SALT LAKE CITY -- Emergency crews respond to several cases a month during the summer where hikers don't have enough water or are unfamiliar with the trail, and earlier this week a man who was hiking died and officials said it appears he wasn't prepared for the heat.
That’s why officials said it’s vital to be prepared. To do that, Captain Todd Hoover of the Salt Lake City Fire Department said to have a hiking checklist before you hit the trails. His suggested list includes:
- Pack enough food and water
- Tell someone where you’re going
- Bring first aid supplies
- Avoid hiking between the hours of 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
- Look up the hike before you go
Hoover said people should take their strengths and limitations into account when planning.
“Do a realistic assessment at how strong you are," he said. "If it says three to four hours and you're a fit 20 year old, maybe you can do that in two hours. If you're older, and you have a dog: Make sure you plan properly for that."
And if you or someone in your hiking party are hurt or dehydrated on a trail, emergency crews say it’s better to call sooner rather than later.
You can find information about hiking trails in Utah by clicking here.
