Tips for Hikers

 

It’s the perfect time to head outside and check out the season at peak – but before you go, make sure you are prepared with these hiking tips from the DEC:

Use Maps, Guides, or DEC's Website to Plan Your Trip

Leave Trip Plans With Family or Friends

  • Update them with any changes to your plans

Be Realistic About Your Fitness and Skill Level

  • Don't overestimate your abilities

  • Don't underestimate mother nature

  • Choose trails within your or your group's ability

  • In the winter, breaking through fresh snow can be more tiring than regular hiking.

Check the Weather Forecast and Current Conditions

  • Day of your trip

  • Night of your trip and the next day so you can be prepared for an unexpected night in the woods

  • Know what time the sun sets and plan your hike to return before dark

Prepare For Survival

  • Know what to do in case of emergencies and be prepared for them to happen

When you get to the Trailhead or Parking Lot

  • Conceal valuables, and lock your vehicle

  • Save the DEC Dispatch number in your cell phone

  • Sign trail registers and indicate the time. This will assist searchers in locating you if you become lost

Hike in a Group and Stay Together

  • Pace your hike to the slowest person

  • Stay in sight of the person behind you and the person in front of you

  • Stay in hearing distance of everyone in your group

When You Return

  • Sign trail registers again and indicate the time

  • Return any trail guides

  • Dispose of litter properly

  • Inform person you left trip plans with that you have finished your hike

Emergency Phone Numbers

  • 911

  • DEC Dispatch: 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264)

If You Are Lost or Injured

  • Stop where you are. Keep calm and assess your situation

  • Try to determine your location-look for recognizable landmarks and listen for vehicles on nearby roads

  • If you are sure you can get yourself out of the woods using a map and compass, do so - otherwise stay put

  • If you have cell service, call 911 or DEC Dispatch (see above). The dispatcher will ask questions to collect information needed to help searchers locate you quickly

  • If you don't have cell service, move to a location close by where you are visible to searchers on the ground or in the air. If you have something brightly colored, wear it or place it in a conspicuous location

  • If someone is injured or stricken and there is no cell service:

    • One person should remain with the injured person while the others note their location and leave to obtain assistance

    • If there isn't anyone to stay behind, make sure the injured person has shelter and supplies before leaving to seek help

  • If it appears that you will need to spend the night:

    • Clear an area of debris to build a campfire to provide heat, light and comfort. A fire will help searchers locate you

    • Using items from your pack, build a shelter that will serve as a "cocoon" to keep you warm and sheltered from the weather. You can also use dead branches, conifer boughs and leaf litter to insulate the shelter

    • DEC has a brochure with safety tips on how to prevent getting lost and what to do if you are lost


More information: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28708.html


 

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