Introduction to Hiking Safety

By Cathy Flores

Hiking, like any sport, can be dangerous. Here are some suggestions to help keep you safe when hiking.

As you prepare for your next hiking excursion, don’t forget these two simple rules.

1. Be Prepared

This first rule has two parts:

1. Preparing to avoid danger
2. Planning ahead for an emergency

Know what dangers exist on hiking trails and discover how best to avoid them entirely. In addition, be preemptive and ready for an emergency before it happens--have an action plan.

It is also a good idea to carry a “survival kit” with you even during short hikes. Your survival kit should include:

• Windbreaker
• First-Aid Kit
• High Energy Snacks
• Extra Water
• Metal Mirror
• Whistle
• Matches
• Flashlight
• Thermal Blanket
• Map
• Compass

2. Don’t Panic

When in an emergency, stay calm and think. Many dangerous and even life-threatening situations, when approached with a level head and common sense, can be resolved.

Don’t give up in the midst of a crisis--be smart and follow through with your action plan. If an unexpected emergency arises, stay calm and use common sense. Don’t let fear to conquer the situation before you try to resolve it.

The Seven W’s of Hiking Safety

What dangers should you prepare for? Following are seven common dangers to be aware of when hiking.

1. Weather

Weather conditions can change rapidly and bring with them unique challenges when hiking, whether hot or cold, wet or dry.

2. Watch Your Step

Unstable terrain can be a dangerous component in any environment. It's always a good idea to watch your footing.

3. Which Way?

One of the most common dangers of hiking is becoming lost. Learning to use a map and compass is one way to free yourself from the worries of losing your way in the forest.

4. Weariness

Hiking can be strenuous exercise. Each person has unique fitness levels and health concerns, so consider carefully your physical limits and advantages and find the hike that’s right for your individual requirements.

5. Wildlife

When we step into the forest, we enter an enchanting world of intriguing plants and animals, but every plant and animal you see in the wilderness is wild. Observe each with caution and respect. Some wildlife can be a threat to human health and safety.

6. Water

Untreated water from open water sources such as lakes, ponds, streams and springs may not be safe to drink.

7. Wildfires

One of the greatest dangers to the forest itself is also an extreme danger for hikers.

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Comments

[Camping Gear Tents]

These are very good tips for those who hike. Depending on where you'll be hiking, bear spray would be something else to have with you.

[Best Flashlights]

Make sure you bring a reliable flashlight with you and also bring a pack of back-up batteries in case your flashlight suddenly runs out of power. Have a safe hiking!

[Wooden Kitchen Playsets]

Luckily we have found this page on our first search for some hiking tips. We plan to go hiking soon and these tips will help us a lot. Thanks.

[UGGS Sale]

I want to post a quick hi and want to say my appriciate due to this good post.

[Linda Messier]

This will be a good checklist everytime I will go camp!