SOME HIKING CAUTIONS

LIGHTENING and FLASH FLOODS

CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST, but if caught in a lightening storm, stay away from places most likely to be hit (highest object in the area): high ridges, open meadows, telephone poles (overhead wires), metal poles, wire fences, rails, single tall trees, caves or rock out crops, damp areas, etc. A hardtop car is safe; bikes and open vehicles are not. If you feel tingly or hair begins to stand on end, crouch down with hands off the ground (balance on balls of feet to minimize contact with the ground) and become a basketball with legs. Don’t lie down (ground carries a charge). If in a group, spread out with several yards between each person. You can look for shelter under a group of trees that are all about the same height but stand away from trunks and roots. Don’t go in a tent (a tent pole can attract lightening). Stay out of water. Don’t fly a kite. Don’t carry an umbrella. Don’t let the highest object in the area be you! Stay low in a canyon or arroyo, but BEWARE OF FLASH FLOODS! Flash flooding occurs quickly. If rain gets heavy, hike to high ground out of narrow canyons.

DEHYDRATION

Tank up before you leave for a hike. Hiking slowly reduces dehydration. A small loss of body fluid causes dizziness, headaches and tingling in the extremities. Hike through sunlit areas slowly and rest (cool off) in shady areas. It is suggested you drink four liters of water per day in the summer, but don’t drink untreated water. Carry plenty of water and keep extra in the vehicle. Only. 1% of hikers carry the recommended amount of water - 1 pint to 1 quart per hour of exercise. The first indication of heat stress is light-headedness, fatigue, or change in mental function. Get out of the heat, rest, and drink water. If symptoms are severe, send someone for help.

RATTLESNAKES

Most snake bites are caused by carelessness. The largest percentage of rattlesnake bites occur on the extremities. Do not allow children to probe holes, step over logs or rocks without carefully checking the other side. To avoid being bitten, wear high, sturdy boots. Do not put your hands or feet where you cannot see. Do not kill or capture rattlesnakes. There is NEVER a case where killing a rattlesnake is safer than allowing it safe passage. Give rattlesnakes a wide berth, 5 to 6 feet, and allow them room to escape. First aid tips if someone is bitten: calm and reassure the victim, decrease movement of the affected body part, apply light constricting band above site of bite (be able to insert a finger under band), .determine species involved, and move victim to medical facility without delay. A rattlesnake’s bite is rarely fatal. Snakes command respect and common sense in their presence.

ABANDONED MINES
Stay away from abandoned mines. They are dangerous!

BE PREPARED!
Organize your hike and stay on designated trails. Leave no trace. Don’t throw rocks. Avoid wildlife.

HAPPY TRAILS PREPARATION

File a tour permit two weeks before hiking. You need a tour permit if traveling outside the council area, if an overnighter is planned, or if you have an aquatics activity. Tour permits are at the Scout Office.

You will need insurance on all vehicles transporting scouts. Secure adequate, safe transportation. Each person needs their own seat belt.

Permission slips are not required but are a good idea. When you have a permission slip signed by the parent, you have proof that they know about the outing and have given their consent for their boy to go.

Establish a buddy system. Leader to scout ratio should be adequate.

HIKING GEAR (Leaders may want to personalize this list for their den/pack. Some items can be shared.)

Plenty of water

Sun block

Pocketknife (with Whittling Chip card)

Bug repellent

Hiking shoes

Day/fanny pack

Hat

Hiking stick

Trail food

Leaders: Add extra water, food, a map of the trail and area, binoculars, first aid kit, pocketknife, whistle, camera, toilet paper, flashlight, etc.

SAFETY FIRST

Always plan your route.

Check what you should take.

Say where you are going and when you expect to be back.

Watch the weather.

Keep your party together, and wait for anyone who is slow.

On longer hikes take a map of the route, a compass, whistle, watch, coins for phoning, a pencil and some waterproof cards to write on, extra waterproof clothing, first aid kit, food and drink.

RULES OF THE TRAIL

Register at trailhead.

Use switchbacks properly. Don’t take shortcuts!

Pick up litter and be kind to the countryside.

Treat other hikers courteously.

Give livestock the right-of-way.

Leave gates the way you found them-open or closed.

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