Tips For Safe Hiking

You are responsible for yourself, so be prepared. Be self-reliant and knowledgeable about the trail conditions, the local weather forecast, as well as your own abilities. Please follow these tips for your own safety and for the safety of your fellow hikers.

1. Have a safety plan for hiking, especially for longer hikes. Write down where you are hiking, how long you plan to be out, and how many are hiking with you. Leave a copy at home, as well as in your car, giving the approximate time you are starting the hike.

2. Always carry a map and/or trail guide with you. A compass or GPS tracker should be standard equipment. Pay attention to detail and consult your map often as you hike.

3. Carry a cell phone with you, but be mindful that you are responsible for yourself and there may be areas where there is no cell phone coverage. A flashlight and a whistle can be used to signal for help.

4. There are wild animals including bears, coyotes, and foxes in many open spaces. Do not approach or feed animals, especially young ones, and make some noise when hiking so that they hear you coming and are not surprised. See below for more information about wildlife safety.

5. Carry plenty of water, whether it's cool or hot, and a snack.

6. If hiking with others, always stay together. If you start as a group, you should finish as a group. Pace your hike to the slowest person.

7. Dress appropriately for the season and the weather, as well as for the trail. Bring sunscreen, a hat (warm hat and gloves in winter), and rain protection. Long pants are advisable, with socks pulled over the cuffs, to keep ticks out. Wear sensible footwear for the terrain.

8. Turn back if the weather starts looking threatening. Unexpected conditions can greatly affect your hike; know your limitations.

9. An injury, severe weather, or a wrong turn can be life-threatening. Be prepared, carry the appropriate items, and use common sense.

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OUTDOOR FUN STARTS WITH THE BLAST PREVENTION STEPS
 

Whether you’re playing in the yard or heading out for a hike, it’s important to take steps to avoid tick-borne diseases.

• Bathe or shower soon after outdoor activity

• Look for ticks and remove them quickly and properly

• Apply recommended repellents to skin and clothing

• Spray tick habitat areas of greatest risk in your yard

• Treat pets with veterinarian-recommended products

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The black-legged or “deer tick” (Ixodes scapularis) is responsible for spreading Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis in Connecticut. This tick is most often found at the yard edge, under protective invasive plants such as barberry, in stone walls, damp leaves, ground cover, and along untended trails. While most cases occur in warm weather months, ticks may be encountered year-round. Avoiding tick habitat, dressing appropriately, and following the BLAST steps will help keep your outdoor adventures tick-free.

 

You’ll find additional BLAST tick-borne disease prevention information, symptoms, and links to important research on the Ridgefield Health Department website at: Blastlyme.org