Outdoor Safety

Before You Go Checklist

Every outdoor trip should start with proper preparation. Use this checklist before heading out:

Tell Someone Your Plans

✓ Where you're going (specific location)
✓ When you expect to return
✓ Who to call if you don't check in
✓ Your vehicle description and parking location

Check Conditions

✓ Weather forecast (including overnight)
✓ Trail/area conditions and closures
✓ Fire danger level
✓ Wildlife activity alerts

The Ten Essentials

Originally developed by The Mountaineers in the 1930s, these are the items every outdoor adventurer should carry. Adapt based on your activity and environment.

1. Navigation

Map, compass, GPS device. Know how to use them without batteries.

2. Sun Protection

Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, lip balm with SPF.

3. Insulation

Extra clothing layers for unexpected weather or overnight stay.

4. Illumination

Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries.

5. First Aid

First aid kit with supplies for common injuries and personal medications.

6. Fire

Waterproof matches, lighter, fire starter. Know local fire regulations.

7. Repair Tools

Multi-tool, knife, duct tape, gear repair items.

8. Nutrition

Extra food beyond what you think you'll need (one extra day minimum).

9. Hydration

Extra water and water treatment method (filter, tablets, UV).

10. Emergency Shelter

Emergency bivy, space blanket, or lightweight tarp.

Wildlife Awareness

Bear Safety

• Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it (practice with inert canister)
• Store food properly in bear canisters or hung from trees
• Never run from a bear. Back away slowly while facing the bear

Response differs for black bears vs. grizzly bears. Research the species in your area.

Snake Safety

• Watch where you step and put your hands, especially in rocky areas
• Wear boots and long pants in snake-prone areas
• If bitten: Stay calm, immobilize the limb, seek medical help immediately
• Do NOT: Cut the wound, suck out venom, or apply a tourniquet

Tick Prevention

• Wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks easily
• Tuck pants into socks/boots, shirt into pants
• Use permethrin on clothing and DEET on exposed skin
• Do a full-body tick check after outdoor activities

Weather Hazards

Heat-Related Illness

Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, cold/pale/clammy skin, nausea. Move to shade, hydrate, cool down.

Heat Stroke: High body temp (103°F+), hot/red skin, rapid pulse, confusion. Medical emergency - call 911.

Cold-Related Illness

Hypothermia: Shivering, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness. Get warm and dry immediately.

Frostbite: Numbness, white/grayish skin, hard/waxy feeling. Do NOT rub affected area. Seek medical attention.

Lightning Safety

• If you can hear thunder, you can be struck by lightning
• Avoid high ground, isolated trees, water, and metal objects
• Crouch low with feet together if no shelter available
• Wait 30 minutes after last thunder before resuming activities

Flash Floods

• Never camp in dry washes or canyon bottoms
• Watch for rising water and debris upstream
• If flooding occurs, move to high ground immediately
• Flash floods can occur even when skies are clear locally

If You Get Lost: S.T.O.P.

S - Sit Down

Stop moving immediately. Panic causes poor decisions. Sit down, take deep breaths, and assess your situation calmly.

T - Think

How did you get here? What resources do you have? Is anyone looking for you? What's your priority (shelter, water, signaling)?

O - Observe

Look around for landmarks, trails, water sources. Check your map and GPS. Note the weather and time until dark.

P - Plan

Make a plan based on your observations. In most cases, staying put and signaling for rescue is safer than trying to walk out.

If you told someone where you were going and when to expect you back, rescue teams will be looking. Stay visible and signal for help.

Official Safety Resources

For comprehensive and authoritative outdoor safety information, consult these official sources:

Emergency Contacts

911

Emergency Services

1-800-222-1222

Poison Control

*677

Highway Patrol (varies by state)

Save your local search and rescue number before heading into the wilderness. Cell service may be unavailable in remote areas.

Liability Notice

The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Obsession GPS Tracker, Edibu LLC, and its affiliates are not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage resulting from outdoor activities. By using our app and this information, you acknowledge that outdoor activities carry inherent risks and that you are solely responsible for your own safety. Always exercise good judgment, obtain proper training, and consult official sources before engaging in outdoor activities.