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Safety & Hiking Preparedness

A day hike in Southeast Alaska, even one with an anticipated return in just a couple of hours, generally involves travel in wilderness areas where there may be few or no other hikers. Also, remember that Juneau is situated in the middle of a temperate rainforest - it's unusual to have many consecutive days without rain, so forested areas (and cold, soggy hikers!) have little chance to dry out. For a quick reference, print the Outdoor Safety and Trail Etiquette Brochure.

Essential safety items

The checklist below should help you assemble items for a day hike that could, under adverse circumstances, turn into an emergency overnight.

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Map or guidebook specific to the trail you will be hiking and its environs. A topographic map that shows natural and manmade features at an appropriate scale is ideal.

Water bottles/canteens with sufficient capacity to provide enough water to keep hydrated under anticipated hiking conditions. Even at altitude or in remote wilderness areas, stream or river water needs to be treated - chemically and/or by filtration or boiling before being consumed.

Rain protection - Southeast Alaska is a rainforest! Something to keep rain, drizzle, and wet foliage from soaking clothing and footwear is essential, whether full rain gear for inclement weather or several heavy duty trash bags for emergency use in rain showers or an unanticipated overnight.

Spare clothing - socks, sweater or fleece, windproof jacket, hat, and gloves made of wool or synthetic fibers, NOT cotton. Cotton clothing robs the body of heat when wet and does not dry quickly.

Food - enough high-energy foods to meet the anticipated needs of the hike plus some emergency food items that you will not be tempted to eat unless there is a real emergency.

Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries and bulb.

First aid kit that will assist in taking care of cuts, scrapes, blisters, sprains, head and stomach discomforts. Include water purification chemicals.

Fire starter materials such as matches and striker in a waterproof container or lighter, and firestarter, either as solid fuel, candle stub, or Vaseline-soaked cotton swabs - there is seldom enough dry tinder in Southeast's rainforest or alpine areas to get a fire going when needed for heat and visibility.

Rope or cord - 15'-25' of woven synthetic-fiber cord to bundle, haul, support, tie, etc.

Signaling devices such as a whistle, glow stick to twirl on a rope, mirror, surveyor's plastic flagging tape, waterproof marking pen.

Duct tape - several feet wound around a permanent marker will fix or secure just about anything.

Pocket knife - preferably the multi-tool type.

Space blanket - a lightweight and compact way to provide an emergency shelter.

Sun protection - sunglasses, sunhat with visor, and sunscreen, especially at altitude or near snow or a body of water.

Plastic zip-seal bags in various sizes to isolate or protect wet and dry items as needed. Slip in a few coffee filters to take silt and debris out of water before purifying.

Metal cup to hold liquids, cook, scoop.

Preparedness for emergency situations

Before you depart, leave a note in your home/car/boat and be specific - date, route, times of departure and expected return, emergency contact name and phone number!

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IF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE LOST OR TOO FAR FROM
COMPANIONS OR ASSISTANCE TO MAKE A RENDEZVOUS SAFELY, IN DAYLIGHT:

1st Stop, think, observe, plan. Avoiding panic is most important.
2nd First aid. Take care of your medical needs.
3rd Shelter. Find ways to remain dry and comfortable.
4th Fire. Make yourself warm, feeling secure and more visible.
5th Signaling. Make noise and become visible from a distance.
6th Water. Important, but don't sweat too much to find it, if it's scarce.
7th Food. When your other needs are under control, think about food.

Hypothermia

A condition in which the internal body temperature drops below 95ºF, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to wind, freezing or cool temperatures, wetness, and/or exhaustion which contribute to TOTAL BODY COOLING. Hypothermia is life threatening. Since Juneau is located in a temperate rain forest where wetness and cool temperatures prevail, it is essential to know about hypothermia. The best prevention for hypothermia is awareness of the causes.

Prevention of hypothermia

1. Wear warm layers of clothing, preferably made of wool or synthetics, NOT COTTON. When cotton becomes damp or wet, it loses its insulating capacity compared to wool and synthetic fabrics.
2. Wear a waterproof jacket, with hat/hood and gloves available if needed.
3. Keep hydrated and eat frequently.
4. Remove excess layers of clothing when too warm; perspiration-soaked clothing can eventually contribute to heat loss.
5. Be aware of your limits - exhaustion is a precondition for hypothermia.
6. Understand the dangers of hypothermia and DO NOT IGNORE SHIVERING.

Recognition of hypothermia

Mild Hypothermia

With a core temperature of 98º - 95ºF, a person:

1. Feels chilly
2. Experiences difficulties using hands
3. Starts shivering
4. Becomes easily fatigued

With a core temperature of 95º - 90ºF, a person

1. Experiences increased shivering
2. Loses coordination and appears weak (e.g. unable to zip jacket)
3. Acts mildly confused and sleepy
4. Slurs speech and appears lethargic

Severe hypothermia

With a core temperature of 90º - 86ºF, a person

1. Ceases shivering and muscles become stiff
2. Becomes incoherent and all senses are dulled
3. Becomes unable to stand or walk and limb movements are jerky
4. Exposed skin appears blue and puffy

With a core temperature of 86º - 80ºF, a person

1. Hardly responds when spoken to or moved
2. Has dilated pupils
3. Breathes slowly
4. Has a slow pulse

With a core temperature below 80ºF, a person

1. Remains unresponsive and rigid
2. Has no pulse and breathes slowly, almost imperceptibly
3. Experiences ventricular fibrillation and is near death

Emergency care for hypothermia

General measures to stop further heat loss when outdoors:

1. Get out of the wind and rain.
2. Build a fire, if that is possible.
3. Replace wet clothing with dry.
4. Stop moving about.
5. Cover head and neck with anything that will keep out wet and cold.
6. Drink warm, sweet liquids to warm the body core (BUT NONE WITH ALCOHOL OR CAFFEINE, which contribute towards body heat loss).
7. Apply heat to the groin, sides of the neck, and sides of the chest (e.g. packaged hand warmers work well).
8. Warm self inside a sleeping bag or use body-to-body contact with someone else.

If symptoms are severe, send for professional help.