Practice Personal Outdoor Safety, Responsibility

Eagle Times Staff
CONCORD, NH — As temperatures cool and the fall foliage advances across the Granite State, residents and visitors need to practice personal safety and responsibility. All outdoor recreation, even the shortest hike, requires year-round awareness, preparation and self-reliance.

Venturing into the woods or onto an unfamiliar trail connects people with nature in a simple and inspiring way, but hikers need to be prepared as with any outdoor activity. Never rely on GPS mapping or app technology as a guide in remote mountains or woodlands; those who practice self-reliance carry maps, a compass and the knowledge to use both tools. Be sure to bring a flashlight with extra batteries.

“People hiking now must be aware of their physical limitations, rapidly changing conditions and the unreliable cellular service in many of the Granite State’s most natural and scenic locations,” said Fish and Game Law Enforcement Chief Col. Kevin Jordan. “Unpredictable weather, extreme temperature fluctuations between the trailhead and the summit, significantly reduced hours of daylight and no electricity or wireless access mean that people must be prepared with light, layers of clothing that will keep them warm and dry and accurate maps and directions. All hikers, regardless of experience, must know when to turn back. This is not the time of the year for dangerous backcountry adventures and the goal is to always return home safely. It is imperative that people enjoying New Hampshire’s natural resources exercise a high degree of caution. Unsafe and irresponsible behavior puts first responders and volunteers at increased risk of injury.”

Col. Jordan also strongly recommends that hikers be prepared and carry with them the essentials for NH’s changeable weather conditions and for unanticipated emergencies. Read more about safe hiking at wildlife.nh.gov/get-outside/hiking-safety.

Outdoor enthusiasts are also encouraged to purchase their voluntary annual Hike Safe card. Card sales help defray the costs of training and rescue equipment for NH Fish and Game Law Enforcement Conservation Officers, preparing them to come to your aid if the unexpected happens. Cards can be purchased online at wildnh.com/safe and at New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Headquarters at 11 Hazen Drive in Concord.