Hike Safety

Common Sense Hiking Safety

Planning

• Hike with a partner or a club
• File a flight plan with someone who knows where you’re going, who’s going with you, and when you’re expected back.
• Get information about the trail
• Wear adequate clothing and hiking boots
• Check weather conditions
• Know your own capabilities

Gear up!

• Cellular phone
• Something brightly colored
• A whistle
• Rain gear
• First Aid Kit
• 2 to 3 liters of water
• Space blanket
• Flashlight

Do it!

• Stay on the trail
• Look where you step
• Stay together or regroup
• Watch the time
• Monitor everyone’s condition
• Monitor the weather
• Avoid undue risks

Pau

• When finished, let the person holding your flight plan know that you have returned safely.

In an emergency

• Call 911 – ask for Fire Rescue
• Be Visible – use that rightly colored jacket
• Be Audible – use the whistle
• Stay Calm – keep a positive attitude
• Stay Put – increase your chances of being found
• Stay Warm – use that space blanket, stay dry and out of the wind