I just received a press release from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department that offers “Hiking Safety Tips.”   I appreciate the fire-fighters in Santa Barbara and everywhere else (a similar release was distributed nationwide by the Fire Department Network News) reaching out to share their expertise about hiking.

On behalf of hikers I want to return the favor by sharing our expertise about safely fighting fires with the brave men and women in fire departments across the country.

But first I need to respond to the hiking advice offered by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.  Oddly, for advice issued during the first week of summer, there are dire warnings about the need to conserve body heat to stave off the dangers of hypothermia.

It would seem hikers, particularly those in sunny Southern California, need to be warned of the dangers of HYPERthermia—that is getting too hot on summertime hikes—not about getting too cold. It’s been my observation that hikers drop like flies in the summer heat.

“Take a lighter, matches, or a flint bar,” fire officials advised hikers. “This will allow you to start a warming fire and avoid hypothermia.”  But “use extreme caution when doing this.”

Advice about the dangers of heat exhaustion might have been more useful and firefighters, with long experience in places that are too hot, would have instant credibility on that subject.

Curiously, while the fire department suggested hikers bring the means to start a fire, it did not advise them to carry water—something by all accounts firefighters routinely do.

In an effort to let fire-fighters know that we hikers are as concerned about their safety as the fire-fighters are about ours, The Trailmaster offers some advice.

                         Tips for Fire-fighters from Hikers

Bring Water  Bring lots of water, more than you think you’ll need. It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Be generous and share your water with others.

Wear Protective Clothing   Choose high quality outerwear with good insulation. Dress in layers. Layering is the best way to adjust to changing temperature conditions. Always wear a hat. No sneakers, sturdy boots are a must!

Pack a First-Aid Kit You’d be shocked to learn how many people get hurt or maim themselves in unusual ways in the great outdoors. Always carry a first aid kit, well stocked with bandages and burn ointment. Ideally, at least one member of your team has completed the Red Cross First Aid Class.

Don’t go Alone It’s tempting to want to go solo, especially when you’re around guys that talk too much and move too slow. Still, people in a group are much more effective. If one member of the group is injured, someone can go for help.

Eat Healthy Snacks Other first responders—the cops—might go for the donuts, but trail mix, with lots of fruit and nuts (and OK, M&Ms) is better fuel for your fire.

Ask Directions If you’re not familiar with remote terrain and want to avoid getting lost, ask a local hiker for directions.

Getting Lost Try to retrace your steps. Don’t panic: remembe, trained hikers, skilled in rescue techniques, will be able to find you and lead you back to safety. If you have cell phone service, avoid the potential embarrassment of dialing 911 and instead call the American Hiking Society at 1-800-972-8608 and ask about the best way out of this situation.  Don’t start a big signal fire to attract rescuers; this could result in igniting a major conflagration that incinerates all the hiking trails for miles around.