Backcountry Tips
Follow these simple and easy backcountry suggestions to minimize your chance of having to call 911 to be rescued.
- Always tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Have them call 911 if you don’t show up or check in on time.
- Never divide your hiking party. Always stay together!
- If you get lost or separated from your party, quit moving around and stay put. We’ll find you!!!
- Carry a plastic whistle. We might not hear your voice, but we will always hear that whistle.
- Carry a flash light or head lamp, whether you intend to be out at night or not.
- Carry and map of the area you are hiking and always know where you are at all times.
- Carry a compass and learn how to use it.
- Never wear cotton clothes. Cotton holds moisture and even on summer days can lead to hypothermia. Cotton Kills!!!
- In spring, summer and fall, always take rain gear. In winter always carry extra clothes.
- In any season carry plenty of water. When the water is half gone, it is time to turn around.
- Carrying some extra food, like a couple of energy bars never hurt anyone.
- Carry a first aid kit and know how to use it.
