An adventure into the great outdoors has many benefits, including social, cultural and historic value. The outdoors also can help us relieve our stress, exercise our weary minds and muscles and connect us to not just nature but our family, friends and ourselves. With an outdoors adventure comes a sense of responsibility, especially when it comes to safety. Please remember, you are responsible for the safety of yourself and for those around you.

Ensure your trek outdoors is a positive one. Know what you’re doing, how to do it right and how to do it safely.

Before you go:

• Visit the forest or grassland web pages for safety rules and alerts, including those that warn you of road closings, trail conditions, wildland fires and known animal dangers. If you need more information, call the forest of grassland of your destination.
• Check the weather then wear and/or bring the appropriate clothing.
• Make sure you have a full tank of gas, plenty of drinking water and food to last throughout your trip – or even beyond in case you decide to say longer. Know where to find gas near your forest or grassland destination.
• Pack a first aid kit and know how to use it.
• Make sure someone knows where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Then stick to the plan.
• Know whether you need a permit for the activity you plan and be sure you carry your permit with you at all times.

While you are there:

• Follow posted rules: they are there for your safety and for the protection of wildlife and natural resources.
• Keep your children in sight at all times.
• Keep your pets on a leash.
• Keep all food stored in animal-proof containers.
• Let wild animals eat their wild dinners. They are not pets, and you should not feed them.
• Remember Smokey Bear and his warning: Only you can prevent wildfires.
• Never park on dry grass. The hot undercarriage of your car could start a fire
• Start your activities early and be sure you have plenty of time in your day to return to your vehicle or campsite before dark.
• Hike with a buddy.
• Carry plenty of water and nutrition-packed foods in airtight containers.
• Wear protective clothing, including hiking boots and layers.
• Carry a compass and a map. Don’t rely on your cell phone because forests often don’t have cell towers.

After you leave:

• Take you trash with you or leave it in an authorized dumpster.
• Find a wash station on your way home to wash away any invasive species on your boat, car or recreational vehicle.
• Post your photos on Facebook, Pinterest or Tweet @forestservice.
• Plan your next trip.

Remember: You are responsible for your own safety and for the safety of those around you.

Many caves are off limits because of white-nose syndrome, a disease that has killed millions of hibernating bats. The Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service request that cavers observe all cave closures and advisories, and avoid caves, mines or passages containing hibernating bats to minimize disturbance.

Check with the local ranger district on the status of caves before exploring.

Exploring caves that are open can be fun and exciting, but can also be fraught with peril. Caves are inherently dangerous environments, with many hazards we are not accustomed to dealing with given our above ground experience. Preparation will help make your exploration more enjoyable.

Never go caving alone

• A caving group should includes a minimum of four people and a maximum of eight.
• Children should never explore caves without an adult.
• If someone gets hurt, at least one person should stay with the injured person while two others go for help.
• Read all the information you can on a cave before going exploring. It will help you plan your day.

Tell someone where you're going and when you will return

• As with all activities in the great outdoors, make a plan, share that with a responsible adult who is not going with you, then stick to it.

• If your group has not returned within six hours after the designated time, that responsible adult should call the Forest Service or the local Sheriff's Office to report that you have not returned as designated.

Dress for success

• Wear sturdy, ankle high boots to support your ankles, gloves for hand protection, and knee and elbow pads for crawling.

• Wear layers of clothing so you can moderate your body temperature. Remember that cotton absorbs cold and water.
• Wear a hard hat with a chin strap and attached light. Low ceilings are common even in short, easy caves.
• If you plan to be part of a guided tour, check the forest or ranger district for information about appropriate clothing

Carry the right equipment

• Carry at least three light sources and enough spare parts, such as batteries, for each person. One light should be attached to your helmet to free up your hands and another should be a waterproof flashlight.

• Candles and matches in a sturdy, waterproof case.
• Carry a first-aid kit and know how to use it.

Don't forget food and water

• Don't drink cave water. Bring enough water that it will last beyond the estimated length of your expedition.
• Pack high-energy foods that can survive the tight confines of a cave.
• Remember to never leave your trash in a cave. Take out what you bring in.

Move with care

• Do not run or jump in a cave. Plan each move carefully.
• Do not enter a cave when there is rain predicted in the area. Cave often flood suddenly.
• Never touch or damage stalactites or other cave formations. These take thousands of years to grow.

Look, don’t touch

• Remember the Leave No Trace principles apply to caves, too.
• Take photos and leave footprints only when necessary.

Remember: You are responsible for your safety and for the safety of those around you.

