A 501(c)(3) Organization
Hiking Safety
Take the Essentials:
. Map
. Compass
. Water
. Food
. Raingear and extra clothes
. Fire starter and matches
. First aid kit
. Knife
. Flashlight (extra batteries/bulb)
. Sunscreen
Other Basics that could make the difference:
Cell phone (don’t depend on coverage)
Pen/Paper
Whistle
Extra necessary medicines
Wear decent hiking footwear!
Prevention
Avoid Injury - Injury or mishap along the trail usually happens as a result of one of the following:
Being out of shape or not conditioned for the activity
Dehydration
Being ill or Becoming ill
Muscle strain or sprain
Slipping on sandy/wet rocks (causing bruises, sprains, or fractures)
A sudden rain or snow storm (causing hypothermia, poor footing or poor visibility)
Downed trees
High water at stream crossings (the last two are common in spring and may render the trail impassable)
Animal encounter
Getting Lost Losing the trail occurs quite easily even for experienced hikers. The following conditions or situations can cause you to go off trail:
Inadequate maps and/or No compass
Sudden change in the weather
Rocky or sandy areas where the trail turns but you continue forging ahead
Following a trail to nowhere created by other lost souls
Erosion trails or runoffs at a switchback mistaken for the actual trail
Snow or leaves covering the trail
Downed trees blocking the path
A stream crossing the trail leading you off trail or being pulled by a current while crossing
Hiking in the dark without light(s)
Wandering off trail for the ‘perfect’ photo opportunity
Purposefully trying to take ‘shortcut’
Going ‘Cross Country’ without knowing the terrain
Consuming alcohol or drugs (even certain prescription meds) while hiking
Prepare for the Worst
Tell a friend or family member your plans, the route and your expected time of return and who or when to call if you don’t return.
Know what to do IF you get injured, sick or lost:
If seperated from your group - stop, yell, whistle & listen
Be sure to teach children to Hug A Tree if they get lost or seperated
Determine whether it is best to stay put or to move along.
If someone in your group becomes ill or injured, send for help with a clear report. The injured/ill’s age, medical background, condition and exactly what happened and their current location.
If someone in your group is missing search for him or her but do so carefully. Preserve any tracks that may lead to them, determine point last seen. If necessary, send for help with a clear report of point ast seen, appearance & clothing description and any known medical conditions.
If you can not get out on your own:
Stay near an open visible area (for visibility) as safety permits
Make a visible signal:
A noticeably apparent pattern such as tracks in the snow A signal mirror
A flashlight
Aerial flare
Fire at night, smoke during day (but watch the fire!!)