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Emergency Preparedness

Hiking / Camping Safety Tips

Use the following safety tips to keep yourself safe as you hike or camp:

• Review the equipment, supplies and skills that you'll need.
• Consider what emergencies could arise and how you would deal with those situations. For example, make a plan for what you will do if you get lost, are unexpectedly confronted by an animal, become ill, or are trapped in bad weather. Add to your hiking checklist the supplies you would need to deal with these situations.
• Make sure you have the skills you need for your camping or hiking adventure. Practice your skills in advance.
• If your trip will be strenuous, get into good physical condition before setting out. If you have any medical conditions, discuss your plans with your health care provider and get approval before departing.
• If you plan to climb or travel to high altitudes, make plans for proper acclimatization to the altitude.
• Hike or camp with at least one companion.
• Some areas require you to have reservations or permits before you may hike or camp. Be aware of any regulations in advance.
• Know the location of the nearest telephone or ranger station in case an emergency occurs on your trip.
• Leave a detailed copy of your itinerary with a responsible person.
  Always allow for bad weather and for the possibility that you may be forced to spend a night outdoors unexpectedly.
• Assemble a separate "survival pack" for each hiker to have at all times. In a small waterproof container, place a pocket knife, compass, whistle, space blanket, nylon filament, water purification tablets, matches and candle. With these items, the chances of being able to survive in the wild are greatly improved.

Hiking Checklist

When hiking or camping, it is important to pack your backpack with all the necessary items you will need before you begin your hiking or camping trip. What you take can depend on where you are going and how long you plan to be away, but any backpack should include essential supplies.

• Every backpack should contain a candle and matches, clothing (including warm clothing, extra socks, and rain gear), compass, first aid kit, food (bring extra), flashlight, insect repellent, map, pocket knife, radio with batteries, space blanket or a piece of plastic (to use for warmth or shelter), sunscreen, water, water purification tablets and a whistle (to scare off animals or to use as a signaling device).
• Assemble a separate "survival pack" for each hiker to have at all times. In a small waterproof container, place a pocket knife, compass, whistle, space blanket, nylon filament, water purification tablets, matches and candle. With these items, the chances of being able to survive in the wild are greatly improved.