Winter, spring, summer or fall: it's always a good time to get off your butt and get outside. One of the best ways to get fresh air and exercise is to go for a hike. Just remember these few simple rules for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Hiking Safety Tips
- Go with a friend or someone in your family. Never set out on a hike alone - it's a lot more fun if you're with someone. Tell your family or friends where you're going and when you expect to be back from your hike - so they know whether to go looking for you.
- Check the weather forecast before you head out hiking and dress for the weather. Bring a small backpack to put an extra sweater or rain jacket in. If you get too warm, you can always take something off.
- Protect your feet. It may be fun to pop all those nasty blisters you get from wearing bad shoes - but blisters can really hurt. Wear a good pair of hiking boots, sneakers or sports sandals.
- If you're going for a long hike, bring a flashlight. It may get dark earlier than you think.
- Bring a snack and some water. You won't find any fast food in the woods and a piece of fruit or a sandwich can totally kill a rumbling stomach.
- What if you get lost? First of all, don't be a spaz and panic. If you've followed the above rules on hiking and the outdoors, someone will probably find you. If you really have no clue where you are, it's best to stay in the same place until help arrives. Try singing a song or talk out loud so other people can hear you.
Have you been on a hike or some other outside adventure recently? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
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