Be prepared.
  • Take along more food and water than you need.  If you do run out, then:
    • Don't drink stream or lake water unless you boil it or use a water purification tablet on it first.
      • At this altitude, water boils at a much lower temperature than at sea level, so it takes longer to kill off harmful bacteria.  You'll need to keep the water at a rolling boil for at least three minutes to make sure it's safe to drink.
    • Use caution; some plants are poisonous.
      • Avoid wild mushrooms entirely; several local varieties are very dangerous, possibly even fatal, and it's tricky to tell them apart from more harmless ones.  Don't take the risk!
  • Bring a small hand mirror and a whistle with you. If you get lost, the mirror will let you signal rescue planes or helicopters, and the sound of the whistle will carry much farther than your voice to ground-based search parties.
  • Always tell someone where you're going, and when you plan to be back.
  • Try to avoid going out into the forest in groups smaller than three people.  That way, if one person is seriously injured, the second person can stay with them while the third person goes for help.

Show All Answers

1. Don't panic!
2. Be prepared.
3. Call for help.