Visiting your national forests and grasslands can be a wonderful experience. You may enjoy recreating in a developed campground, walking on a trail, fishing a stream, enjoying off-highway vehicle trails, or appreciating the view from an overlook. Whatever your activity, chances are there may be other people in the area. Although most people are there to enjoy the outdoors just like you, some are not. Always be aware of your surroundings, and take precaution whenever you go.

Call 911 in case of emergency, or to report a crime.

Protect your children

To keep your children safe in the forest:

• Know where your children are at all times.
• Make sure your children know what to do if they become separated from you.
• Use extra precautions regarding your child’s personal safety
• 'Never talk to a strange' may not always be true. The National Crime Prevention Council can help teach you how to protect your children.

Prevent personal assault

While in the forest, most of us relax and leave our worries at home. Unfortunately, criminals may use this against you. Learn to protect yourself:

• Be alert and aware of your surroundings, including other people in the area.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave right away and get help if necessary.
• Stand tall and walk confidently. Don’t show fear.
• Be observant of others and use discretion in acknowledging strangers.
• Avoid confrontations.
• Be respectful of your fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Always use good manners when interacting with others.
• Carry a cell phone and check if there is coverage in the area.
• Know how to contact law enforcement and how to get medical attention in an emergency.
• Carry a noisemaker, such as a whistle, or other protective device.
• Do not pick up hitchhikers.
• Never go anywhere alone! It is safer to be in pairs or in a group.

If you are a victim

After a crime has occurred:

• Try to stay calm.
• Write down as much information on the suspect as possible, including personal and/or vehicle description, license plates’ number, and the last known direction and method of travel.
• Contact the local Sheriff’s Office or Forest Service Law Enforcement Investigations office immediately.
• Preserve, but do not handle, any evidence of the crime.

Protect your car

Whether you park your vehicle on the campground, at a trailhead, or at another location, it will be left unattended for a few hours or a few days. To help protect your vehicle and your valuables:

• Lock valuables in the trunk or where they can­not be seen, Better yet, leave at home what you really don't need.
• Lock your vehicle. Do not hide your keys on or near your vehicle,
• Take note of the other vehicles in the area and write down license plate numbers and descriptions of vehicles that appear suspicious or out of place,
• Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or Forest Service personnel as soon as possible.

Protect your personal property

Precautions to protect your property include:

• Do not carry more cash than you need.
• Leave unnecessary valuable items at home.
• Do not make yourself a target by dangling your purse or showing your wallet.
• If someone attempts to rob you, give up your property; it is less valuable than your life.
• When leaving a campsite, lock or hide valuables.

Think Neighborhood Watch

One of the most effective ways to prevent crime and reduce fear is to apply the Neighborhood Watch concept to the forest setting by being vigilant, protecting yourself and securing your property, and acting as an extra set of “eyes and ears” for reporting crimes and suspicious activity you may encounter. Helpful things to consider while on a forest or grassland:

• Know how to contact law enforcement and other emergency services personnel.
• Keep an eye out for the well-being of your fellow forest visitors and the safety of their property.
• Be observant of others and their activity.
• Keep an eye out for persons or vehicles that appear out of place or suspicious in or near campgrounds, recreation areas, trailheads, or rest areas.
• Report suspicious persons.
• Report criminal activity immediately.

Criminal Activity

You may discover illegal activity while on the forest. For example, the presence of polyvinyl chloride pipes or hoses along the ground may indicate an active marijuana garden, or household chemicals in an unusual com­bination used with glassware and tubing may indicate methamphetamine production. If you come across suspicious activity:

• Do not approach or confront the individuals at the site; do not in any way indicate that you are suspicious,
• Immediately leave the area along the same route you entered,
• Watch for other people in the area,
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. In some instances, potentially dangerous devices or harmful materials might be nearby. Make every effort to avoid contact with suspicious packages and/or equipment; they might be highly volatile,
• When you are safely away, write down a detailed description of the activities taking place, the area, the people and any vehicles,
• Immediately report the activity to local law enforcement or Forest Service personnel.

Observe and Record:

• If you believe you have witnessed a crime, do not approach the person and do not take a photo of them! Instead, observe what they are doing, record it on paper and report it to the authorities.
• When you report a crime, you will be asked to provide information, such as a description of the person(s), a description of their vehicle or vessel, any registration or distinguishing logo (car rental identifier, license plate), what they are doing, when, and where.

Remember: You are responsible for your safety and for the safety of those around you.

Be fire safe by doing the following:

• Before going hiking or camping, check with the forest, grassland or ranger district for fire restrictions or area closures.
• Plan ahead and prepare — know your route, and tell a responsible adult where you are going and when you plan to return.
  
