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Red Cross
Emergency Preparedness
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Hiking & Camping
Safety
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The
American Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter reminds everyone that the best
way to help guarantee a good time for all is to plan ahead carefully and
follow commonsense safety precautions.
As summer approaches, many people and families will be enjoying great
outdoors of the Pacific Northwest. Hiking and camping
provide exercise
and interest for people of any age.
Just
getting out and walking around is a wonderful
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way to see nature. Since
unexpected things happen, the Red Cross encourages everyone to
be prepared.
Hiking
& Camping Safety Checklist
·
If
you have any medical conditions, discuss
your plans with your health care
provider and
get approval before departing.
·
Review the equipment,
supplies and skills that you'll need. Consider what emergencies could arise and
how you would deal with
those
situations.
What if you got lost, or were unexpectedly confronted by an animal? What
if
someone became ill or injured? What kind of weather might you encounter? 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. You may need to know
how to read a compass, build a
temporary shelter or give first aid. Practice your skills in advance.
·
If
your trip will be strenuous, get into good physical condition before setting
out. If you
plan to climb or travel to high altitudes, make plans for proper
acclimatization to the altitude.
·
It's
safest to hike or camp with at least one companion. If you'll be entering a
remote area, your group should have a minimum of four people; this way, if one
is hurt, another can stay with the victim while two go for help. If you'll be
going into an area that is unfamiliar to you, take along someone who knows the
area or at least speak with those who do before you set out.
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Hiking
& Camping Safety Checklist
·
Some
areas require you to have reservations or certain permits. If an area is closed,
do not go there. Find out in advance about any regulations--there may be rules
about campfires or guidelines about wildlife.
·
Pack
emergency signaling devices, and know ahead of time the location of the nearest
telephone or ranger station in case an emergency does occur on your trip.
·
Leave
a copy of your itinerary with a responsible person. Include such details as the
make, year, and license plate of your car, the equipment you're bringing, the
weather you've anticipated and when you plan to return.
· Always
allow for bad weather and for the possibility that you may be forced to spend a
night outdoors unexpectedly. Make sure to check the weather forecasts and plan
for all types of inclement weather.
·
Get trained in
Red Cross first aid and CPR. Contact your American
Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter
for more information and registration.
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What
to Bring: A Hiking Checklist
What you take will
depend on where you are going and how long you plan to be away,
but any backpack
should include the following:
· Cell
phone
· Clothing
(always bring something warm, extra socks and rain gear)
· Compass
· First
aid kit
· Food
(bring extra)
· Flashlight
· Foil
(to use as a cup or signaling device)
· Hat
· Heat
Packs / Hand & Body Warmers
· Insect
repellent
· Lightsticks
· Map
· Nylon
filament
· Pocket
knife
· Pocket
mirror (to use as a signaling device)
· Prescription
glasses (an extra pair)
· Prescription
medications for ongoing medical conditions
· Radio
with batteries
· Space
blanket or a piece of plastic (to use for warmth or shelter)
· Sunglasses
· Sunscreen
· Trash
bag (makes an adequate poncho)
· Water
· Water
purification tablets
· Whistle
(to scare off animals or to use as a signaling device)
It's a good idea to 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,
heat packs/ hand & body warmers,
nylon filament, water purification tablets. With these items, the chances
of being able to survive in the wild are greatly improved.
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For additional information or questions about fire safety, please
contact the
American Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter
Serving Pierce, Thurston, Mason and Lewis Counties
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(253) 474-0400 Pierce County
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(360) 352-8575 Thurston & Mason
Counties
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(360) 748-4607 Lewis County
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