{"id":13553,"date":"2017-10-25T15:42:00","date_gmt":"2017-10-25T15:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/associatednews.us\/content\/2017\/10\/25\/10-tips-to-stay-safe-in-the-wild\/"},"modified":"2017-10-25T15:42:00","modified_gmt":"2017-10-25T15:42:00","slug":"10-tips-to-stay-safe-in-the-wild","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/associatednews.us\/content\/10-tips-to-stay-safe-in-the-wild\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Tips To Stay Safe In The Wild"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Brian Mann<\/a><\/span> <\/p>\n

\"The<\/a><\/div>\n
\n
\n
Enlarge this image<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Mary Esch\/AP<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Brian Mann,<\/em> who reported on rescuers seeing more people venturing into the wildnerness unprepared<\/em><\/a>, is an experienced hiker and paddler who contributes to outdoor magazines. Here’s his basic checklist for traveling and playing safe when the park you visit is bigger than Central Park.<\/em><\/p>\n

1. Prepare to spend the night<\/strong><\/p>\n

You don’t need to have a tent or a sleeping bag, but think about what happens if you get stuck out there. Are you ready to survive?<\/p>\n

2. Always bring a flashlight or a headlamp<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you’re running a little late and darkness falls, losing the trail becomes a real danger. Having a light source can save your life.<\/p>\n

3. Bring matches or a lighter and know how to use them<\/strong><\/p>\n

Knowing how to build a fire is one of the most important skills in the backcountry. <\/p>\n

4. Dress for the conditions you’ll face where you’re going, not the conditions at home<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you’re climbing a mountain, it’ll be colder, windier and more exposed than in your driveway.<\/p>\n

5. Tell someone where you’re going <\/strong><\/p>\n

Also, when you’ll be back and make sure they know what to do (i.e. call 911) if you’re not home at a reasonable time.<\/p>\n