By Eva Briggs, MD
Summer is coming and lots of people will be heading outdoors.
I’ve been a search and rescue volunteer for 20 years and one focus of my search team (Tompkins County Search and Rescue) is public outreach to help keep people safe when hiking, biking, birding, hunting, fishing, taking photos, camping or otherwise enjoying the outdoors.
We are fortunate that New York state has so much forested land. 62% (18.6 million acres) of our 30 million acres is forested.
Check out the DEC website https://dec.ny.gov for information about state forests and wildlife management areas.
The New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation website https://parks.ny.gov/parks/ provides information about these areas. In addition to state-owned land, our state has land trust lands, local parks, trails and more.
Recently our search team hosted a public training about hiker safety. The information applies to any form of outdoor recreation. This article will touch on some highlights from that seminar.
Simple steps toward safety
The first step is planning.
Learn the rules for where you will be hiking and obtain maps or guidebooks. When you make a plan, be sure to tell a responsible adult where you are going, when you are going and when you plan to return. Many wildlands lack cell phone service, so you may not be able to call for help. When you leave your itinerary with friends or family, they can call for assistance if you don’t return as planned.
Who should you — or your friends and family — call in an emergency? If someone is injured and needs immediate assistance, call 911. For less urgent assistance, such as lost but uninjured, and you have cell service, you can call DEC dispatch at 833-697-7264 (833-NYS-RANGERS). Stop and add that to your cell phone now.
Check the weather forecast before heading out. This will enable you to dress properly. Consider postponing your trip if bad weather is forecasted. Also check trail conditions. Websites for this information include:
• Adirondacks www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7865.html
• Catskills www.nynjtc.org/content/catskill-trail-updates
• Finger Lakes www.fltconference.org/trai//go-hiking/trail-conditions/trail-conditions-notices/
Some people use apps like AllTrails where hikers can add trail conditions. Be aware that crowd sourced information should be taken with a grain of salt.
Hike with a partner or group. Know your physical capability so that you don’t exceed your abilities. Pay attention to the time of sunset so that you are not caught unprepared in the dark.
Learn to use a map and compass. Electronic devices like phones and GPS receivers can fail, run out of power or be out of cell coverage.
What should you wear? Synthetic moisture-wicking fabrics help keep your skin dry (sweat happens) and help regulate body temperature in both hot and cold weather. Avoid cotton which holds moisture. Plan to dress in layers so that you can add or remove clothing to stay comfortable. Even in summer bring warm clothing in case you are caught out after dark when the air cools. Bring raingear, even a simple poncho, because you never know when rain could sneak in. Wear appropriate footwear and be sure to break in boots before a long trip. At the end of a long day of walking, your feet may swell, so shop for footwear at the end of the day. Light colored clothing will show ticks better than dark clothes. Hats can keep you warm or provide sun and rain protection.
Other items to pack include water, snacks, a first aid kit, whistle, extra clothing, flashlight/headlamp with spare batteries, sunscreen, insect repellant, pocketknife, and a sturdy garbage bag (such as a contractor bag) for emergency shelter or to haul out litter.
In remote areas also bring fire- starting materials, a space blanket or bivy sack, a method to purify water, and a safety vest or bright-colored clothing.
If you see a trail register at the trailhead, sign in. So many people skip this crucial step! Trail registers provide vital information to searchers in the event you are lost. Sign out when you leave.
What if you become lost? Stop and keep calm. Try to assess your location. Can you hear vehicles? Can you see familiar landmarks? If you have the skill to navigate out of the woods with your map and compass, do so. If you have cell service, call DEC the dispatch number. If you don’t have cell service, if possible move to a nearby area which you are likely to be visible to searchers on the ground or air. If you have something brightly colored, wear it or place it in a conspicuous spot.
Have fun out there but stay safe.
Eva Briggs is a retired medical doctor who practiced in Central New York for several decades. She lives in Marcellus.