I'll take all of you hiking with me anytime. Great info coming through, although in my opinion, B3006 provided the most extensive answer, and you all may know by now how much I like extensive answers.
Just a few more pointers:
You can stay ahead of many natural disasters simply by staying informed of current weather conditions by following weather forecasts and emergency radio broadcasts. Making a daily effort to stay informed will give you a head start on handling a disaster or crisis when it occurs.
Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you must walk in a flooded area, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
Do not drive into flooded areas. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of water will wash away almost all vehicles. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground, if you can do so safely. You and your vehicle can be quickly swept away as floodwaters rise.
As such, in addition to the day hike first-aid kit we talks about, you should also include a few more items:
* Electrolyte replacement powder: Gatorade or similar product will work just fine.
* Splints: Particularly for the fingers.
* Extra Gauze
* Two days worth of each:
Aspirin
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen, whichever you prefer (are not allergic to)
* In addition, you may also want to consider a quick stop bleed reducing powder.
Wind can be a significant problem when you are out hiking and enjoying the outdoors. Whether you are in moist air or not, and whether the temperature is warm or cold, hypothermia is always an inherent risk associated with wind. The reason is because of the wind chill factor that causes cooling on objects in weather that would normally be cooler. This is great for a summer’s day, but bad in the spring and fall when usually warm temperatures can become bone-chilling in a matter of minutes. It is thus vital that one is prepared for wind and the various situations it brings in order to be safe and warm when the situation warrants it.
The most significant ways to deal with wind are shelter and clothing. Both play a vital role in the ability to resist cold air around the skin and stay dry against the elements. For hikers, a wind-breaking jacket is vital. Something that is waterproof/resistant, yet still warm. The key to use it as the outer shell, and then wear a warmer coat or sweater underneath. This “breaks” the wind hitting your body by preventing it from flowing through fabric layers; instead, repelling the air with the plastic-like material of the jacket.Of course, this list goes on and on!
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