Hiking Safety

1
Hiking Safety

• by
• daniel Brendle-Moczuk
• A PowerPoint 2000 Presentation
• for
• UBC SLAIS Libr500

2
Contents

• Introduction
• Hiking with Others
• Destination Time
• Clothing Equipment
• If Trouble arises
• Conclusion
• (Underlined contents are links to quick
  information pages in this presentation. A return
  button at the top of the page will bring you back
  here.)

3
Introduction

• Hiking can be fun and rewarding.
• While you may not scale this peak, you could hike
  to this viewpoint.
• There are important considerations for hiking and
  this presentation will focus on hiking safety.

4
Safety First

• There are 6 safety aspects of hiking to consider
• Hiking with others
• Destination
• Time
• Clothing
• Equipment
• If Trouble arises

5
Who to Hike With

• NEVER hike ALONE

• For contacts, link to any of the following
• Richmond Outdoors Club North Shore Hikers
  and UBCs Varsity
  Outdoors Club
• (If you link to any of these clubs, close your
  browser to return here.)

6
Regarding Destinations

• Stick to your plans.
• Inform those at home where you are going and
  when you plan to be back.
• Do not change your plans unless those at home are
  notified.
• Consult the following books in the UBC Library
  for suggestions as to where to hike
• 103 Hikes in Southwestern BC
• 109 Walks in Southwestern BC
• 100 Hikes in the North Cascades
• (If you link to the UBC Library, close your
  browser to return here.)

7
Time Considerations

• Get an early start.
• Keep track of the time.
• Plan to complete your hike at least one hour
  before dusk.

8
Clothing

• Even on an easy hike on a nice day
• Dress in layers of quick-dry fabrics that are
  insulating even when wet.
• (Do not wear cotton)
• Be prepared for inclement weather.
• Take at least one brightly coloured piece of
  clothing.
• Bring insulating mitts and a hat.
• Carry extra socks.

9
Essential Equipment

• Map/guide-book compass and the ability to use
  them correctly.
• Flashlight that can also act as a strobe light.
• Properly supplied first aid kit and matches.
• Whistle or some sort of noise maker.
• Communication device (and an extra battery) but
  be prepared that it may not work in certain areas.

10
If Trouble Arises.

• If you become disoriented or lost
• Remain calm consult your map and/or guidebook.
• Retrace your steps back to the hiking path.
• If you are unsure which direction to go, stay
  where you are.
• Never hike downhill (thinking you will end up
  back where you started people often get in
  trouble by descending into an entirely different
  valley).

11
If Someone is injured

• Remain Calm.
• Carefully determine what the injury is.
• Dress the person in insulating clothing.

• If someone has suffered a back injury DO
  NOT MOVE THE PERSON ! Cover the person
  with insulating layers.

12
Contacting Help

• Review what you are going to say before you use
  your communication device.
• Speak clearly and slowly.
• Listen and obey instructions.

13
Going for Help

• If possible, someone should remain with the
  injured person.
• Be calm and careful when going for help so that
  another injury does not take place.

14
Conclusion

• When hiking you can expect to have
• and see views like this,
• but you should be prepared for anything that
  might happen.
• Remember,
• Safety First !

FUN