SCOTTSDALE, AZ — Scottsdale fire officials are sharing an important reminder about the dangers of the summer heat, especially when you’re recreating outdoors.
The Valley's majestic mountains are hard to resist, but as the temperatures climb, so too do the risks.
Here are some of the safety tips from the Scottsdale Fire Department:
Make a hiking plan:
- Make sure someone knows your itinerary: when and where you'll be hiking, as well as when you will be done.
- Know your limitations. Don't attempt a hike that may be too difficult for your abilities.
- Pace yourself and take regular breaks.
- Know the weather conditions. Temperatures can exceed 110ºF between May and October.
- Brief and powerful thunderstorms and lightning can occur in July and August. Avoid high points along the trail during storms.
Have the essentials
- Wear Proper footwear. Sturdy hiking boots that are broken in and comfortable are best.
- Take at least one quart of water. Turn around when ½ of your water is gone!
- Wear light-colored, loose clothing. A long-sleeved, lightweight shirt is recommended.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen (SPF 15 minimum).
- Carry a cell phone. In the event of an emergency, take note of your location and any landmarks so the 911 dispatcher can direct first responders.
Stay on the trail
- You are more likely to be injured or need to be rescued if you stray from the trails.
- Watch where you step. Keep an eye on the trail well in front of where you are walking, and always consider the path before bounding forward. The desert has numerous plants and animals that poke, impale, sting, or bite.
- Snakes, insects, and spiders are part of the ecosystem and a few of them have poison in their defense mechanism. If encountered, give them plenty of room and don't panic. Rarely are they aggressive and in time will move away from you if left alone.
Trail etiquette
- Learn to share the trail with other trail users. Use courtesy and common sense when meeting on the trail. The universal rule of trail courtesy is for all trail users to yield the right-of-way to horses, and for bicycle riders to yield to all other types of users.
- Always carry out what you carry in. The first rule with interacting with the environment is: Leave it as you found it. Carry out all of the garbage you carry in, don't feed the animals, and leave only footsteps when you go.
- Do not chase or harass wildlife.
Remember the 3 C's - Courtesy, Communication and Common Sense.
