Prepared

Dangers & Preparedness Hub

Ice Safety

If ice is two inches or less, stay off. [S1] Four inches of good ice can support a walking individual, while six inches can support a snowmobile or ATV. [S1] The strongest ice is clear and blue; avoid white or gray ice. [S1] Drill test holes or use an ice chisel to judge thickness and character, testing at no more than 30-foot intervals. [S1] Use extreme caution near pressure ridges, as ice may be unstable up to 20 feet from the ridge itself. [S1] Always carry ice picks or a set of screwdrivers on the ice that will float and are securely connected with a piece of nylon cord 24 to 30 inches long. [S1]

Lightning Safety

Move immediately to safe shelter, a building or inside a closed metal-topped vehicle with windows up, when you hear thunder. [S2] Stay sheltered until at least 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder. [S2] Stay low when outdoors, as lightning hits the tallest object. [S2] Avoid water, wet items, and metal objects, which are excellent conductors of electricity. [S3]

Altitude Safety

At higher altitudes, 20% to 30% of visitors from near sea level may experience acute mountain sickness (AMS). [S4] Children are more susceptible than adults. [S4] Spending two nights at a modest altitude decreases symptoms when you go higher. [S4] Eat foods high in carbohydrates, drink more water, take less salt, and avoid alcoholic beverages. [S4] If you develop a worsening cough, increasing shortness of breath, or feel like you have fluid in your lungs, see a doctor immediately. [S4]

Cold Water Safety

When your body hits cold water, “Cold Shock” can cause dramatic changes in breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. [S5] The sudden gasp and rapid breathing alone create a greater risk of drowning, even for confident swimmers in calm waters. [S5] Cold shock can be just as severe and dangerous from water temperatures of 50-60°F (10-15°C) as it is from water at 35°F (2°C). [S5] The onset of hypothermia begins when core body temperature drops to 95°F (35°C). [S5]

Flash Flood Safety

If you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in a low-lying area, get to higher ground immediately. [S6] Do not walk through flood waters; it only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. [S6] Do not drive into flooded roadways or around barricades; Turn Around, Don’t Drown! [S6]

Wildlife Safety

Observe animals from a safe distance, safe for you and the animals. [S7] Use binoculars, a spotting scope, or a camera with a telephoto lens for close-up views. [S7] Do not approach any wild animal, especially one that is feeding, with young, or behaving abnormally or aggressively. [S7] Bring bear deterrent spray and store it somewhere handy. [S7] Cows can be dangerous if approached or caught off guard; keep dogs on leash and avoid forage areas like thick willows when recreating. [S8] If a moose displays aggressive behavior or begins to charge, run as fast as you can and try to put a large object between you such as a boulder, car, or tree. [S8] Never approach a feeding mountain lion or one with kittens; give them an escape route. [S9] If the lion does not leave the area, face the lion and slowly back away. [S9] Fight back if attacked. [S9]

Blue-Green Algae Safety

Stay out of the water. [S10] Do not drink the water. [S10] Keep your pets and livestock away from the water. [S10] Clean fish well with clean water and properly discard guts. [S10]

Regulations

A temporary authorization number (TAN) can be used until the license(s) are received in the mail and is valid for 45 days after the date of purchase. [S11] Please print or write down the TAN and carry it with you while fishing. [S11] Check local reports before you head out.