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Tips to stay safe while playing outside in winter

Published 12:31 pm Friday, November 20, 2015

By Jessi Loerch

Winter is clearly here. After the recent storms, it seems like a good time to check in with some safety basics.

Don’t let winter keep you indoors, but before you go out to play, make sure you’re prepared to do it safely.

Itinerary

Leave your plan of travel with someone before you go. Give them a time to call 911 to report you missing if you don’t return. WTA has a form at www.wta.org/hiking-info/basics/hike-itinerary.

10 essentials

These items can keep you alive in an emergency — or prevent an emergency in the first place.

  • Navigation (map, compass and the skills to use them)
  • Extra food
  • Extra water
  • Sun protection (good sunglasses and sunscreen are vital on snowy, sunny days)
  • Extra clothing, including a water proof layer (no cotton)
  • Flashlight
  • First-aid supplies
  • Fire starter
  • Repair kit and tools
  • Emergency shelter

Also consider investing in an emergency beacon such as a personal locator beacon, SPOT or DeLorme. These devices work even when there is no cell service and can initiate a rescue if necessary.

Avalanche

Some trails pass through avalanche terrain. Don’t know how to tell? Ask the ranger station for safe areas or take an avalanche class. The Northwest Avalanche Center offers many courses throughout the winter; www.nwac.us.

Winter driving

Before you head out, check out current conditions. WSDOT has information on mountain passes at http://www.wsdot.com/traffic/passes.

Keep an emergency kit in your car, www.wsdot.com/winter/emergencykit.htm. Remember road conditions can change quickly. Plan ahead for how you will deal if a tree blocks the road you’re traveling on.

Check conditions

You can check conditions at 1.usa.gov/193sGRE or by calling the closest ranger station.

  • Darrington: 360-436-1155, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
  • Skykomish: 360-677-2414, 8 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
  • Verlot: 360-691-7791, usually 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, but closed this weekend.
  • For other districts, check 1.usa.gov/1sA7qHi.

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