• Sign in at the trailhead.
• Use alternatives to campfires during periods of high fire danger, even if there are no restrictions. Nine out of 10 fires are caused by humans.
• If you do use a campfire, make sure it is fully extinguished before leaving the area — be sure it is cold to the touch.
• If you are using a portable stove, make sure the area is clear of grasses and other debris that may catch fire. Prevent stoves from tipping and starting a fire.
• Practice Leave No Trace principles — pack out cigarette butts and burned materials from your camping area.
• Beware of sudden changes in the weather or changing weather conditions. For example, if you see a thunderstorm approaching, consider leaving the area. Fires started by lightning strikes are not unusual.
• If you see smoke, fire, or suspicious activities, note the location as best you can and report it to authorities. Call the National Fire Information Center or 911.
• Do NOT attempt to contact suspicious people or try to put out a fire by yourself.
• Be careful of parking or driving your car or ATV in tall, dry, vegetation, such as grass. The hot underside of the vehicle can start a fire.

Don't forget what Smokey Bear says: Only YOU can prevent wildfires!

Remember: you are responsible for your safety and for the safety of those around you.

Whether you plan on a day hike, an overnight camping experience or days in a wilderness area, food is a part of your outdoor experience. Food safety should be part of your planning. You don’t want wildlife getting your food, and you don’t want foodborne illness getting you.

• Plan your meals before you leave for your trip. Don’t forget nutrition-packed foods that help provide the energy you need for hikes, biking and other strenuous activities
• Pack food in tight, waterproof bags or containers.
• Keep food in an insulated cooler with ice. If you trip is over several days and you will not have access to replenish the ice, plan for meals that do not need refrigeration.
• Separate raw foods from cooked foods.
• Cook food properly.
• Chill/store leftover food immediately.
• Practice personal hygiene. Wash your hands before handling food.
   

Keeping food safe from wildlife, especially bears

Never leave food unattended, even for a short hike or a swim. You can store your food in:

• A hard-sider camper or motor home, vehicle trunk or cab, or enclosed horse trailer. However, bears have been known to break windows and mangled vehicles just to get to food they smell.
• Suspended 10 feet up and 4 feet out from a vertical support, such as a tree. This is sometimes difficult to do depending on the amount of food.
• Store your food, even snacks, in an approved bear-resistant container. Most coolers and plastic storage boxes are easy for bears to break into. Some campgrounds offer large storage boxes. Call to see if they are available and how much they will store.

Remember: You are responsible for your own safety and for the safety of those around you.

Sunny weather can make for very enjoyable days on your National Forests, but it only takes minutes to damage your skin. The sun is constantly bathing exposed skin and even your eyes with ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Even on cool and cloudy days, sun damage is possible if you don’t take precautions. As uncomfortable and unsightly as sunburn is, the damage isn’t limited to that. UV radiation damages the DNA in your skin. The effects are cumulative and can lead to skin cancer—the leading cause of cancer in the U.S. The good news is that it is easy to protect yourself.

Find Shade

The easiest way to keep the sun off your skin is to stay in the shade. Find a shelter, and umbrella or better yet, under a tree. There are plenty to be found on your National Forests. The best time of day to avoid is between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Cover up

When it’s possible, wear long pants, shirts with long sleeves, and a broad-brimmed hat. Not all fabrics are made equal. In fact, a typical T-shirt provides less than the minimum recommended sun protection of (sun protection factor) SPF 15. Wet clothes also provide far less sun protection.

There is some clothing that is certified by international standards and provides information about its SPF.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen works by reflecting, scattering or absorbing sunlight. It is recommended that SPF 15 be used at a minimum. The higher the SPF, the stronger the protection.

Sunscreen should be applied to any exposed skin when you are outdoors. It needs to be reapplied every two hours and after sweating, swimming or toweling off.

Sunscreens also expire. Those without expiration dates has a shelf life of no more than three years—less if it is stored in high temperatures.

Protect your eyes

Your eyes aren’t immune to the effects of UV radiation. UV radiation can cause cataracts and other eye disease. Sunglasses should provide both UVA and UVB protection. Most sunglasses sold in the U.S. provide that protection.

Remember: You are responsible for your own safety and for the safety of those around you.

The best tool needed for survival in the event you get lost outdoors is your skill of advanced planning. You must expect the unexpected and plan accordingly. Even if you are going out for just a few hours, pack enough essentials that you can stay hydrated, fueled and prepared for any type of weather.

