Safety and Outdoor Ethics
The most effective way to prevent mishaps is to adequately prepare for the trip. Knowledge of the area, weather, terrain, limitations of your body, plus a little common sense can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Some simple safety tips:
- Travel with a companion. You don't want to be by yourself in case of an emergency. Tell someone where and when you are going, when you expect to return, and how many individuals are in your party.
- Be in good physical condition. Set a comfortable pace as you hike. A group trip should be designed for the weakest member of the group. Think about your footing while traveling near cliffs. Trees and bushes can't always be trusted to hold you.
- Stay on developed trails or dry, solid rock areas with good footing. Wear appropriate clothing for the trail conditions and season.
- Check your equipment. Keep your equipment in good working order. Inspect it before your trip. Do not wait until you are at the trailhead.
- Be weather wise. Keep an eye on current and predicted weather conditions. In this area, weather can change very quickly. Know the signs for approaching storms or changing weather conditions. Avoid bare ridge tops, exposed places, lone trees, streams, and rocks during lightning storms. Find shelter in a densely forested area at a lower elevation. Even in the summer, exposure to wind and rain can result in hypothermia.
- Learn basic first aid so you will know how to identify and treat injuries and illnesses. Carry a first aid kit with you. Learn how to identify the symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hypothermia, and dehydration, and know how to treat them.
- Make camp before dark. Traveling after darkness has resulted in many accidents from falls, so travel only during daylight. Set up camp well away from the edge of cliffs, and learn the terrain during daylight. If you have to leave camp after dark, stay in areas you have seen in daylight, go with a friend, and always use a good flashlight.
- Be alert for slippery areas and take your time to avoid tripping. Low-hanging branches and variable terrains make running unsafe, and leaves can hide slippery areas underneath.
- Alcohol and cliffs don't mix! If you drink, stay away from the cliffs. Judgment, agility, and balance are all reduced by alcohol consumption.
- Think before you drink! No matter how clean or pure stream water looks, it's likely to contain water-borne parasites and microorganisms that can cause discomfort and sometimes serious illness. Pack your water in, or purify through chemical treatment.The most effective way to prevent mishaps is to adequately prepare for the trip. Knowledge of the area, weather, terrain, limitations of your body, plus a little common sense can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
PETS ON THE TRAIL - If you bring your dog hiking, keep it under verbal or physical restraint at all times. The Eldorado National Forest is a multiple-use forest, which means you and your dog may meet horseback riders, mountain bikers, and four-wheelers on the trail. Use a leash in crowded areas. Hiking is hard work for a dog, especially if it's not used to long hikes in hot weather. Watch your dog for signs of stress and fatigue, and give it plenty water and rest.
PETS IN THE CAMPGROUNDS - Dogs must be on a leash and under control. Tie your dog up in a shady spot and give it lots of attention to minimize barking. Do Not leave your dog unattended in your campsite.
Accidents Do Happen.
All travel and recreation activities pose a certain degree of risk to the participants. Orienting yourself to local emergency facilities before you travel can help prevent confusion and save precious time in the event of an accident or medical emergency.
Remain Calm and Call 911:
In the case of a medical emergency where immediate help is required, Call 911. Emergency operators will dispatch necessary personnel to assist you. Be prepared to give them the phone number you are calling from, the victim's location, the nature of the injury or accident and information about the victim or victims and their status.
Stay on the line and do not hang up! If possible, have someone help guide emergency personnel to the victim's location by making themselves visible near the entrance or crossroads to the location.
Remember that the Forest is remote. Emergency response times will be longer than those in an urban setting. It is a good idea to always carry First Aid supplies and be certified by your local American Red Cross in Advanced First Aid and CPR.
Local Hospitals
There are three main local hospitals you may need to locate. Depending upon your location on the forest, emergency personnel may take victims to hospitals in:
Marshall Hospital
Address: 1100 Marshall Way, Placerville, CA 95667
Emergency Room: Open 24 hours
Phone: (530) 622-1441
Website:www.marshallmedical.org
Directions in Google Maps
Sutter Amador Hospital
Address: 200 Mission Blvd, Jackson, CA 95642
Emergency Room: Open 24 hours
Phone: (209) 223-7500
Website: www.sutterhealth.org/find-location/facility/sutter-amador-hospital
Directions in Google Maps
Barton Memorial Hospital
Address: 2170 South Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: (530) 541-3420
Website: www.bartonhealth.org/tahoe/home.aspx
Directions in Google Maps
Giardia
At one time or another, almost everybody has reached into an ice cold, crystal clear mountain stream, dipped a cupful of the water and taken a long drink. Water from those beautiful mountain streams is so inviting. such a delightful alternative to tap water at home. Beautiful to look at, and tastes good too, an unbeatable combination. And, herein lies the problem. what you CAN'T see in the cup of water can hurt you.
Hanta Virus
HCPS is a potentially severe disease of the lungs which was first recognized in 1993 in the "Four Corners" area (where Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico meet) of the southwestern United States (U.S.). The disease is caused by a virus called Sin Nombre that is carried by wild mice and shed in their feces, urine, and saliva.
West Nile Virus
West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne disease first detected in the United States in 1999. Infection by WNV is minimized through the concerted actions of local and state public health and vector control agencies. People can protect themselves by taking precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Plague
Plague is a bacterial disease people can get if they are bitten by an infected rodent flea. Plague is treatable with antibiotics, but can progress to severe and sometimes fatal illness if diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Squirrels, chipmunks, and other rodents in many areas of California can carry plague. Persons visiting, hiking, or camping in these areas should avoid contact with rodents.
Tick-Borne Diseases
Ticks are small, insect-like creatures most often found in naturally vegetated areas. There are many different kinds of ticks in California, but only six kinds are known to commonly bite humans. Sometimes these ticks carry germs like bacteria or viruses that can be transmitted to a person while the tick is attached and feeding. Avoiding tick-bites is the best way to avoid getting these diseases.
Your national forests and grasslands provide a natural arena for a wide variety of fun and exciting outdoor activities. Some sites require a modest recreation fee to help provide the services and facilities at the site. To help you get the most of our your experience, read these helpful tips:
Local Information
Current Conditions - ENF
Environmental Conditions
AIRNow - California Air Quality
Road Conditions