Safety - Outdoor Safety
You are here: Safety
> Outdoor Safety
The most effective way to prevent mishaps is to adequately prepare for the trip. Knowledge of the area, weather, terrain, limitations of your body, plus a little common sense can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Hiking Precautions
- Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return
- Read all trail head signs and follow local regulations
- Stay on the trail
- Hike in groups
- Don't hike in the dark
- Leave pets at home. Pets may attract bears and mountain lions.
If dogs are permitted, keep them on a short leash so
they don't bother wildlife.
- Carry EPA registered bear pepper spray when hiking and
camping in bear country
- Keep children within your sight
Camping Precautions
- Set up cooking, eating and supply areas at least 100 yards
from your sleeping area.
- Use bear resistant food containers,
where available or required,
to store food and odorous items when not in use
- Keep sleeping bags and tents completely free of food, beverages,
and odorous items
- Do not sleep in the clothes you cook or handle fish and
game in. The odors may attract wildlife.
- Keep a flashlight and bear pepper spray readily available
For additional safety information, specific to recreation, please see
our recreational
safety pages.
|