Bring
water: Bring adequate water on the
trail. Up to two quarts per hour may be needed
during the summer to prevent dehydration and
heat exhaustion. Signs of dehydration include
headache, irritability, and loss of coordination.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you
should seek shade, drink water, and rest until
the symptoms subside.
Tell
a friend: Whenever you travel outdoors
alone, you should always tell someone where
you are going and when you plan to return.
Stay
on the trail: By staying on the trail,
you can help minimize damage to the natural
resources that you came here to enjoy. Staying
on the trail can also reduce your exposure to
poison oak, rattlesnakes, and unstable terrain.
Leaflets
three-let it be: Poison Oak can grow
as a vine or a shrub. During the spring and
summer, the plant is a brilliant green and may
have white berries present. During the fall,
the foliage turns bright red in color. The plant
produces oils that can cause serious skin irritation.
Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants to
minimize your risk. Promptly wash with soap
and cold water if you are exposed.
Ticks
are particularly active in spring. Check yourself
and your pet thoroughly during and after a hike.
Wear long pants and shirts tucked in to avoid
contact. Remove ticks immediately. Some ticks
transmit diseases. If bitten by a tick, contact
a doctor.
Watch
Your Step: Rattlesnakes are a natural
part of the Southern California environment.
You do not need to fear these reptiles, but
you must respect them. If you see a rattlesnake,
stay away from it. Never harass or intentionally
try to harm a snake. You can minimize your risk
of snakebites by staying on the trail and always
looking first before taking a step.
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