Hiking Safety
All You Ever Wanted to Know About Hiking Safety
Hiking safety is an important part of your camping and pleasure trips. Here are some simple rules to help you get more enjoyment out of your trips:
Know the area that you'll be hiking in, and the terrain. Many parks offer printable maps, and these can help assure that no one gets lost.
Check the weather. Make sure no inclement weather is headed into the area. Carry a lightweight weather radio if you have one.
Check the area you'll be hiking in, to see if there are plants or animals that you should avoid. They may be vicious animals or just annoyances, but be ready either way.
The first hike of the season – or a youngster's first-ever hike – should be scaled down. You're not in the same shape you were last fall, so take it easy and don't take on challenging trails until later in the season.
Don't drink any water from streams or watersheds while you're hiking. Carry potable water with you at all times. Don't dispose of your plastic water bottles on the trail or in the woods, if you take bottled water.
Pack your food so that it doesn't attract animals, so it'll still be in your backpack when you want it.
Make sure someone in your group has supplies to start a fire. But make sure your fire is completely extinguished when you leave, to avoid forest fires.
A Red Cross course in basic first aid is excellent schooling for a camper. Learn how to apply basic first aid and be sure to always carry a first aid kit with you on your hikes.
Each area you hike will have its own flora and fauna, and you want to make sure that you're not eating or walking in shorts through poisonous plants. So carry a list of local plants and animals, or a parks department guide.
Don't pack so much that it becomes a burden for you. Split the weight among the stronger hikers.
Be careful of the terrain and be aware of the ground while you hike – is it level or not? No need to stare at the ground, just be aware.
Leave the park and the trails in the same condition you left them in. No one wants to walk through your garbage or snack bags.
Check out the nearest hospitals so you don't get caught without a plan if someone would get injured.
If you have a slower or younger/older hiker, put them at the front of the group. This will insure that no one gets left behind. Any newbies to the group can be taught about hiking safety while you're on the trail.
Never hike alone. No matter what kind of shape you are in, always hike with a friend or a group.