships. As an academic course of study, dendrology will include all woody plants, native and non-native, that occur in a region. A related discipline is the study of sylvics, which focuses on the autecology of genera and species.
The provenance of forest reproductive material used to plant forests has a great influence on how the trees develop, hence why it is important to use forest reproductive material of good quality and of high genetic diversity.[16] More generally, all forest management practices, including in natural regeneration systems, may impact the genetic diversity of trees.
The term genetic diversity describes the differences in DNA sequence between individuals as distinct from variation caused by environmental influences. The unique genetic composition of an individual (its genotype) will determine its performance (its phenotype) at a particular site.[17]
Genetic diversity is needed to maintain the vitality of forests and to provide resilience to pests and diseases. Genetic diversity also ensures that forest trees can survive, adapt and evolve under changing environmental conditions. Furthermore, genetic diversity is the foundation of biological diversity at species and ecosystem levels. Forest genetic resources are therefore important to consider in forest management.[16]
Genetic diversity in forests is threatened by forest fires, pests and diseases, habitat fragmentation, poor silvicultural practices and inappropriate use of forest reproductive material.
About 98 million hectares of forest were affected by fire in 2015; this was mainly in the tropical domain, where fire burned about 4 percent of the total forest area in that year. More than two-thirds of the total forest area affected was in Africa and South America. Insects, diseases and severe weather events damaged about 40 million hectares of forests in 2015, mainly in the temperate and boreal domains.[18]
Furthermore, the marginal populations of many tree species are facing new threats due to the effects of climate change.[16]
Most countries in Europe have recommendations or guidelines for selecting species and provenances that can be used in a given site or zone.[17]
Forest management is a branch of forestry concerned with overall administrative, legal, economic, and social aspects, as well as scientific and technical aspects, such as silviculture, forest protection, and forest regulation. This includes management for timber, aesthetics, recreation, urban values, water, wildlife, inland and nearshore fisheries, wood products, plant genetic resources, and other forest resource values.[19] Management objectives can be for conservation, utilisation, or a mixture of the two. Techniques include timber extraction, planting and replanting of different species, building and maintenance of roads and pathways through forests, and preventing fire.
The first dedicated forestry school was established by Georg Ludwig Hartig at Hungen in the Wetterau, Hesse, in 1787, though forestry had been taught earlier in central Europe, including at the University of Giessen, in Hesse-Darmstadt.
In Spain, the first forestry school was the Forest Engineering School of Madrid (Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros de Montes), founded in 1844.
The first in North America, the Biltmore Forest School was established near Asheville, North Carolina, by Carl A. Schenck on September 1, 1898, on the grounds of George W. Vanderbilt's Biltmore Estate. Another early school was the New York State College of Forestry, established at Cornell University just a few weeks later, in September 1898.
Early 19th century North American foresters went to Germany to study forestry. Some early German foresters also emigrated to North America.
In South America the first forestry school was established in Brazil, in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, in 1962, and moved the next year to become a faculty at the Federal University of Paraná, in Curitiba.[34]
Today, forestry education typically includes training in general biology, ecology, botany, genetics, soil science, climatology, hydrology, economics and forest management. Education in the basics of sociology and political science is often considered an advantage. Professional skills in conflict resolution and communication are also important in training programs.[35]
In India, forestry education is imparted in the agricultural universities and in Forest Research Institutes (deemed universities). Four year degree programmes are conducted in these universities at the undergraduate level. Masters and Doctorate degrees are also available in these universities.
In the United States, postsecondary forestry education leading to a Bachelor's degree or Master's degree is accredited by the Society of American Foresters.[36]
In Canada the Canadian Institute of Forestry awards silver rings to graduates from accredited university BSc programs, as well as college and technical programs.[37]
In many European countries, training in forestry is made in accordance with requirements of the Bologna Process and the European Higher Education Area.
The International Union of Forest Research Organizations is the only international organization that coordinates forest science efforts worldwide.[38]
In order to keep up with changing demands and environmental factors, forestry education does not stop at graduation. Increasingly, forestry professionals engage in regular training to maintain and improve on their management practices. An increasingly popular tool are marteloscopes; one hectare large, rectangular forest sites where all trees are numbered, mapped and recorded.
These sites can be used to do virtual thinnings and test one's wood quality and volume estimations as well as tree microhabitats. This system is mainly suitable to regions with small-scale multi-functional forest management systems
Forestry literature is the books, journals and other publications about forestry.
The first major works about forestry in the English language included Roger Taverner's Booke of Survey (1565), John Manwood's A Brefe Collection of the Lawes of the Forrest (1592) and John Evelyn's Sylva (1662).[39]
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The Society of American Foresters grants accreditation only to specific educational curricula that lead to a first professional degree in forestry at the bachelor's or master's level.
This article incorporates text from a free content work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 (license statement/permission). Text taken from Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020 Key findings, FAO, FAO.
This article incorporates text from a free content work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO (license statement/permission). Text taken from The State of the World's Forests 2020. Forests, biodiversity and people – In brief, FAO & UNEP, FAO & UNEP.
This article incorporates text from a free content work. Licensed under CC BY-SA IGO 3.0 (license statement/permission). Text taken from World Food and Agriculture – Statistical Yearbook 2023, FAO, FAO.
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