Hiking Safety

While hiking can be fun and entertaining, it is equally important to understand and plan for the risks associated with this adventurous sport.

Follow these tips from the pros for a fun and safe hike.  

 

• Avoid hiking alone, always use the “buddy system”. If travelling with a group, never stray from the group.

 

• Tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Don’t forget to check in with them when you get back.

 

• Stay on marked trails. Making shortcuts and “bushwhacking” causes erosion and greatly increases your chance of becoming lost. As you hike, pay attention to trail blazes (paint marks on trees) and landmarks. 

 

• Never climb on waterfalls. 

 

• Always turn back in bad weather. 

 

• All hikers (especially children and older adults) should carry a whistle, which can be heard far away and takes less energy than yelling. Three short blasts is a sign of distress.

 

• Carry plenty of drinking water and never assume stream water is safe to drink. 

 

• Don’t count on cell phones to work in the wilderness. Remember batteries can die or the equipment can become damaged or lost.

 

• Wear bright colors. Don’t dress children in camouflage.

• Carry An Emergency Kit

For children:

 

• Attach a whistle to their clothing.

 

• Talk to children about what to do if they become lost.

 

• Reassure children that people (and possibly dogs and helicopters) will look for them if they become lost. Do not hide from searchers; answer their calls.

 

• Do not run. Instead, “hug a tree”. This prevents wandering even further.

 

What To Do if You Are Lost

 

• Stay put.

 

• Make shelter.

 

• Stay warm and dry.

 

• Be visible and heard.

 

• If helicopters are searching overhead, seek an opening rather than thick tree cover. Lie down so you look bigger from the air.