Читать книгу Afoot & Afield: Atlanta. 108 Spectacular Outings in North-Central Georgia онлайн

44 страница из 110

Safety Measures

There are many precautions you can take to stay safe when traveling in the backcountry. One of the most important is to let someone know where you are going, particularly if you’ll be hiking alone or plan to be gone for more than just a few hours. Provide a friend or relative your itinerary, including the day you plan to return. Provide that person a phone number for the appropriate agency responsible for the area where you will be hiking. Notify rangers or other authorities of your itinerary. (You can do this when getting required permits.)

Avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle. Trailhead break-ins are not frequent in most areas, but they happen. If you are in bear territory, do not leave food in your vehicle. You would be amazed at the things bears have done to rear windows and even car doors while trying to get to food.

I love to hike solo, but if you’re new to hiking, consider going with a partner or even a group. This not only adds security, but if you get lost, you will feel safer if you are not alone. Plus, in an emergency situation, it’s best if someone can remain with an injured person while someone else goes for help.