Call a DEC office in advance of your trip for camping regulations in regards to group size and permits
SAFETY - PREVENT RESCUES!!
Although the DEC maintains a high level of search and rescue readiness, it often takes many hours to get help if something goes wrong on your backcountry trip. Search and rescue operations are also expensive to the victim and this agency. Most of these unpleasant situations can be avoided if each visitor takes personal responsibility for his/her own actions.
1. Plan your trip well in advance and leave a trail plan with someone at home. Do not overestimate your stamina and choose a reasonable daily destination.
2. Register at all available DEC trailhead registers encountered on your route.
3. Be familiar with your area of travel and get proper information in advance of your trip. Obtain up-to-date maps, and take them with you. Check them often and stay oriented.
4. Avoid traveling alone. At the minimum - travel in a group of 3 or more. If one of the members becomes injured, one can stay with the victim while others seek help.
5. Carry gear suitable for changing weather conditions ranging from rain to snow. Take a tent, space blanket, or a good tarp for shelter, stove, wool pants, wool hat and sweater, good rain gear, and a change of dry clothes for the cold. Avoid cotton clothes. COTTON KILLS - IT DOES NOT INSULATE WHEN WET - and actually draws heat away from the body when wet. Even day hikers
should carry at least one sleeping bag for the party in case of emergencies.
6. Bring high-energy foods to nibble on while travelling and bring plenty of extra, just in case. Make
sure to drink lots of fluids.
7. Camp early - well before dark or at the first sign of stormy weather. Keep your group together,
especially toward the end of the day.
8.Do not take unnecessary chances or push too hard. Abandon the trip if anyone becomes ill or if bad weather sets in. Know your group and your own limitations, and modify plans if needed. The mountain will still be there for the next trip.
9. If you think you are lost, STOP AND SIT DOWN. Try to think calmly and refer to your map and compass and check for landmarks. Do not continue traveling unless you know where you are.
10. If you are lost, STAY IN ONE PLACE. Put out signals of three - three yells, whistle blasts, gun shots, columns of smoke. Any signal of three is a standard distress signal. Make your area and yourself highly visible, and make sure children know what to do if lost.
11.Each person should carry a minimal "survival kit" including map and compass, matches, whistle, 2 quarters for a phone, flashlight, rope, space blanket, raingear, extra wool sweater, and snacks.
12.Be sure to notify someone if you will be late getting home or change plans.
WATCH OUT FOR HYPOTHERMIA:
Hypothermia is the rapid and progressive mental and physical collapse, which accompanies chilling of the body's inner core. It is caused by exposure to cold and is accelerated by wetness, wind, and exhaustion. It can and often occurs when temperatures are above freezing. All its signs are progressive, so it is important to watch for them early. Often the victim will not be aware that he/she is in the early stages of hypothermia. Noticeable early warning signs may include:
Uncontrollable shivering and unreasonable behavior; Reduced muscle coordination; slurred speech; stiff, fumbling fingers; stumbling walk; reduced mental awareness; incoherent speech; apparent drowsiness, and irrational or uncooperative behavior.
Treat hypothermia immediately by minimizing further cooling and actively warming the victim.
Get the victim out of the wind and rain.
Remove wet clothing, and replace with dry clothes if possible.
Get victim near a heat source - a campfire, or inside a sleeping bag with skin-to-- skin contact with a healthy person.
Give the victim a hot drink (soup or sugar water, no caffeine or alcohol).
Keep victim awake and conscious.
Seek help immediately.
Avoid hypothermia by:
Stay dry. Carry good raingear, and put it on before you get wet. Make camp early or turn back before stormy weather sets in.
Be aware of the wind. Even a slight breeze can rob your body heat. Wind intensifies cold by evaporating moisture.
Use proper clothing. Wet cotton saps heat from the body; COTTON KILLS.
Always use wool or appropriate synthetics, especially a wool hat and sweater.
*Stay in good physical shape. Get plenty of rest. Take plenty of high-energy foods and drink lots of
liquids. Don't get overly tired!
The above points are furnished by NYS DEC. Below are some additional points I think you should review.
Jim's points:
- Know how to read topographical maps.
- Always carry a day pack with basic survival gear. Matches, lighters, firestarter, emergency blanket, 20' of nylon rope, backup compass, spare batteries for your flashlight, whistle and candybars are some of the items you may want to carry.
- Bring a GPS if you have access to one (and learn how to use it).
- Know the best direction to get to a road before you enter an area.
- Know how to build a small shelter and have a some rope in your emergency gear.
- REMEMBER there is no need to panic. There is plenty of firewood and a bonfire can keep you warm and occupied throughout the night.