Your essentials should include at least:

• More than enough food and water for the activity you plan.
• A compass that you know how to use. You may want a GPS device, but those sometimes do not receive a signal or the battery fails. Cell phones also likely will not work because of a lack of signal.
• Appropriate maps. Study the terrain and your planned route. Know where you are going and how you will return.
• Sturdy hiking boots, clothes that you can layer depending on the weather conditions and additional socks in case the ones you are wearing get wet.
• A blanket, flashlight, matches kept in a water-resistant container, and other items that will help you survive overnight if necessary.
• Check with the local ranger district or forest office for special warnings, such as fires in the area, bear sightings, flooding, trail or road closures, etc.

It’s also important that once you have planned your outing, tell someone. Give them exact details of where you are going, the trail you plan to follow, when you will return, the vehicle you are driving (and where you plan to park) and how many people will go with you – do not go alone.

If you do become lost your most important tool is keeping a positive mental attitude.

Stop:

• As soon as you realize you may be lost: stop, stay calm, stay put. Panic is your greatest enemy.

Think:

• Go over in your mind how you got to where you are. What landmarks should you be able to see? Do not move at all until you have a specific reason to take a step.

Observe:

• Get out your compass and determine the directions based on where you are standing. Do not walk aimlessly.
• If you are on a trail, stay on it. All trails are marked with signs (where intersections meet) and with diamond blazers or markers. However, signs are sometimes vandalized or stolen.
• As a very last resort, follow a drainage or stream downhill. This is often a difficult path but could lead to a trail or road. Again, this could be very dangerous.

Plan:

• Based on your thinking and observations, come up with some possible plans, think them through then act on one of them.
• If you are not very, very confident in the route, then it’s always better to stay put.
• If it’s nightfall, you are injured or you are near exhaustion, stay in place.

Self-rescue tips:

If after careful planning and consideration you decide that you should try to rescue yourself, here are some tips to remember:

• Stop and rest when you start to feel tired. Don’t wait until you are exhausted.
• Your body can’t hike hard and digest food at the same time. Rest in the shade for at least 30 minutes when you stop to eat. If you are still tired after 30 minutes, continue to rest.
• Make sure to drink enough water to avoid dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration could include thirst; dry/sticky mouth; not urinating very much or dark yellow urine; dry, cool skin; headache; muscle cramps.
• Stop and fix small problems while they are still small. If you ignore your body and keep pushing, the pain or illness will only get worse and make recovery more difficult.
• Avoid hiking between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on hot days. If you are on a trail between those hours, find a shady spot and stay there until the temperature cools down. Adjust your hiking pace to one you can comfortably maintain and rest when you feel the need.

Remember: You are responsible for your own safety and for the safety of those around you.

A "hazard tree" is a tree that has a structural defect that makes it likely to fail in whole or in part. Falling trees are an ever-present hazard when traveling or camping in the forest, yet too often we are unaware of the risks associated with defective trees. Trees are defective from age, fire and disease.

Keep these safety tips in mind:

• Be aware of your surroundings as trees can fall without warning. Be particularly watchful when it's windy or following a snowstorm when branches are covered with snow. Avoid parking or camping in areas where trees could fall.
• Avoid dense patches of dead trees. Limbs and damaged trees may fall at any time. Trees without needles, bark or limbs may indicate structural defects. Trees with conks, broken tops, basal scars, numerous downed limbs, ants, or an abundance of woodpecker holes may have internal rot.
• Beware of hazardous trees due to ice storm or insect damage. Ice storms can inflict serious damage to trees, uprooting or breaking off large limbs. Cracks can develop in large branches which, although they are damaged, do not fall from the tree. Such branches can present a hazard to people or property long after the ice has melted.
• Look up while on trails, especially when it’s windy. Stay out of the forest when there are strong winds that could blow down trees. If you are already in the forest when winds kick up, head to a clearing out of reach of any potential falling trees.
• Park close to a main road rather than on a spur or one-way section when driving in remote areas of the forest to avoid being trapped if a tree falls across the road.

Some 40,000 abandoned mines are on Forest Service lands. Of that number, 34 percent were mines with records of mineral production such as arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury and zinc that can cause human health and environmental problems. The boom and bust of mineral development left a mixed heritage that now serve as historic resources, wildlife habitat, acid drainage and safety hazards.

Each year, a number of people are killed – in 2012 there were 15 reported deaths, mostly by drowning – or injured in abandoned mines on public and private lands nationally. The Forest Service works to minimize the human health and safety hazards of abandoned mines while preserving the historic and wildlife habitat resources they provide. But you are responsible for your own safety.

Abandoned mines can be above or below ground. Both are extremely dangerous and pose the following safety hazards:

• Loose or falling rock
• Unstable ground
• Old explosives
• Cave-ins
• Hazardous chemicals
• Water-filled pits
• Dangerous animals and insects

Entering an abandoned mine can lead to serious injuries, and even death.

