Hiking Safety Tips:
For Mount Washington (New Hampshire)
by the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department
The recent rescue of four unprepared hikers from the summit of Mt.
Washington is a sobering reminder of the importance of refreshing yourself on
safe hiking principles before heading out on the trail this time of year. Dressed
only for summer temperatures, and setting out late in the day for a difficult
hike, these hikers were unprepared for the winter conditions they encountered
at the higher altitudes of the summit. Their second mistake: they failed to turn
back when they ran into trouble. One of the hikers remains hospitalized in
serious condition suffering from severe hypothermia. The hikers, who are from
Canada, found some shelter when they broke into one of the summit buildings.
"Hikers, especially on Mt. Washington, should never count on buildings being
open to provide a safe haven - or assume that staff will be around to help you
get back down," said New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Lt. Todd
Bogardus, who coordinates the hikeSafe initiative.
"It's a beautiful time of year to hike in New Hampshire, with crisp air, colorful
foliage and glimpses of wildlife preparing for winter," said Bogardus. "But
hikers must be equipped with gear and extra warm clothing this time of year.
You should be prepared for winter-like conditions, such as snow, high winds,
rain and exposure to extreme weather at the higher summits."
Bogardus also cautions that because the days are growing shorter, night can
fall quickly. Hikers should prepare for being caught out after dark -- carry a
flashlight or headlamp, even if you're not planning to stay out late. Also, rime
ice at higher altitudes can obscure signs, so hikers should be equipped with a
map and compass and know how to use them. Hunting seasons are already
underway in New Hampshire, so it's a good idea to wear bright colors such as
red or orange when out on the trails. Watch your step, because wet autumn
leaves can be very slick, and when on the trail, always stay together as a group.
Before you head out, be sure to tell someone where you're going and how long
you'll be gone.
"The weather is extremely unpredictable this time of year, so we encourage
people to be prepared with the right knowledge and gear to have a fun time,
safely. If you do experience unexpected conditions that affect your hike, like
fatigue or weather changes, be responsible and turn back -- the mountains will
be there another day," says Bogardus.
He recommends carrying the "Ten Essentials" on every trip: map and compass,
warm clothing (including hat and mittens), extra food and water, flashlight or
headlamp, matches/firestarters, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind gear and a
pocket knife.
As you plan your fall hiking, visit www.hikesafe.com for more safe hiking tips,
plus links to websites like the Mt. Washington Observatory for weather
updates and other information to help plan your trip. Enjoy the fall, review the
hiker responsibility code, and hikeSafe!
HIKER RESPONSIBILITY CODE
You are responsible for yourself, so be prepared:
>With knowledge and gear. Become self-reliant by learning about the terrain,
conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start.
>To leave your plans. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are
hiking, when you'll return and your emergency plans.
>To stay together. When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group.
Pace your hike to the slowest person.
>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.
>For emergencies, even if you are headed out for just an 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.
>To share the hiker code with others.
The hikeSafe educational initiative is a result of a partnership between New
Hampshire Fish and Game and White Mountain National Forest. It was
designed to help reduce the numbers of search and rescue incidents and
emergencies by educating outdoor users on proper preparation.
For more information about hikeSafe, visit www.hikesafe.com, or contact Lt.
Todd Bogardus of N.H. Fish and Game, (603) 744-5470; or Rebecca Oreskes of
the White Mountain National Forest, (603) 466-2713 x212.
For Mount Washington (New Hampshire)
by the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department
The recent rescue of four unprepared hikers from the summit of Mt.
Washington is a sobering reminder of the importance of refreshing yourself on
safe hiking principles before heading out on the trail this time of year. Dressed
only for summer temperatures, and setting out late in the day for a difficult
hike, these hikers were unprepared for the winter conditions they encountered
at the higher altitudes of the summit. Their second mistake: they failed to turn
back when they ran into trouble. One of the hikers remains hospitalized in
serious condition suffering from severe hypothermia. The hikers, who are from
Canada, found some shelter when they broke into one of the summit buildings.
"Hikers, especially on Mt. Washington, should never count on buildings being
open to provide a safe haven - or assume that staff will be around to help you
get back down," said New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Lt. Todd
Bogardus, who coordinates the hikeSafe initiative.
"It's a beautiful time of year to hike in New Hampshire, with crisp air, colorful
foliage and glimpses of wildlife preparing for winter," said Bogardus. "But
hikers must be equipped with gear and extra warm clothing this time of year.
You should be prepared for winter-like conditions, such as snow, high winds,
rain and exposure to extreme weather at the higher summits."
Bogardus also cautions that because the days are growing shorter, night can
fall quickly. Hikers should prepare for being caught out after dark -- carry a
flashlight or headlamp, even if you're not planning to stay out late. Also, rime
ice at higher altitudes can obscure signs, so hikers should be equipped with a
map and compass and know how to use them. Hunting seasons are already
underway in New Hampshire, so it's a good idea to wear bright colors such as
red or orange when out on the trails. Watch your step, because wet autumn
leaves can be very slick, and when on the trail, always stay together as a group.
Before you head out, be sure to tell someone where you're going and how long
you'll be gone.
"The weather is extremely unpredictable this time of year, so we encourage
people to be prepared with the right knowledge and gear to have a fun time,
safely. If you do experience unexpected conditions that affect your hike, like
fatigue or weather changes, be responsible and turn back -- the mountains will
be there another day," says Bogardus.
He recommends carrying the "Ten Essentials" on every trip: map and compass,
warm clothing (including hat and mittens), extra food and water, flashlight or
headlamp, matches/firestarters, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind gear and a
pocket knife.
As you plan your fall hiking, visit www.hikesafe.com for more safe hiking tips,
plus links to websites like the Mt. Washington Observatory for weather
updates and other information to help plan your trip. Enjoy the fall, review the
hiker responsibility code, and hikeSafe!
HIKER RESPONSIBILITY CODE
You are responsible for yourself, so be prepared:
>With knowledge and gear. Become self-reliant by learning about the terrain,
conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start.
>To leave your plans. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are
hiking, when you'll return and your emergency plans.
>To stay together. When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group.
Pace your hike to the slowest person.
>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.
>For emergencies, even if you are headed out for just an 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.
>To share the hiker code with others.
The hikeSafe educational initiative is a result of a partnership between New
Hampshire Fish and Game and White Mountain National Forest. It was
designed to help reduce the numbers of search and rescue incidents and
emergencies by educating outdoor users on proper preparation.
For more information about hikeSafe, visit www.hikesafe.com, or contact Lt.
Todd Bogardus of N.H. Fish and Game, (603) 744-5470; or Rebecca Oreskes of
the White Mountain National Forest, (603) 466-2713 x212.
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