TJ aka Teej
10-27-2006, 07:38
http://www.journal-news.net/news/articles.asp?articleID=4628
Advice offered for Appalachian Trail walkers
Officials with U.S. Cellular combined efforts with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to offer tips for hikers walking along the Appalachian Trail this fall.
“Wireless phones can save lives, but as in any situation, we ask that our customers be aware of the people and places around them,” said Michelle Groves, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in the Mid-Atlantic, in a press release.
Much of the Appalachian Trail is well within range of the mobile phone systems, according to Martin Bartels, director of communications for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
“If you have an emergency in an area with limited reception like gaps, hollows, valleys and shelters, you can use the standard audible or visible distress alert of three short calls, repeated at regular intervals,” Bartels advised in the press release.
U.S. Cellular and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy offer the following safety tips for leaf peepers who take to the historic trail:
¯ Leave your hiking itinerary and timetable with someone at home.
¯ Be sure that your contacts and family know your trail name.
¯Check in regularly and establish a procedure to follow if you fail to check in. On short hikes, provide your contacts with the numbers of the land-managing agencies for the area of your hike.
¯On extended hikes, provide the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s phone number of (304)535-6331.
¯ Do not deviate from your planned route without updating friends and family.
¯ Always carry a map and compass.
¯ Keep your wireless phone turned off or turn the ringer to off or vibrate, but keep it accessible.
¯ Do not use your wireless phone in the wilderness unless it’s a true emergency.
¯ Remember that others may be upset to hear wireless phones in remote areas.
Prepare for your adventure with proper gear, clothing, trip planning and a first-aid kit.
¯ Be self-reliant, whether carrying cell phones or not. Don’t leave ill-prepared or engage in risky actions just because you have a cell phone to call for rescue.
¯ Make note of the emergency phone numbers included in guidebooks and on maps.
¯ Do not rely solely on 911; in some remote areas 911 won’t work, so always check with local public safety officials before you head out.
¯ Do not leave marked trails and try to ‘bushwhack’ out if injured — you will be harder to find and are more likely to encounter dangerous terrain.
¯ Most of the Appalachian Trail is well-enough traveled that, if you are injured, you can expect to be found. However, if an area is remote and the weather is bad, fewer hikers will be on the trail, especially after dark.
¯ Do not call for rescue assistance if, with proper planning and thought, you can walk yourself to safety. In some states, you can be charged for the rescue efforts in situations where reckless behavior has led to the need for search and rescue.
¯ A whistle is particularly good for audible signals.
¯ Visible signals may include, in daytime, light flashed with a mirror or smoke puffs; at night, a flashlight or three small bright fires. Anyone recognizing such a signal should acknowledge with two calls — if possible, by the same method — then go to the distressed person to determine the nature of the emergency.
U.S. Cellular serves 5.6 million customers in 26 states across the country. The Chicago-based company is reportedly the nation’s sixth-largest wireless service carrier.
Advice offered for Appalachian Trail walkers
Officials with U.S. Cellular combined efforts with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to offer tips for hikers walking along the Appalachian Trail this fall.
“Wireless phones can save lives, but as in any situation, we ask that our customers be aware of the people and places around them,” said Michelle Groves, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in the Mid-Atlantic, in a press release.
Much of the Appalachian Trail is well within range of the mobile phone systems, according to Martin Bartels, director of communications for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
“If you have an emergency in an area with limited reception like gaps, hollows, valleys and shelters, you can use the standard audible or visible distress alert of three short calls, repeated at regular intervals,” Bartels advised in the press release.
U.S. Cellular and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy offer the following safety tips for leaf peepers who take to the historic trail:
¯ Leave your hiking itinerary and timetable with someone at home.
¯ Be sure that your contacts and family know your trail name.
¯Check in regularly and establish a procedure to follow if you fail to check in. On short hikes, provide your contacts with the numbers of the land-managing agencies for the area of your hike.
¯On extended hikes, provide the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s phone number of (304)535-6331.
¯ Do not deviate from your planned route without updating friends and family.
¯ Always carry a map and compass.
¯ Keep your wireless phone turned off or turn the ringer to off or vibrate, but keep it accessible.
¯ Do not use your wireless phone in the wilderness unless it’s a true emergency.
¯ Remember that others may be upset to hear wireless phones in remote areas.
Prepare for your adventure with proper gear, clothing, trip planning and a first-aid kit.
¯ Be self-reliant, whether carrying cell phones or not. Don’t leave ill-prepared or engage in risky actions just because you have a cell phone to call for rescue.
¯ Make note of the emergency phone numbers included in guidebooks and on maps.
¯ Do not rely solely on 911; in some remote areas 911 won’t work, so always check with local public safety officials before you head out.
¯ Do not leave marked trails and try to ‘bushwhack’ out if injured — you will be harder to find and are more likely to encounter dangerous terrain.
¯ Most of the Appalachian Trail is well-enough traveled that, if you are injured, you can expect to be found. However, if an area is remote and the weather is bad, fewer hikers will be on the trail, especially after dark.
¯ Do not call for rescue assistance if, with proper planning and thought, you can walk yourself to safety. In some states, you can be charged for the rescue efforts in situations where reckless behavior has led to the need for search and rescue.
¯ A whistle is particularly good for audible signals.
¯ Visible signals may include, in daytime, light flashed with a mirror or smoke puffs; at night, a flashlight or three small bright fires. Anyone recognizing such a signal should acknowledge with two calls — if possible, by the same method — then go to the distressed person to determine the nature of the emergency.
U.S. Cellular serves 5.6 million customers in 26 states across the country. The Chicago-based company is reportedly the nation’s sixth-largest wireless service carrier.