Outdoor Safety

After reading about the father and two sons that died this weekend on a hiking trip, the DRD Team would like to remind everyone of the importance of outdoor safety. While hiking in the Ozark Mountains in southern Missouri, the hikers never made it back to the cabin. The weather conditions changed rapidly and the cause of death was hypothermia. All three were experienced hikers that made several unfortunate mistakes.

It is extremely important to watch the weather conditions while participating in outdoor activities. With experience you can identify changing conditions, but with today’s technology, there is rarely a need to guess. Phones, computers, and weather radios all are useful tools to protect yourself. It is important to check the hourly forecast before heading out, but don’t rely on this information. Go prepared. Your pack should always include an area map, compass, water, snacks, flashlight, water-proof case of matches, and warm dry clothing.

Also, trust your instincts. Mother Nature will give us plenty of signals before the weather turns if you learn to watch for them. Trust what you see and hear and react accordingly.

If you have spent any significant time in the outdoors, you have been lost at some point even if only for a short time. Having a map and compass and knowing how to use them can prevent tragedies like this. Day trips often are the more dangerous for even experienced outdoor adventures. They often go under-prepared and feel they have more than enough daylight to complete the trip. It doesn’t matter whether you are going on a day trip or week-long adventure, it is important to go prepared and let someone know your plans. This applies for ALL outdoor activities: hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and any others.

Take time to learn the proper way to conduct outdoor adventures and when you do learn, teach others. Tragedies like this can be avoided but are a real part of outdoor life. Protect yourself and those around you while spending time outdoors.