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HIKE SMART NY

Follow the Hiker Responsibility Code:

Be Prepared

Wear proper gear and attire, including sturdy, comfortable boots.

Moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics that keep your skin dry and help regulate your body temperature in both cold and warm weather - avoid cotton as it holds moisture

Layered clothing is recommended even for summer hikes

Light-colored clothing, which will make it easier to see ticks

Waterproof, sturdy, and comfortable shoes or boots

A watch or other time-keeping device

Trekking poles will reduce leg fatigue and joint pain

Snowshoes and traction devices in the winter

10 Hiking Essentials

Carry these essentials in a day pack on all hikes for a safe and enjoyable experience.

NAVIGATION

Map

Compass

GPS system

Extra batteries

INSULATION/RAIN GEAR

Waterproof/windproof jacket

Hat

Gloves

Thermal undergarments (pack extra)

Wool socks (pack extra)

Goggles - Winter

Face mask - Winter

LIGHT

Headlamp

Flashlight

Lanterns

Extra batteries

FIRST AID SUPPLIES

Use a pre-made kit or build your own

EMERGENCY KIT

Whistle

Signal mirror

Duct tape

Pocket knife/multi-tool, etc.

Bright colored cloth

FIRE

Matches in waterproof container

Lighter

Fire starters

NUTRITION

Choose high protein and high calorie items

Pack extra food

In the winter break food into small pieces and pack in the center of pack to avoid freezing

WATER

Pack at least 2 liters per person

Carry more than you think you will need

Water filtration or purifying system

In the winter insulate your hydro-tubing or pack water in the center of pack to avoid freezing

SUN and INSECT PROTECTION

Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Hat

Bug Repellent

Bug Net

EMERGENCY SHELTER

Tent

Space Blanket

Tarp

Use Maps, Guides, or DEC's Website to Plan Your Trip

Leave Trip Plans With Family or Friends

Update them with any changes to your plans

Be Realistic About Your Fitness and Skill Level

Don't overestimate your abilities

Don't underestimate mother nature

Choose trails within your or your group's ability

In the winter, breaking through fresh snow can be more tiring than regular hiking.

Check the Weather Forecast and Current Conditions

Day of your trip

Night of your trip and the next day so you can be prepared for an unexpected night in the woods

Know what time the sun sets and plan your hike to return before dark

Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms can pop up even if they are not forecast

Watch for darkening skies, increase winds, lightning flashes, and the rumble of thunder

Avoid summits and other open areas during thunderstorms

As soon as you are first aware of an approaching thunderstorm move to lower elevations and seek shelter

If caught outside in a thunderstorm find a low spot away from tall trees, seek an area of shorter trees and crouch down away from tree trunks

Make yourself as short as possible by; Sitting on your pack or sleeping pad with your knees flexed, and Hugging your knees to keep your feet together to minimize the ground effect of a near-by lightning strike



Weather Conditions Can Affect Your Health

Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature.

Stay warm and dry to prevent hypothermia

Cool wet weather is as dangerous as extremely cold temperatures.

During cool and rainy weather Wear waterproof jacket with hood or hat and waterproof pants Wear layers of non-cotton clothing that can wick moisture

During nice weather Pack rain gear and extra clothing as weather can change quickly or you may have to spend the night in the woods

During cold weather - dress properly Thermal undergarments that wick moisture Fleece or wool insulating layer Waterproof or water-resistant outer layers Thick socks, a winter hat, and gloves or mittens Waterproof, insulated boots

Carry plenty of food and water - eat, drink, and rest often

Being tired, hungry, or dehydrated makes you more susceptible to hypothermia

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke occur when your body's cooling mechanisms are overcome by heat, causing a dangerously high body temperature.

Wear sunscreen

Slow your pace

Drink water and rest more often

Seek shade and avoid long periods in direct sunlight

Do not hike in extremely hot weather

Prepare For Survival

Know what to do in case of emergencies and be prepared for them to happen

Hike in a Group and Stay Together

Pace your hike to the slowest person

Stay in sight of the person behind you and the person in front of you

Stay in hearing distance of everyone in your group

Monitor Conditions and Turn Back

If the weather changes for the worse

If exhaustion is setting in for any group members

If darkness is approaching

Don't push your limits!

More Safety Tips

Emergency Phone Numbers

911

DEC Emergency Dispatch: 518-408-5850

In the Adirondacks: 518-891-0235

At the Trailhead or Parking Lot

Conceal valuables, and lock your vehicle

Save the DEC Emergency Dispatch number in your cell phone

Sign trail registers and indicate the time. This will assist searchers in locating you if you become lost

On the Trail

Stay with your party; don't split up and take different trails

Drink water regularly; rest and snack occasionally

Do not drink water from ponds or streams unless you have treated it first by boiling, filtering or using purification tablets

Keep track of time and remember it will take you as long to return to your starting point as it did to get to wherever you are on your hike

Turn off cellphones or switch to "airplane mode" to conserve the battery

Use a flashlight or headlamp. Save your cell phone battery

If You Are Lost or Injured

Stop where you are. Keep calm and assess your situation

Try to determine your location-look for recognizable landmarks and listen for vehicles on nearby roads

If you are sure you can get yourself out of the woods using a map and compass, do so - otherwise stay put

If you have cell service, call 911 or DEC Dispatch (see above). The dispatcher will ask questions to collect information needed to help searchers locate you quickly

If you don't have cell service, move to a location close by where you are visible to searchers on the ground or in the air. If you have something brightly colored, wear it or place it in a conspicuous location

If someone is injured or stricken and there is no cell service: One person should remain with the injured person while the others note their location and leave to obtain assistance If there isn't anyone to stay behind, make sure the injured person has shelter and supplies before leaving to seek help

If it appears that you will need to spend the night: Clear an area of debris to build a campfire to provide heat, light and comfort. A fire will help searchers locate you Using items from your pack, build a shelter that will serve as a "cocoon" to keep you warm and sheltered from the weather. You can also use dead branches, conifer boughs and leave litter to insulate the shelter DEC has a brochure with safety tips (PDF) on how to prevent getting lost and what to do if you are lost

DEC Forest Rangers have the primary responsibility for searching for lost hikers and rescuing injured hikers

When You Return

Sign trail registers again and indicate the time

Return any trail guides

Dispose of litter properly

Inform person you left trip plans with that you have finished your hike



