Water Safety

The water in the high country is not suitable for drinking. However, most sources can be purified. Several methods are suggested, however, none can guarantee removal of all the harmful agents that may be present: Iodine tablets - boiling for 10 minutes - "water filter" type purifiers. No one wants to become a giardia host.

Hypothermia

This is a condition ultimately causing a lowering of the internal body temperature. If not treated at the first symptoms, it can be a killer.

Cause: wind, wetness, cold, exhaustion
Symptoms: uncontrollable shivering, clumsiness, incoherent, lack of coordination.
Treatment: Provide shelter (out of wind and rain); provide warmth (build a fire, put on warm, dry clothes, drink warm liquids and/or place the victim in a sleeping bag with someone else who is warm).
Remember: The important factor in hypothermia is to keep the victim warm and add warmth to his/her system.
Prevention: This can be prevented by: wearing proper clothing (use layers), stopping before you are exhausted, wearing rain gear when it is raining (staying dry), knowing your own limitations.

High Water Safety Tips

• Watch children and pets at all times.
• Avoid crossing streams and rivers.
• Avoid unstable stream banks.
• Avoid walking on iced covered lakes and streams.

Flash Flooding

Weather experts say the best defense is to be weather-ready before a storm hits.

As with all remote and rural locations in the U.S., warnings from city sirens don’t exist out in nature. Remember to check the National Weather Service forecast before you leave home, and be alert for changing weather conditions while visiting the forest. Devices like a weather radio, a terrestrial radio and a smart-phone application can help visitors stay tuned-in during their outdoor activities. It’s important for people to be weather-ready and alert. Safety isn't seasonal.

Flood awareness can be especially critical for campers. A flash flood can happen at a moment's notice, any time of the day and any time of the year. It is nearly impossible to see the water depths and the force of the current when a flash flood happens at night.

Many people enjoy sleeping under the stars in developed campgrounds and dispersed areas in the national forests. Favorite campsites are often near streams and rivers, people don't expect a sudden rush of water toward their tent or camper. Always be alert for sudden rain storms, water flowing into low areas or the sound of rushing water.

Follow these safety tips to avoid flash floods:

• Safety is your own responsibility whenever you head outdoors.
• Families should discuss how they would alert each other and get to a safe zone if rushing or rising water, or any other emergency, interrupts their trip.
• When visiting a forest, be alert for heavy rains and sudden changes in weather.
• Recreating or camping near a stream or river can be a risk if there are thunderstorms in the area.
• Flash floods can occur with little or no warning.
• When a NOAA flash flood warning is issued for your area, or the moment you realize that water is rising around you, act quickly.
• In remote areas of the forest, use of cell phones and digital data services may be limited.