Stay out, and stay alive.

Remember: You are responsible for your own safety and for the safety of those around you.

Whether a tiny trickle of a creek, enough to cool your toes, or the vast expanses of beaches, water provides an exciting element to outdoor recreation. Even the most seasoned of water enthusiasts can be surprised by changing water conditions. Enjoy your day, but remember these tips:

Waterfalls

Hazards include slippery rocks and surfaces from mist and algae.

• Heed posted warning signs.
• Enjoy from a distance.
• Stay on established trails and enjoy the view from overlooks.
• Don’t jump off of waterfalls or dive into waterfall pools. Unseen objects, such as logs and boulders, may be under the water’s surface.
• Never swim or wade upstream near a waterfall, even if the water appears shallow and calm. The currents close to the falls could pull swimmers over the edge.

Rivers, streams

Changing seasons contribute to rapid changes in rivers and streams. In summer, rivers and streams often swell from runoff caused by snowmelt. That also could mean powerful currents that can easily sweep you off your feet.

• Avoid rock hopping. Stream polished rocks along the water's edge may be slippery when wet or dry.
• If you choose to cross a stream by going through it, study the area first. Avoid deep and/or swift water.
• When crossing on a natural bridge of rocks or logs, consider where you will land if you fall. Never cross above rapids or falls.
• If you are crossing a stream, unbuckle your pack's waist strap so you can shed it if you fall to prevent being pulled under by its weight. Consider putting your back in a waterproof back, which become a floating device to help your head stay above water.
• Do not tie yourself into safety ropes — they can drown you.
• If you fall into fast-moving water, do not try to stand up. The force of the water will push you over and hold you under. Most drownings result from getting a leg or ankle caught in an underwater rock ledge, between boulders or snagged in tree limbs or other debris. Lay on your back with your feet pointing downstream and toes pointing up toward the surface. Always look downstream and be prepared to fend off rocks with your feet.
• If you don't know how to swim, wear a life vest that meets U.S. Coast Guard requirements.

Lakes

Main hazards

• Do not dive into the water. Jumping from cliffs or bridges is dangerous due to shallow water, submerged rocks, trees, or other hazards.
• Choose swimming areas carefully and swim only during low water conditions.
• Always swim with a buddy and in supervised areas, preferably ones with a lifeguard on duty.
• Always supervise children closely. Do not read, play cards, talk on the phone, or engage in any other distracting activity while watching children in or around water.
• Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming or boating. Avoid drinking alcohol while supervising children around water.
• Learn to swim. Enroll yourself and your children in swimming classes. However, don't consider your children to be “drown-proof” because you enrolled them in an infant water-proofing class or swimming class. A child who falls into water unexpectedly may panic and forget learned swimming skills.
• Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Because of the time it might take for emergency services to arrive, your CPR skills can make a difference in saving someone's life.
• Use life jackets that meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements when boating, regardless of distance to be traveled, size of boat, or swimming ability of boaters.
• Do not use air-filled or foam toys, such as water wings, noodles, or inner tubes, in place of life jackets. These are toys and are not designed to keep swimmers safe.
• Know the local weather conditions and forecast before swimming or boating. Strong winds and thunderstorms with lightning strikes are dangerous to swimmers and boaters.

Coastal beaches

Main hazards include large unexpected waves, cold water and swift currents, and log/debris hazards. Additional hazards include sand cave-ins, unstable slopes, mud flats and high tides trapping beachcombers. Know these safety tips:

• Always keep one eye on the water to detect large unexpected waves.
• Face the water when very near the waves.
• Check the forecast for high surf advisory before going to the beach.
• Know the tides so rising water doesn't trap you.
• Observe the waves when arriving at the beach. Double the highest wave you see to estimate how high the waves might get during your visit.
• Wear a life jacket when fishing or tide pooling because these activities require you to be very near the surf with your attention diverted.
• Beware of the cold water, it can quickly sap your strength.
• If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the beach to get out of the current, then swim toward shore.
• Keep a close watch on children even if they are far from the water. They can quickly enter the water and get in trouble when your attention is diverted for only a moment.
• Don't go in the water after someone in trouble. Rescue from shore and get help.

Remember: You are responsible for your safety and for the safety of those around you.

Tickborne diseases are on the rise, particularly in the spring, summer and early fall when ticks are most active, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

That means if you are outdoors, you need to take precautions for yourself, your family and your pets before, during and after your visit.

