"4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills."
Hiking Safety
Before setting off on your hike it is important to plan carefully and make sure to follow several safety procedures. We have put together a Hiking Safety Checklist that you can use to plan for your trip. While short hikes and familiar trails may not require extensive preparations, it is especially important to be prepared when hiking with children. Some of the important things to consider before leaving for your hike are:
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Hiking Buddy: It's not a good idea to go hiking alone, so try to find a friend or group of hikers to hit the trail with you. If you are hiking with children, be sure to have a reasonable adult ratio. It is advisable to always have two adults present when hiking with children so that if one adult needs to go for help there is another to stay behind.
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Weather: It is important to check the weather before leaving on your hike, even if it is sunny when you set out. If there is a chance of dangerous weather later in the day you may want to reschedule or choose a shorter trail. See also: Protecting Yourself from Lightning and Finding Shelter
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Supplies: Be sure to pack enough food and water, a first aid kit, a map, and other important supplies. For a complete list of suggested supplies see the checklist.
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Emergency Contact: Be sure to share your plans, including when and where you will be hiking and when you expect to return, with a reliable contact who can alert authorities if you don't return within a reasonable margin of time.
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Respect the Trail: It is important to respect the trails you choose to hike on so that they will be equally enjoyable for future hikers. Take a look at Respecting the Trail for more information.
The 4-H Outdoor Adventures Project provides more information on planning hikes and allows the youth to take an active part in the process. To order a copy of the curriculum you can look in your copy of the Clover or contact your County Extension Office.
Hiking Safety 4-H Hiking Projects Trail Information County Extension Office Contact Information
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University of Missouri Extension St. Francois County StFrancoisCo@missouri.edu Updated 03/07/08 |
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University of Missouri Extension does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national
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