Keep it smart to keep it safe when camping or hiking this summer. Since unexpected things can and will happen in the woods, planning and common-sense precautions can help you ensure personal safety while enjoying the great outdoors.
Before you go off into the wild, get trained in American Red Cross First Aid & CPR. You never know when you will need it. The chapter offers evening and Saturday classes each month. Give us a call for dates and times.
There are some other ways to be camp smart this summer. Review your equipment and supplies. Consider what emergencies might arise, such as getting lost, becoming ill or injured, bad weather or being confronted by a wild animal - and the ways you could handle those situations. Add all the supplies you would need to your hiking checklist.
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 pocketknife, compass, whistle, space blanket, nylon filament, water purification tablets, matches and candle. With these items, the chances of being able to survive in the wild are greatly improved.
Assess your outdoor skills. Are you prepared for an outdoor adventure? You may need to read a compass, put up a temporary shelter or give first aid. Practice your skills in advance.
If you have any medical conditions, discuss your plans with your health care provider and get approval before you go. If you are planning a strenuous trip, be sure to get into good physical condition before setting out. Remember to be prepared to acclimate to high altitudes if you are planning to climb or travel up mountains.
It's safest to hike or camp with at least one other person. Remember the buddy rule from your swimming days at resident camp? If you are 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 the other two go for help.
If you'll be going to an unfamiliar area, take along someone who knows the ropes or at least speak with those who do before you set out. Always allow for bad weather and the possibility that you may be forced to spend a night outdoors unexpectedly.
Some areas require reservations or permits. If an area is closed, don't go there. Find out in advance about regulations - there may be specific rules about campfires or guidelines about wildlife. Pack emergency signaling devices, and know ahead of time the location of the nearest landline telephone or ranger station in case of emergency. Leave a copy of your itinerary with a responsible person including details of your car and its location, the equipment you are bringing, the weather you anticipate and when you plan to return.
Prepare a hiking check list before going. 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: candle and matches; cell phone (and extra charged battery if possible); clothing (always bring something warm, extra socks and rain gear); a compass; a First Aid kit available at your local chapter; food, bring extra and some which can be consumed without any cooking; a flashlight; foil (to use as a cup or signaling device); a hat; insect repellent; a map; nylon filament; a pocket knife; a pocket mirror to use as a signaling device; prescription glasses (an extra pair); prescription medications for any ongoing medical conditions; a radio with batteries; space blanket or a piece of plastic (to use for warmth or shelter); sunglasses; sunscreen; a trash bag which can be used as a poncho; plenty of water; waterproof matches or matches in a waterproof tin; water purification tablets, and a whistle to scare off animals or to use as a signaling device.
The Cayuga County Chapter of the American Red Cross can help you get ready to enjoy the great outdoors whether you are camping, boating, fishing or just taking advantage of the Finger Lakes region. Contact us at 252-9596 or e-mail chapter@ccredcross.org for more information.
Susan Marteney is executive director of the Cayuga County Chapter of the American Red Cross.
There are some other ways to be camp smart this summer. Review your equipment and supplies. Consider what emergencies might arise, such as getting lost, becoming ill or injured, bad weather or being confronted by a wild animal - and the ways you could handle those situations. Add all the supplies you would need to your hiking checklist.
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 pocketknife, compass, whistle, space blanket, nylon filament, water purification tablets, matches and candle. With these items, the chances of being able to survive in the wild are greatly improved.
Assess your outdoor skills. Are you prepared for an outdoor adventure? You may need to read a compass, put up a temporary shelter or give first aid. Practice your skills in advance.
If you have any medical conditions, discuss your plans with your health care provider and get approval before you go. If you are planning a strenuous trip, be sure to get into good physical condition before setting out. Remember to be prepared to acclimate to high altitudes if you are planning to climb or travel up mountains.
It's safest to hike or camp with at least one other person. Remember the buddy rule from your swimming days at resident camp? If you are 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 the other two go for help.
If you'll be going to an unfamiliar area, take along someone who knows the ropes or at least speak with those who do before you set out. Always allow for bad weather and the possibility that you may be forced to spend a night outdoors unexpectedly.
Some areas require reservations or permits. If an area is closed, don't go there. Find out in advance about regulations - there may be specific rules about campfires or guidelines about wildlife. Pack emergency signaling devices, and know ahead of time the location of the nearest landline telephone or ranger station in case of emergency. Leave a copy of your itinerary with a responsible person including details of your car and its location, the equipment you are bringing, the weather you anticipate and when you plan to return.
Prepare a hiking check list before going. 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: candle and matches; cell phone (and extra charged battery if possible); clothing (always bring something warm, extra socks and rain gear); a compass; a First Aid kit available at your local chapter; food, bring extra and some which can be consumed without any cooking; a flashlight; foil (to use as a cup or signaling device); a hat; insect repellent; a map; nylon filament; a pocket knife; a pocket mirror to use as a signaling device; prescription glasses (an extra pair); prescription medications for any ongoing medical conditions; a radio with batteries; space blanket or a piece of plastic (to use for warmth or shelter); sunglasses; sunscreen; a trash bag which can be used as a poncho; plenty of water; waterproof matches or matches in a waterproof tin; water purification tablets, and a whistle to scare off animals or to use as a signaling device.
The Cayuga County Chapter of the American Red Cross can help you get ready to enjoy the great outdoors whether you are camping, boating, fishing or just taking advantage of the Finger Lakes region. Contact us at 252-9596 or e-mail chapter@ccredcross.org for more information.
Susan Marteney is executive director of the Cayuga County Chapter of the American Red Cross.
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