Steps to protect against ticks. Follow these whether you work outside, enjoy your yard or spend time on a national forest or grassland. You should:

• Avoid areas with high grass and leaf litter and walk in the center of trails when hiking.
• Use repellent that contains 20 percent or more DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin for protection that lasts several hours.
• Use products that contain permethrin to treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents or look for clothing pre-treated with permethrin.
• Treat dogs for ticks. Dogs are very susceptible to tick bites and to some tickborne diseases. They may also bring ticks into your home. Tick collars, sprays, shampoos, or monthly “top spot” medications help protect against ticks.
• Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors to wash off and more easily find crawling ticks before they bite you.
• Conduct a full-body tick check using a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body upon returning from tick-infested areas. Parents should help children check thoroughly for ticks. Remove any ticks right away.
• Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors. If the clothes are damp, additional time may be needed.

It’s a good idea to take preventive measures against ticks year-round. However, be extra vigilant in warmer months (April-September) when ticks are most active.

Avoid Direct Contact with Ticks

• Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter
• Walk in the center of trails

Repel Ticks on Skin and Clothing

• Use repellent that contains 20 percent or more DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin for protection that lasts several hours.
• Always follow product instructions. Parents should apply this product to their children, avoiding hands, eyes, and mouth.
• Use products that contain permethrin on clothing. Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5 percent permethrin. It remains protective through several washings. Pre-treated clothing is available and may be protective longer.
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has an online tool to help you select the repellent that is best for you and your family.

Find and Remove Ticks from Your Body

• Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within 2 hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks that are crawling on you.
• Conduct a full-body tick check using a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body upon return from tick-infested areas. Parents should check their children for ticks under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and especially in their hair.
• Examine gear and pets. Ticks can ride into the home on clothing and pets, then attach to a person later, so carefully examine pets, coats, and day packs.
• Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors.
• If the clothes are damp, additional time may be needed.
• If the clothes require washing first, hot water is recommended. Cold and medium temperature water will not kill ticks effectively. If the clothes cannot be washed in hot water, tumble dry on low heat for 90 minutes or high heat for 60 minutes. The clothes should be warm and completely dry.

This information is provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Get more information from CDC about ticks on pets and in your yard as well as other need-to-know safety tips.

Remember: You are responsible for your own safety and for the safety of those around you.

High on the list of activities where people are injured by lightning are mountain hiking, climbing, camping, fishing, boating, and golfing.

Many vacationers are unaware of the measures they can take to lower their risk of being struck. They should educate themselves about lightning strikes. They should be near safe shelter and try to avoid high terrain, golf courses, and bodies of water during high lightning activity (late morning to evening).

• If you are caught above the tree line when a storm approaches, descend quickly. Avoid isolated trees. It is better to run into a forest.
• Electric storms can also develop in the middle of the night. To lower your odds, don't pitch your tent near the tallest trees in the vicinity.
• Hikers, golfers, and others should run into a forest if a shelter or car is not nearby.
• Drop metal objects like golf clubs, tennis rackets, umbrellas, and packs with internal or external metal frames.
• Get off bicycles, motorcycles, horses, and golf carts. Metal bleachers at sports events, metal fences, and utility poles are also to be avoided.
• If you are caught in an open field, seek a low spot. Crouch with your feet together and head low.
• If Someone Is Struck - People who have been hit by lightning carry no electric charge and can be safely tended to. Also, victims who appear dead can often be revived. If the person is not breathing, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. But if a pulse is absent as well and you know cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), begin CPR. Stay with the victim until help arrives.
• Don't sit or lie down, because these positions provide much more contact with the ground, providing a wider path for lightning to follow. If you are with a group and the threat of lightning is high, spread out at least 15 feet apart to minimize the chance of everybody getting hit (see "If Someone Is Struck").
• Don't return to an open area too soon. People have been struck by lightning near the end of a storm, which is still a dangerous time.
• Swimmers, anglers, and boaters should get off lakes or rivers and seek shelter when storms approach. Drop any fishing rods. Boaters who cannot get off the water before the storm hits should crouch low. Once on land, get at least 100 yards away from shore.
• Remember: This information is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have a health-related concern, consult a physician. Also, the tips discussed here may lower injury risk, but the unpredictability of lightning affords no guarantees.

