Safety in the Adirondacks

The safest way to enjoy the Adirondacks is to Hire a Guide. These professionals have excellent medical training and skills in their field, plus in-depth knowledge of the Adirondacks. When the consequences of an error can be so serious, the cost of a guide is unquestionably the best investment you can make.

If you are going to go on your own, recognize that, like all wilderness areas, the Adirondacks are not a "safe" place to go. Unlike amusement parks, theaters, and malls, there are few provisions for your personal security and comfort. You are your own responsibility in these mountains.

Emergency Dispatch Number
Call this number for ranger assistance in Wilderness emergencies

(518) 891-0235

There are several important things to keep in mind when entering these woods.

• First, Stay on the Trail. Every year, somebody decides the trail they are following isn't good enough, wanders off and gets lost or killed. Don't join that club.
• Second, Be prepared for Inclement Weather. Temperatures are cooler up here, and rains in the valleys may mean sleet or snow on the mountainsides.
• Third, Don't wear Cotton. Wool or synthetic fleece provide insulation even when wet.
• Fourth, Tell Someone at Home Where You are Going and When You plan on Returning Home. If you run into trouble, that person can then notify authorities to find you.
• Fifth, Stick to Your Plan. Don't Veer from your intended goals toward something else, especially if no one knows your alternate choice.
• Finally, Turn Back before it's Too Late. It may be disappointing to retreat from a close summit, but it will still be there next time. Push your luck and you may not have a next time.

If a member of your group is missing, Follow these procedures:

• Mark the spot where the missing person was last seen. If it is safely possible, keep a few people at that spot.
• DO NOT send other group members off the trail searching randomly.
• Ascertain what the missing person was wearing & carrying. Review any physical conditions of the person. Does anyone else in the group know why the person is missing or where they may have headed?
• Weather and light permitting, have two people retrace the trail, hollering the name of the missing person every minute.
• Ask anyone else on the trail if they have seen someone who fits the description of the missing person. Seek their assistance in contacting authorities or placing watchers along the trail and by the point last seen.
• If the person does not turn up within an hour, notify authorities. Most of the Adirondacks is now using the universal 9-1-1 emergency phone system, so try that number first.

If a member of your group is injured:

• Check the scene. Is it safe for you to go to the victim? In the Adirondacks, this is especially relevant in situations where someone has fallen off a cliff, into water, or through the ice.
• Don't move the victim unless it is absolutely necessary.
• Check the ABCs: airway, breathing, circulation. Is the victim able to breath, actually breathing, is there serious blood loss, and is there a pulse?
• Clear the airway, use CPR, pressure points, or whatever is appropriate to get these controlled or restored first.
• Make a note of all obvious injuries and check for more. If the victim is conscious, have them feel themselves over for other injuries.
• It may be necessary to send for help. Leave as many as possible safely near the scene to assist, but if the group is large enough, send two for help
• In cold weather situations, it may be vital to get the victim out of the woods. If this must be done, send someone (numbers permitting) for help, then use the quickest, most gentle method possible. This could be a matter of binding a broken arm and lending a hand as the victim walks, or as complex as rigging a stretcher from materials at hand and carrying the victim out.
• DON'T BE TOO PROUD TO GET HELP!

Water Safety

With so many beautiful ponds, lakes,rivers, and streams; the Adirondacks provides plenty of water recreation. Make sure you enjoy all such activities safely. Follow a few basic rules:

• Don't swim alone
• Use a PFD (life vest) for all boating, ESPECIALLY canoeing.
• Don't swim in rapids.
• Don't swim or walk near the edge of waterfalls
• Don't dive into water that you don't KNOW is deep enough.
• Have a person on shore with a throw bag or other water rescue device handy.
• Learn CPR, just in case.
• Don't swim or boat while intoxicated.
• Don't allow dangerous play or fighting in the water.

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