Planning to hike a remote trail? These tips may help you avoid an emergency in Whatcom
As Whatcom County enters the summer hiking season with trails opening up, there are search and rescue tips to prevent emergencies and may save your life.
Whatcom County Sheriff’s Lt. Scott Huso said that in 2022, the department participated in 32 search-and-rescue missions in which volunteer resources were committed, such as helicopters or boots on the ground.
There are generally 30-40 search and rescue missions a year — some during the winter, others in summer. Some years are higher with 50-60 search and rescues and other years are lower.
There are a wide range of reasons they are called out for missions, such as climbing accidents or a missing hiker, even avalanches.
“We have volunteer hikers and climbers [for these missions],” Huso said.
The best tool for survival in the event of an emergency is to plan in advance. Those who go hiking or camping should always expect the unexpected, according to the sheriff’s office’s search and rescue tips.
Here are some other tips:
▪ If anyone plans to go on the trails even for just a few hours, they should pack essentials for hydration, fuel and be prepared for any type of weather.
▪ Hikers should wear sturdy boots, bring layers to prepare for unexpected drops in the temperature and additional socks in case they get wet.
Whatcom County Search and Rescue is another local organization that can help.
“Before they go, make sure they tell someone where they are going and when they expect to be back. Be as specific as possible. If the hiker is overdue, we need to know where to start looking. If plans change, let the contact person know the new destination,” said Lauri McBeath, who has been involved with Whatcom Search and Rescue since 1996.
Whatcom Search and Rescue is a private organization that works with state and local emergency management agencies to help provide responses to emergencies, recoveries and other incidents.
McBeath said people should not go hiking alone, and if someone in a group is injured, to never split up. The more a person wanders, the harder it is to find them and the more likely they are to get hurt, she said.
Here are some other tips she provided:
▪ If a hiker is lost and does not have cell service, they should text a friend because it may go through despite a low signal. They should still call 911 because if their phone can connect to another provider’s cell tower then they will get through to a dispatcher.
▪ If a hiker realizes they are lost, it is important to not panic because that is their greatest enemy.
▪ Once lost, observe and do not travel aimlessly. If they are on a trail, stay on it as they are all marked with signs and diamond blazers or markers. Lost hikers or campers should follow a drainage or stream downhill, however despite being a difficult path it could lead to a trail or road.
▪ Hikers should come up with possible plans, think them through and then act on them. If they are not confident with their route then they should stay put. If someone is injured or near exhaustion during nightfall then stay in place.
Always plan and be prepared
Amber Forest, park ranger and Whatcom County area manager, said most incidents occur during the spring or fall and are actually less frequent in the summer.
She tells people to come prepared with a map, to remember where you parked, and to bring the 10 essentials: Navigational maps or a compass, a headlamp, sun protection, first aid, a knife, fire, shelter, extra food, extra water and clothes.
“People come unprepared so they don’t bring enough hydration. We usually get an injury rather than a search and rescue because people aren’t bringing proper footwear,” she said.
Hikers should also check with the local agency of the trail they are going on to find out the proper weather conditions and special warnings of that area.
McBeath said if you are taking your dog on an adventure, then consider them during your preparations. After being inside for so long during the winter, they may be out of shape just like everyone else.
Also, a dog’s paws are at a higher risk of burns from the hot rocks in the summer and could get injured on the trails. Pet owners should add a few supplies to wrap their dog’s paws if needed, she said.
Forest said that hiking can be fun if you know your limitations based on your fitness level. There are many great spaces to see and the exercise itself can help with your overall health.
“What a person does before they go out can have a bigger impact than what they do after they are lost or inured. Be prepared,” McBeath said.
Here’s how to get help
If you’re hiking and have an emergency, call 911 first. Otherwise, reach out to these agencies for help or information:
- Whatcom County Search & Rescue
- Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office
- Bellingham Mountain Rescue
- National Weather Service
- United States Forest Service
This story was originally published June 25, 2023 at 5:30 AM.