• Travel with a companion. You don't want to be by yourself in case of an emergency. Leave a copy of your itinerary with a responsible person. Include such details as the make, year, and license plate of your car, the equipment you're bringing, the weather you've anticipated, and when you plan to return. If you'll be entering a remote area, your group should have a minimum of four people; this way, if one is hurt, another can stay with the victim while two go for help. If you'll be going into an area that is unfamiliar to you, take along someone who knows the area or at least speak with those who do before you set out. If an area is closed, do not go there. Know ahead of time the location of the nearest telephone or ranger station in case an emergency does occur on your trip.
• Be in good physical condition. Set a comfortable pace as you hike. A group trip should be designed for the weakest member of the group. If you have any medical conditions, discuss your plans with your health care provider and get approval before departing. Make sure you have the skills you need for your camping or hiking adventure. You may need to know how to read a compass, erect a temporary shelter, or give first aid. Practice your skills in advance. If your trip will be strenuous, get into good physical condition before setting out. If you plan to climb or travel to high altitudes, make plans for proper acclimatization to the altitude.
• Think about your footing while traveling near cliffs. Trees and bushes can't always be trusted to hold you. Stay on developed trails or dry, solid rock areas with good footing.
• Wear appropriate clothing for the trail conditions and season.
• Check your equipment. Keep your equipment in good working order. Inspect it before your trip. Do not wait until you are at the trailhead. Be sure to pack emergency signaling devices.
• Be weather wise. Keep an eye on current and predicted weather conditions. In this area, weather can change very quickly. Know the signs for approaching storms or changing weather conditions. Avoid bare ridge tops, exposed places, lone trees, streams, and rocks during lightning storms. Find shelter in a densely forested area at a lower elevation. Even in the summer, exposure to wind and rain can result in hypothermia.
• Learn basic first aid so you will know how to identify and treat injuries and illnesses. Carry a first aid kit with you. Learn how to identify the symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hypothermia, and dehydration, and know how to treat them.
• Make camp before dark. Traveling after darkness has resulted in many accidents from falls, so travel only during daylight. Set up camp well away from the edge of cliffs, and learn the terrain during daylight. If you have to leave camp after dark, stay in areas you have seen in daylight, go with a friend, and always use a good flashlight.
• Be alert for slippery areas and take your time to avoid tripping. Low-hanging branches and variable terrains make running unsafe, and leaves can hide slippery areas underneath.
• Alcohol and cliffs don't mix! If you drink, stay away from the cliffs. Judgment, agility, and balance are all reduced by alcohol consumption.
• Think before you drink! No matter how clean or pure stream water looks, it's likely to contain water-borne parasites and microorganisms that can cause discomfort and sometimes serious illness. Pack your water in, or purify through chemical treatment.

• Before starting out, do warm-up exercises. Stretching gradually increases heart rate, temperature and circulation to your muscles. Also, after a night's rest, your muscles need warming. Stretching gets the body going and increases your flexibility.
• Start out slowly, gradually increasing your pace and distance traveled.
• Let the slowest person in your hiking, paddling, and biking or cross-country skiing party set the pace. This is especially important when children are a apart of your group.
• Plan the trip ahead of time and assign tasks that people enjoy. If someone doesn't cook, don't force him or her. The goal is to have a good time outdoors.
• Take turns leading the group and sharing decision-making responsibilities.
• Hike, bike, or ski only on marked trails in wilderness areas unless bushwhacking is allowed and you have excellent navigation skills.
• Hike and travel in groups as much as possible, especially during winter and in hazardous terrain.
• Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member and check in with them upon your return.
• Learn basic repair skills for changing a bike tire, fixing a backpack or mending a snowshoe. Remember to take repair kits on your trail.
• Mountain weather is generally cooler, cloudier, and windier than in lowland areas. For every 1,000 feet of elevation, the temperature often drops three to five degrees. Thus, it's best to dress in layers. Polyester clothing worn closest to your skin will trap warm air next to the skin and transfer or wick body moisture away.
• Wear sunglasses and a hat or visor when you hike, ski or paddle. Snow blindness, caused by the sun's glare on snow, can also be caused by sunlight reflecting off water and boulders. Keep your eyes and face covered especially during your first few days outdoors.
• Bring sunscreen no matter the season. You can get painful sunburn even in subfreezing temperatures.
• Bring a customized first aid kit tailored to your outing.
• Develop an emergency plan before you start your trip. Make sure everyone knows what to do if they become lost or a medical emergency arises. Give children whistles with the instructions to "stop and blow" if they become lost.
• Take frequent rests or vary your pace to recover from strenuous activity spurts. A steady pace will get you there with less discomfort than the sprint-and-catch-your-breath approach.
• Drink plenty of water. Water is heavy to carry, but thirst on the trail is a hazard. Take a tip from athletes: before a hike, drink some water so you're well hydrated and energized. Never drink your total supply between refills.
• Backcountry water supplies are unpredictable. It's better to arrive at a gushing stream with 1/3 quart of water left, than to arrive at an empty stream and have no water left at all. Treat or filter all water.
• Pack carbohydrate-energy bars, granola, candy, or fruit. They provide an instant pick-me-up on the trail.
• Give yourself about two hour's daylight to set up camp.
• Many national parks and forests and many state parks prohibit dogs. Be sure to keep pets on leashes in restricted areas, especially in cattle and sheep country. Bring water for pets and make sure they have nametags. Watch for injuries to your dog's footpads in rocky areas, on ice or in extremely hot terrain.
• Pay attention to local regulations, particularly concerning campfires. In many desert or drought areas, fires are prohibited and you must use a camp stove.

