Recreational Activities - Safety
Hiker
Safety
Certain safety procedures should be followed by all hikers. Failure to observe
safety rules leads to accidents and sometimes death. Chances of becoming a statistic
in the records of some search and rescue team will be greatly reduced by following
these safety rules.
Carry water
Even the alpine forests on Mt. Lemmon are extremely dry and there is almost
no natural water available. No untreated or unfiltered water should be consumed.
Read about Avoiding Dehydration.
Beware of animals
From scorpions to rattlesnakes to black bears , Southern Arizona animals
can cause serious injury or death. Be aware of your surroundings and
never
approach a wild animal. Look carefully before you touch, sit or walk.
Be
Bear Aware! & Mountain
Lion Safety.
Do not go alone
Unless you are experienced and prefer solitude, a party of at least four
persons is recommended. Try never to leave an injured person alone. He
or she may wander
off while in shock.
Plan your trip carefully
Plan a route ahead of time using Geological Survey and Forest Service maps.
When traveling on foot, allow about one hour for each two miles covered,
plus an additional hour for each 1,000 feet of altitude gained.
Get a weather report
Fast-moving frontal systems can bring sudden and violent changes in mountain
weather, during both summer and winter. National Weather ServiceTucson office.
Service
Lightning
High on the list of activities where people are injured by lightning are mountain
hiking, climbing, camping, fishing, boating, and golfing.
Many vacationers are unaware of the measures they can take to lower their
risk of being struck. They should educate themselves about lightning strikes.
They should be near safe shelter and try to avoid high terrain, large medows,
and bodies of water during high lightning activity (late morning to evening).
If you are caught above the tree line when a storm approaches, descend quickly.
Avoid isolated trees. It is better to run into a forest.
Electric storms can also develop in the middle of the night. To lower your
odds, don't pitch your tent near the tallest trees in the vicinity.
Drop metal objects like umbrellas and packs
with internal or external metal frames.
Get off bicycles, motorcycles, horses. Metal bleachers
at sports events, metal fences, and utility poles are also to be avoided.
If you are caught in an open field, seek a low spot. Crouch with your
feet together and head low.
If Someone Is Struck - People who have been hit by lightning carry
no electric charge and can be safely tended to. Also, victims who
appear dead can often
be revived. If the person is not breathing, begin mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation. But if a pulse is absent as well and you know cardiopulmonary
resuscitation
(CPR), begin CPR. Stay with the victim until help arrives.
Don't sit or lie down, because these positions provide much more
contact with the ground, providing a wider path for lightning to
follow. If
you are with
a group and the threat of lightning is high, spread out at least
15 feet apart to minimize the chance of everybody getting hit (see "If Someone Is Struck").
Don't return to an open area too soon. People have been struck
by lightning near the end of a storm, which is still a dangerous
time.
Swimmers, anglers, and boaters should get off lakes or rivers
and seek shelter when storms approach. Drop any fishing rods.
Boaters
who cannot
get off the
water before the storm hits should crouch low. Once on land,
get at least 100 yards away from shore.
Remember: This information is not intended as a substitute
for medical treatment. If you have a health-related concern,
consult
a physician.
Also, the tips
discussed here may lower injury risk, but the unpredictability
of lightning affords no
guarantees.
Check with authorities
Forest Rangers know their district and can offer valuable advice on
trials, campsites and potential problems. Also check for fire
restrictions and
closure notices that may affect your planned route.
Go properly equipped
A shirt, sweater, socks, mittens, and cap should always be carried.
For protection against wind and wetness, carry a weatherproof outer
parka.
Sun protection
and adequate water are essential in desert areas.
Always carry these items when going into the mountains: map, compass,
flashlight, sunglasses, waterproof matches, whistle, pocket knife,
candle, protective
clothing, minimum first aid and extra food.
Water sources are almost always polluted. Be able to purify water you need.
Water is scarce everywhere in the Forest. Do not assume restrooms will have
potable water; many are pit toilets only. Carry plenty of water.
Beware of loose rock
In some areas loose rock can be a serious hazard. Never roll rocks down a mountainside.
Another party may be below.
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