Whether you hike to relax or for an intense adrenaline rush, familiarize yourself with the Hikers Basic Guide to Safety. Whether you are an ammeture or an extreme outdoors man, it never hurts to have a refresher course.
*Tell someone the time you plan to leave and return from your hike. Always give someone your exact starting location.
*Carry a backpack with water, snacks, a whistle, flashlight, first aid kit, pocket knife, compass, watch, cell phone, rain gear, a heavy sweat shirt and an area map. (Be prepared for unexpected weather)
*Do not stray from the marked and/or designated trails.
*Wear good hiking shoes and socks. (Keep your feet as dry as possible)
*Avoid wearing cotton. Cotton holds moisture to your body. In the event of unexpected rain or cool weather, this can lead to hypothermia.
Note: The signal for distress is three short blasts of a whistle, repeated often.
*If at any point you believe you are lost, sit down and wait for help. Do not attempt to find your own way out. This could result in venturing even farther off course, making search and rescue more difficult.
This is only a basic guide. It is not intended to save lives, nor does it guarantee your complete safety.