Preparation Is The Key
If you would like to minimize your chances of requiring emergency assistance, here are a few things you can do.
1. Take the proper clothing - Be prepared for temperature extremes. At certain times of the year, it can get cold almost instantly at sunset. Even if you do not plan to be out after dark, take insulating clothing and gear that will help you survive in case you happen to get off the trail or are delayed for any reason. In colder months, take a jacket and/or windbreaker, a hat, gloves, proper footwear, a reflective emergency blanket, etc.. Clothing is just as important during the hotter months. A lightweight, long-sleeve shirt and a hat can help you stay cool. Carry sunglasses and sunscreen too.
2. Take LOTS of water - If you think you have enough water, you probably don't. Take more. It has a tendency to disappear quickly. A basic rule of thumb is a gallon per day per person. You may need even more. You may only plan to be out for a few hours, but plan on the unplanned. Take extra water. Electrolyte replacement is also essential, so take powdered or liquid electrolytes or something salty.
3. Take food - Adventure requires energy. Maintain your energy levels with adequate food. Trail mix or energy bars are good choices.
4. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back - Do not change your itinerary without updating this person. The first place we will look if you are reported overdue is on the trail that you are supposed to be on.
5. Know your location - Research and study your planned route. Know how to navigate with a good map and compass and/or a GPS. Practice with each. Do not rely on cell phone or tablet navigation apps that require cell service to function. Cell service is notoriously bad in many areas of Grand County. If you do become lost or disoriented, don't compound the problem by trying to get un-lost. Stay where you are.
6. Know your skill and fitness level - Check guidebooks for typical riding and hiking times. Then to be safe, double those times. The scenery can be very distracting. While some experts may be able to do a certain trail in 3 hours, most people might require 6 or 7 hours to do the same trail. Be honest in assessing your skill and fitness levels. Some of Grand County's trails can be extremely difficult, even for experts.
7. Take a light - Even if you plan to be back well before dark, take a headlamp or flashlight and extra batteries. Once it gets dark, do not attempt to travel without illumination. The consequences could be deadly.
8. Take a fire starter - Carry the means to start and sustain an emergency fire. There are many ways to start a fire. Carry a lighter, waterproof matches, or some type of fire starting kit. A knife can aid in carving kindling.
9. Take a cell phone - Even though cell service is a hit-and-miss proposition in this area, cell phones have helped GCSAR save numerous lives. Make sure your battery is fully charged and leave the phone off unless absolutely necessary. If you call 911, we should automatically get coordinates for your location if you stay on the phone for about a minute. Sometimes, texting can work in areas where voice service does not. If you are unable to connect via 911, try texting a friend to call 911. Cell phones usually work if you are up on a mesa, but do not work well down in the canyons.
10. Carry first aid supplies - Accidents happen. Be prepared with at least a basic first aid kit that contains different types of bandages and gauze, adhesive tape, and a method to cleanse a wound.
11. Wear a PFD - If you are swimming or boating, wear a Personal Flotation Device (lifejacket). The Colorado and Green Rivers can appear deceptively calm. Visitors have been caught in strong and invisible undercurrents near shorelines and pulled farther out into the river than they originally planned to swim. NEVER try to swim across the river without a PFD. It's wider than it looks.
And finally - Purchase your Utah Search and Rescue Assistance Card here: Utah SAR Card
1. Take the proper clothing - Be prepared for temperature extremes. At certain times of the year, it can get cold almost instantly at sunset. Even if you do not plan to be out after dark, take insulating clothing and gear that will help you survive in case you happen to get off the trail or are delayed for any reason. In colder months, take a jacket and/or windbreaker, a hat, gloves, proper footwear, a reflective emergency blanket, etc.. Clothing is just as important during the hotter months. A lightweight, long-sleeve shirt and a hat can help you stay cool. Carry sunglasses and sunscreen too.
2. Take LOTS of water - If you think you have enough water, you probably don't. Take more. It has a tendency to disappear quickly. A basic rule of thumb is a gallon per day per person. You may need even more. You may only plan to be out for a few hours, but plan on the unplanned. Take extra water. Electrolyte replacement is also essential, so take powdered or liquid electrolytes or something salty.
3. Take food - Adventure requires energy. Maintain your energy levels with adequate food. Trail mix or energy bars are good choices.
4. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back - Do not change your itinerary without updating this person. The first place we will look if you are reported overdue is on the trail that you are supposed to be on.
5. Know your location - Research and study your planned route. Know how to navigate with a good map and compass and/or a GPS. Practice with each. Do not rely on cell phone or tablet navigation apps that require cell service to function. Cell service is notoriously bad in many areas of Grand County. If you do become lost or disoriented, don't compound the problem by trying to get un-lost. Stay where you are.
6. Know your skill and fitness level - Check guidebooks for typical riding and hiking times. Then to be safe, double those times. The scenery can be very distracting. While some experts may be able to do a certain trail in 3 hours, most people might require 6 or 7 hours to do the same trail. Be honest in assessing your skill and fitness levels. Some of Grand County's trails can be extremely difficult, even for experts.
7. Take a light - Even if you plan to be back well before dark, take a headlamp or flashlight and extra batteries. Once it gets dark, do not attempt to travel without illumination. The consequences could be deadly.
8. Take a fire starter - Carry the means to start and sustain an emergency fire. There are many ways to start a fire. Carry a lighter, waterproof matches, or some type of fire starting kit. A knife can aid in carving kindling.
9. Take a cell phone - Even though cell service is a hit-and-miss proposition in this area, cell phones have helped GCSAR save numerous lives. Make sure your battery is fully charged and leave the phone off unless absolutely necessary. If you call 911, we should automatically get coordinates for your location if you stay on the phone for about a minute. Sometimes, texting can work in areas where voice service does not. If you are unable to connect via 911, try texting a friend to call 911. Cell phones usually work if you are up on a mesa, but do not work well down in the canyons.
10. Carry first aid supplies - Accidents happen. Be prepared with at least a basic first aid kit that contains different types of bandages and gauze, adhesive tape, and a method to cleanse a wound.
11. Wear a PFD - If you are swimming or boating, wear a Personal Flotation Device (lifejacket). The Colorado and Green Rivers can appear deceptively calm. Visitors have been caught in strong and invisible undercurrents near shorelines and pulled farther out into the river than they originally planned to swim. NEVER try to swim across the river without a PFD. It's wider than it looks.
And finally - Purchase your Utah Search and Rescue Assistance Card here: Utah SAR Card
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