Outdoor safety : Rooftop Views

Rooftop Views

Outdoor safety

Spring is here and the snow is starting to melt. Brush off those hiking shoes and back packs and start planning your next adventure outdoors! Below is an outdoor safety list to help you stay out of harm's way during the outdoor season. Get out and enjoy the fresh air!

· Travel with someone. Even the most experienced outdoor person should caution against traveling alone. Leave a copy of your itinerary with a responsible person. Pay attention to trail heads as some of them have sign-in stations where you leave your name, date-in and date expected out. Be sure to sign out when you return. If you'll be exploring a remote area, your group should have a minimum of four people; this way, if one is hurt, another can stay with them while two go for help. If you'll be exploring an area unfamiliar to you, go with someone who knows the area or research the trails online and visit a local outdoor store or tourist area so you are familiar with your route. Take note of ranger and emergency telephone stations in the area you are touring.

· Be physically prepared. Hiking outdoors is a team activity, sothe hike should be designed for all members and their hiking ability. If you plan to climb or travel to the high country, make certain you are in great physical shape and take the time to do shorter excursions to acclimatize to the altitude. If you have any medical conditions make sure you get approval from your health care provider before your departure.

· Wear appropriate clothing. Dress in layers, wear polyester clothing closest to your skin and it will trap warm air next to the skin and wick body moisture away. Wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. As you gain 1,000 feet in altitude the temperature drops approximately 5 degrees. Even though the sun still feels warm, it can be more dangerous to your skin and eyes. Check the weather in the trail area and keep in mind the seasonal conditions.

· Learn basic first aid. When venturing outdoors its important to carry a first aid kit. Make sure you have the skills and supplies you need for your camping or hiking adventure. Keep strike anywhere matches, in a waterproof container, in your pack for emergencies as well.

· Make camp before dark. Set up camp well away from the edge of cliffs, streams and tall trees (lightning risk). Use a flashlight or lantern to keep your site lighted while you are around the area and stay within the group.

· Don’t drink the water! Rememberwild animals likely inhabit clean or pure looking streams; therefore the water is likely to contain water-borne parasites and microorganisms that can cause illness. Pack enough water in and if you run out purify it through chemical treatment.

Lightning Safety
Keep an eye on current and predicted weather conditions. In the high country especially, the weather can change very quickly. Recognize the warning signs for approaching storms and changing weather conditions especially from late morning to early evening. If the weather turns for the worse, avoid bare ridge tops, lone trees, open spaces, bodies of water and get below tree line. During lightning storms find shelter in a densely forested area at a lower elevation. Always carry rain gear on the trail with you; hypothermia is a year round risk.

Wild Encounters
When you are outdoors its important to be aware of your surroundings and the animals that are living in the area that you are exploring. Stay in groups and supervise children, you never know when a wild animal will cross your path.
Mountain Lions – Don’t trap them, as they will most likely look for an opening to escape. Don’t run or turn your back on the animal. Make sure to keep yourself and children calm without panicking and screaming. Make yourself appear large by waving your arms, flapping your jacket and speaking in a loud, low voice. Throw branches or stones or anything in reach. Do not bend over or crouch down. You want the mountain lion to think you are a threat to them not prey. If you are attacked, block your face and neck, try to remain standing and grab anything in reach to defend yourself. Report all encounters to authorities.
Bears – If you spot a bear and it doesn’t see you, leave the area and speak loudly so the bear notices your presence. If you are facing a bear, don’t run. Stay calm and back away slowly and do not make eye contact. Speak softly and don’t show fear. If a bear stands up its not necessarily aggression its just trying to detect all the smells in the air. If a bear is provoked and attacks, fight back with sticks, rocks, your hands and anything else around you. Report all encounters to authorities.