There is nothing like going on a hike in the woods on a sunny day to get some fresh air. It is always to get out of the city and be in a peaceful and quiet place for some time. While hiking safety tips should be common sense, you would be surprised to know that many hikers get into unexpected situations and injure themselves.
Moreover, no matter how experienced you might be in hiking, you should always expect the unexpected when wandering the woods. Fortunately, there are ways you can minimize your chances of encountering an emergency. If you get injured due to the negligence of another party while hiking, speak to lawyers from a reputed Law Firm.
Tips for a safe hike
- Pan for an overnight stay, even if you go for the day.
You may think you are going for a hike for a few hours, but you never know when a short hike turns into an overnight stay in the woods. There are several reasons you could get stuck in the woods for the night.
Spraining your ankle or being too tired to walk can delay your return to the car on time. Hikers who walk quickly to wrap up their hike tend to trip over more. Pack a few emergency items you may require at night- flashlights, food, a portable charger, and clothes.
- Bring at least one friend along.
It is never safe to go into the woods for long hours without bringing at least one friend along with you. Many robbers target lone hikers and follow them until they are deep into the woods so they cannot get any help. If you get into any other emergency, you should have at least one friend who can go get help.
You and your friend should also discuss some ground rules before heading out. Discuss your itinerary and lay out a plan in case of an emergency.
- Bring enough water.
It goes without saying that hikers should always carry loads of water. If you are new at hiking or are attempting more challenging trails, you should bring more water than you think you will need. This is not only helpful for you but for your friend too who comes along with you. If you live in a hot weather area, it is important to get familiarized with heat strokes.
You need to remember that heat strokes are major emergencies and call for immediate medical attention. If you or your friend are experiencing the symptoms, end the hike there.
