If you’ve stepped outside lately, you don’t need us to tell you it’s hot. But some people do seem to need a reminder about staying safe in this heat.
Since January first, Habersham County Emergency Services has responded to ten heat-related incidents; all but one occurred in Tallulah Gorge. Heat, hiking, and lack of hydration make for a potentially dangerous mix.
“One thing people should remember is that, while they think a bottle of water is enough for the hike or event they are doing, they should always bring more than they think they need,” says HCES Capt. Matt Ruark.
Ruark’s team of first responders gets called to the Gorge with relative frequency during the spring and summer months, and it’s not always the callers who end up needing help. During one recent emergency call, a team member became overheated.
“The majority of these issues were mostly mitigated by assisting the subjects in rehydration either by bringing them bottled water, using IV Fluids, cooling them down, and then just assisting them out the situation they were in,” says Ruark.
Only one overheated hiker HCES has dealt with this year has been transported to the hospital. Ruark and others hope to keep it that way. To avoid becoming a casualty, hikers in this heat should stay hydrated: Drink lots of water and carry a sports drink with electrolytes if you’re on a long hike. The American Hiking Society offers these other safety tips:
- Wear clothes that wick moisture away from the body (avoid cotton).
- Use sunblock – SPF 15 or higher is recommended – and apply before going outside.
- Soak your bandana in cool water and place it on your neck or head so the evaporation will cool you.
- Jump in the water with your clothes and water shoes on (keep your hiking boots and socks dry) and hike while wet to stay cooler. Get your head wet too, but don’t ingest any untreated water.
- Plan an early start for your hike when the day is cooler, and plan so that you’re walking in more shaded areas during the hottest part of the day.
- Slow down and enjoy the view!
