Red Cross offers safety tips for hiking and camping

Recognizes the benefits of these activities for people of all ages Newton - For those hiking and camping, Sussex County Red Cross has a plan to help guarantee a good time by making sure to follow some common sense safety precautions: If you have any medical conditions, discuss your plans with your health care provider and get approval before starting out. Review the equipment, supplies, and skills that you’ll need. Consider what emergencies could arise and how you would deal with those situations. Add to your packing checklist the supplies you would need to deal with these situations. Make sure you have the skills you need for your camping or hiking adventure. You may need to know how to read a compass, erect a temporary shelter, or give first aid. And practice your skills in advance. If your trip will be strenuous, get into good physical condition first. If you plan to climb or travel to high altitudes, make plans for proper acclimatization to the altitude. It’s safest to hike or camp with at least one companion. If you’ll be entering a remote area, your group should have a minimum of four people; this way, if one is hurt, another can stay with the victim while two go for help. If you’ll be going into an area that is unfamiliar to you, take along someone who knows the area or at least talk with those who do beforehand. Some areas require you to have reservations or certain permits. If an area is closed, there’s a reason, so don’t go there. Find out in advance about any regulations - there may be rules about campfires or specific guidelines about wildlife. Pack emergency signaling devices and know ahead of time the location of the nearest telephone or ranger station in case an emergency does occur on your trip. Leave a copy of your itinerary with a responsible person. Include such details as the make, year, and license plate of your car, the equipment you’re bringing, the weather you’ve anticipated, and when you plan to return. What to bring: a hiking checklist What you take will depend on where you are going and how long you plan to be away, but every backpack should contain the following: candle, clothing (always bring something warm, extra socks, and rain gear), compass, First Aid kit, food (bring extra), flashlight, foil (to use as a cup or signaling device), hat, insect repellent, map, nylon filament, pocket knife, pocket mirror (to use as a signaling device), prescription glasses (an extra pair), prescription medications for existing medical conditions, radio with batteries, tent/shelter, space blanket or a piece of plastic (to use for warmth or shelter), sunglasses, sunscreen, trash bag (makes an adequate poncho), water, waterproof matches or matches in a waterproof tin, water purification tablets, whistle (to scare off animals or to use as a signaling device). Always allow for bad weather and for the possibility that you may be forced to spend a night outdoors unexpectedly. It’s a good idea to assemble a separate survival pack for each hiker to have at all times. In a small waterproof container, place a pocket knife, compass, whistle, space blanket, nylon filament, water purification tablets, matches, and candle. With these items, the chances of being able to survive in the wild are greatly improved. For more information, visit www.sussexredcross.org or call Sussex County Red Cross at 973-579-1600.