Safety Tips You Should Know Before You Head Out Hiking

A hiking trip in the Franklin Mountains State Park turned scary for a 10 year old girl and an adult with her. The girl was hurt during the hike and had to be rescued by ComSAR, or the Combined Search and Rescue Team. She was thankfullly not hurt badly, but it does bring up how vital it is to be prepared when you hike in El Paso, especially during the summer months

Officials say you should always do a few things before you head out:

1. Tell someone where you are going and when you should be back - Call a friend or a family member to let them know which trail you will be taking and how long you expect to be gone. Make sure you call them when you are finished with your hike so they know that you got back safely, or can call authorities if you don't call.

2. Take plenty of water - You know how thirsty you get just walking around during the day or hanging out in the backyard. Now imagine being out in the sun with very little shade and no running water available. Take more water than you think you'll need. Some experts say at least a gallon for every couple of hours you plan on being out.

3. Wear hiking shoes - Lots of the trails in the Franklin Mountains State Park are just uphill paths with no paving and loose stones. Flip flops or shoes with no traction are a surefire way to get hurt.

4. Wear sunscreen and a hat - Every bit of exposed skin should be covered in sunscreen, and a hat will help keep you cool and shaded.

5. Don't go alone and take a cell phone - If you get hurt, you'll need someone to get help. A cell phone is vital to call authorities if you get into trouble.

6. Be aware of your surroundings - Often people go up into the mountains and then get turned around and lost. Make sure you know which way you came in so you can follow the same trail out.

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