By Fiona de Young, Community Relations Manager
With temperatures heating up, it’s a good time to think about hiking safety. Vail offers easy access to numerous scenic trails and mountains. At the Fire District, it’s not unusual for crews to assist stranded or injured hikers in the area. Sometimes this involves a walk up to a nearby trail. Other times, a lengthy technical rescue. Calling 911 for help on the trail is nothing to be ashamed of – In fact, it may save your life.
Preparation
• Bring plenty of water: A good rule of thumb, especially in high heat, is 1 Liter per hour. Pre-hydrating is also advised, which means drinking the day and morning before strenuous exercise.
• Learn the trail: understanding the route, distance, terrain, elevation, and difficulty is key to planning your hike. Don’t leave it to chance. For information about the Arizona Trail, visit aztrail.org.
• Tell someone where you’re going, or better yet, hike in groups of two or more!
• Wear a hat, sunscreen, and sturdy comfortable shoes. Use hiking sticks for stability.
• Bring a map, flashlight, food, first aid kit, a heat source for emergencies, and a waterproof tarp. Weather can change rapidly, especially during the monsoon season.
• Bring a fully charged cell phone. For more remote areas, consider a personal locator beacon.
Warning signs of heat stroke
A heat stroke is a serious medical emergency caused by over exposure to heat and sun. Symptoms can set in quickly, including dizziness, headache, nausea, hot or damp skin, rapid pulse, and confusion. If you experience these symptoms, don’t ignore them! Move to a cool, shaded place immediately, and call for medical help. Note the name and location of the trail for 911 dispatchers, as well as trail marker or approximate distance from the trailhead. Keep track of your time and distance throughout a hike so you know where you are along the trail. Knowing your location is key.
Wildlife
Bears, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes may be seen, even in semi-urban areas. If you encounter wildlife on the trail, keep your distance, back away slowly and do not run. Always watch where you’re stepping, make sure the coast is clear. If allergic to bees, always carry Epinephrine as prescribed by your physician.
It’s wildfire season! To find out more about creating a wildfire ready home, sign-up for our free home assessment program by visiting our web site at rinconvalleyfd.org or call us at (520) 647-3760. Residents must reside in the district and within the Wildland Urban Interface to be eligible for a home assessment.
Fiona de Young recently joined the Rincon Valley Fire District as its new Community Relations Manager. In this role, she is responsible for managing the District’s community engagement and media relations. Before joining the District, Fiona worked as an aide to U.S. Senator Martha McSally. She holds a Master’s Degree in Information Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. Fiona loves hiking in the beautiful mountains of Southern Arizona.
