Safe Hiking Is No Accident: It Begins with You

CONCORD, N.H. -- As the Memorial Day holiday approaches, many hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts are gearing up to head onto the trails and into the outdoors. The White Mountains of New Hampshire and other areas of the state offer many exciting recreational opportunities, and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and the White Mountain National Forest remind everyone to enjoy their endeavors in a safe and responsible way by practicing hikeSafe's Hiker Responsibility Code when embarking on outdoor adventures this summer.

Recent heavy rains have deposited lots of water into the backcountry and some brook crossings may be treacherous, according to Lt. Todd Bogardus of Fish and Game. "Proper planning and following safe hiking principles can help hikers reduce the chance of needing to call on rescue services to save them from harm," Bogardus said.

The hikeSafe principles are aimed at teaching those new to hiking, as well as reminding experienced hikers that proper planning, preparation and self-responsibility can help outdoor enthusiasts have a safe, fun and gratifying experience in the outdoors. Everyone embarking on a hiking experience should at the minimum carry the top ten essentials to help avoid trouble or assist if they encounter difficulties. The top ten essential items to carry while hiking are: map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, flashlight or headlamp, matches/firestarters, first aid kit/repair kit, whistle, rain/wind gear and a pocket knife.

You'll also want to think about the large numbers of ticks that are in the state this year. Protect yourself by wearing bright clothing, tucking your pant legs into your socks, applying insect repellents that contain DEET and checking yourself and your children after spending time outside. This will help you reduce the chances of having ticks on or attached to you, in the process cutting down your chance of exposure to Lyme disease.

Another key concern: be sure to check on the local weather before heading out; weather is always unpredictable in the mountains.

HIKER RESPONSIBILITY CODE
You are responsible for yourself, so be prepared:

1. With knowledge and gear. Become self-reliant by learning about terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start.
 

2. To leave your plans. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you'll return and your emergency plans.
 

3. To stay together. When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group. Pace your hike to the slowest person.
 

4. To turn back. Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Fatigue and unexpected conditions can also affect your hike. Know your limitations and when to postpone your hike. The mountains will be there another day.
 

5. For emergencies. Even if you are headed out for just and hour, an injury, severe weather or a wrong turn could become life-threatening. Don't assume you will be rescued; know how to rescue yourself.
 

6. To share the hiker code with others.

Let's all help with promoting the hikeSafe principles while out on the trails this season by spreading the hikeSafe message to fellow hikers. While planning and before heading out on the trail, click here to visit www.hikesafe.com to learn more about the hikeSafe program and find additional hiking safety information.

hikeSafe - There and Back - It's Your Responsibility!

hikeSafe and the Hiker Responsibility Code are a joint educational initiative developed and endorsed by the White Mountain National Forest and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. All hikeSafe materials and logos are copyright and registered trademarks of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department