EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – As temperatures continue to warm up and more and more community members begin to head outdoors, the El Paso Fire Department and Texas Parks and Wildlife would like to remind the public to practice these safety recommendations when planning outdoor hiking/camping activities.
• Plan before you go. Know rules and regulations. Get current maps of the area.
• Be aware of the types of wildlife in the area by searching the web or calling the ranger station.
• Take plenty of drinking water (one gallon per person is ideal).
• Take light snacks.
• Check weather conditions and wear proper clothing accordingly. Avoid doing activities during extreme temperatures. Seek shelter in the event of strong winds and thunderstorms.
• Protect yourself from the sun. Use sunblock lotion, wear a long sleeve shirt and long pants, and use a cap or hat.
• Do activities with someone else. If you do activities alone, let somebody else know about your plans.
• Stay on the trail. Walking off-trail increases your chance of suffering an injury, getting lost, or encountering dangerous wildlife. In addition, desert soils are fragile. Cutting across switchbacks tramples vegetation, erodes the soil, and eventually destroys the trail.
• Have a fully charged cell phone for emergencies. Cell phone service is not always available.
• Carry with you a whistle, mirror, flag, flashlight, flare, or other means to signal your location. For a list of more detailed hiking and camping tips, the public is encouraged to visit: