"Our message is stay on the trail, not overdoing it when you're going out hiking, and go prepared," advised Corbett Fire Chief Rick Wunsch.
MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. — As a lot of folks are getting outdoors, particularly to visit the Columbia River Gorge, county officials are advising hikers on how to stay safe. This year, Oregon has already seen multiple rescues and deadly consequences on popular trails.
Both the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (MCSO)'s Search and Rescue team and the Corbett fire chief spoke to KGW about how to be prepared to avoid getting lost, injured or worse. Many people who are rescued, MCSO said, are unprepared for trail and weather conditions, or become disoriented due to unfamiliarity with the area.
"Our message is stay on the trail, not overdoing it when you're going out hiking, and go prepared," advised Corbett Fire Chief Rick Wunsch.
"We just want you to be super prepared so that nothing goes wrong," added Lauren of MCSO Search and Rescue Youth Volunteers. "We don't want anyone in that situation where they're needing our help."
Being prepared first means telling someone where you're going and when you should be back, then having plenty of water, extra food, clothes, navigation tools and a fully charged cell phone. Beforehand, hikers should put their phones on battery saving mode.
Search-and-rescue crews shared 10 essential items to pack:
- Navigation: Map, compass, altimeter, GPS device, personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger
- Headlamp or flashlight: Include extra batteries
- Sun protection: Sunglasses, sun-protective clothes and sunscreen
- First aid: Should include foot care and insect repellent
- Knife: Also include a gear repair kit
- Fire: Matches, lighter, tinder and/or stove
- Shelter: Carried at all times (can be a light emergency bivy or little tent)
- Extra food: Beyond the minimum expectation
- Extra water: Beyond the minimum expectation
- Extra clothes: Beyond the minimum expectation
MCSO also advises that if hikers do become lost, take a break and take stock of the situation.
Also, if calling 911 does not work, try texting 911, as text messages need less service than voice.
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Summer safety tips for hiking in Columbia River Gorge - KGW.com
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