I'm sure it's pretty obvious from my previous posts, but my family is a hiking family. We go out in good weather, bad weather, pretty much any condition you could think of. As a result, we've had a few experiences where our safety is in jeopardy. An example of this is when we hiked through slot canyons in Bryce Canyon. It was at the peak of summer, and extremely hot. Two of my sisters were in the lead, with my Dad and my uncle a little ways behind. My sisters were quite oblivious and walked right past a rattlesnake. The snake got scared, and started rattling, separating my sisters from the adults. Luckily my uncle thought quickly, and smashed the snake with a rock. It was a scary moment, and made me extra aware of how important safety is. So… here are some quick safety tips for hiking in the winter and summer months.
Winter
- Since the daylight hours are shorter in the winter, it's better to get an early start. Also, take flashlights in case it turns dark.
- Dress in layers and bring appropriate extra equipment.
- Eat and drink frequently.
- Be constantly aware of snow movements around you, in case of avalanche danger.
Summer
- Drink water constantly, and eat salty foods.
- Wear a hat and sunscreen.
- Bring a First Aid kit.
- Bring a whistle or signal mirror in case of emergency
- Pack a map of the trails, as well as a compass.
These suggestions were gathered in part, by active.com and the National Park Service
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