Whether you're roughing it in a tent or planning a family outing to a national forest, there are many ways to make sure your experience is fun and safe. Consider the following safety tips:

• Pack a first aid kit. Your kit can prove invaluable if you or a member of your group suffers a cut, bee sting or allergic reaction. Pack antiseptics for cuts and scrapes, tweezers, insect repellent, bug spray, a snake bite kit, pain relievers, and sunscreen.
• Bring emergency supplies. In addition to a first aid kit, this includes: a map, compass, flashlight, knife, waterproof fire starter, personal shelter, whistle, warm clothing, high energy food, water, and insect protection.
• Learn the ABC's of treating emergencies. Recognizing serious injuries will enable you to attend to a victim until medical help arrives.
• Before you leave, find out the weather report. When you arrive at the site, watch the skies for changes and carry a compact weather radio. In inclement weather, find shelter until the worse passes. Stay dry - wet clothes contribute to heat loss. Also, keep sleeping bags and important gear, dry at all times.
• Arrive early. Plan your trip so that you arrive at your actual campsite with enough daylight to check over the entire site and to set-up camp.
• Check for potential hazards. Be sure to check the site thoroughly for glass, sharp objects, branches, large ant beds, poison ivy, bees, and hazardous terrain.
• Avoid areas of natural hazards. Check the contour of the land and look for potential trouble due to rain. Areas that could flood or become extremely muddy can pose a problem.
• Inspect the site. Look for a level site with enough room to spread out all your gear. Also, a site that has trees or shrubs on the side of prevailing winds will help block strong, unexpected gusts.
• Build fires in a safe area. Your open fires and fuel-burning appliances must be far enough away from the tent to prevent ignition from sparks, flames, and heat. Never use a flame or any other heating device inside a tent. Use a flashlight or battery-powered light instead.
• Make sure your fires are always attended. Be sure you have an area for a fire that cannot spread laterally or vertically - a grill or stone surface is ideal. When putting the fire out, drown it with water, making sure all embers, coals and sticks are wet. Embers buried deep within the pile have a tendency to reignite later.
• Pitch your tent in a safe spot. Make sure your tent is made of a flame-retardant fabric, and set up far enough away from the campfire. Keep insects out of your tent by closing the entrance quickly when entering or leaving.
• Dispose of trash properly. Remember to recycle - use the proper recycling bins if available.
• Be cautious when using a propane stove. Read the instructions that come with the stove and propane cylinder. Use the stove as a cooking appliance only - never leave it unattended while it's burning.
• Watch out for bugs. Hornets, bees, wasps, and yellow jackets are a problem at many campsites. Avoid attracting stinging insects by wearing light-colored clothing and avoiding perfumes or colognes. Should such an insect approach, do not wave wildly and swat blindly - instead use a gentle pushing or brushing motion to deter them.
• Beware when encountering wildlife. To ward off bears, keep your campsite clean, and do not leave food, garbage, coolers, cooking equipment or utensils out in the open. Remember that bears are potentially dangerous and unpredictable - never feed or approach a bear. Use a flashlight at night - many animals feed at night and the use of a flashlight may warn them away.
• Beware of poisonous plants. Familiarize yourself with any dangerous plants that are common to the area. If you come into contact with a poisonous plant, immediately rinse the affected area with water and apply a soothing lotion such as calamine to the affected area.
• Practice good hygiene. Make sure you wash your hands, particularly after using the toilet and before handling food, to prevent everyone in your group becoming ill.

Pack the "Essentials" and be prepared for minor injuries, sudden weather changes or delays. The following are items you should include in your pack:

• Candle
• Clothing (always bring something warm, extra socks, and rain gear)
• Compass
• First aid kit
• Food (bring extra)
• Flashlight
• Foil (to use as a cup or signaling device)
• Hat
• Insect repellent
• Map
• Nylon filament
• Pocket knife
• Pocket mirror (to use as a signaling device)
• Prescription glasses (an extra pair)
• Prescription medications for ongoing medical conditions
• Radio with batteries
• Space blanket or a piece of plastic (to use for warmth or shelter)
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Trash bag (makes an adequate poncho)
• Water
• Waterproof matches or matches in a waterproof tin
• Water purification tablets
• Whistle (to scare off animals or to use as a signaling device)