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With summer winding to a close and autumn just around the corner, many Canadians are looking to escape into nature before the cold winter temperatures begin. While hiking and camping trips can be wonderful opportunities to connect with nature and friends, safety should always be your #1 priority when embarking on an outdoor journey.
At Diamond and Diamond, we have seen enough preventable incidents to know that safety measures are critical when planning a camping trip or hike. Sandra Zisckind, Managing Partner at Diamond Law, discusses some helpful tips to keep in mind before you hit the road:
1. Ensure Access to Clean Drinking Water
While you may be tempted to fully immerse yourself in nature by drinking the water out of a pristine stream, it’s important to resist these urges. However beautiful a lake or stream may appear, these bodies of water are packed full of bacteria that can be harmful to your health. “Clean drinking water is a necessity for hiking and camping trips,” says Sandra Zisckind. “If bottled water isn’t available, purification methods like filters or purification tablets are essential tools to keep in your bag to avoid waterborne illnesses.
2. Opt for Proper Footwear
Some of the most common missteps leading to slip and fall incidents start with inadequate footwear. Hiking and camping are demanding activities that require appropriate footwear designed for rugged terrains. “Investing in suitable footwear for outdoor activities is investing in your physical safety,” says Sandra Zisckind.
Heading out on a dry hike? Ensure you bring closed-toe shoes with a firm grip to prevent trips, slips and falls. For river or water hikes, it’s worth investing in water shoes to keep your footing on precarious ground.
3. Plan Around Access to Communication
If you are planning to hike or camp in a remote area, it’s important to ensure you have access to communication channels should something happen. A cell phone is a minimum requirement, but letting someone know your plans and where you are staying ahead of time is also important. Don’t forget to bring a compass and make sure to set a predetermined meeting place should you get separated from your peers without a method of communication!
4. Pack Essential Safety Gear
When planning an extended outdoor activity like hiking or camping, always remember to bring sunscreen and bug spray with you. For regions inhabited by bears, it is wise to pack bear spray for protection should you encounter one of these animals. “Sun protection, insect repellent and bear deterrents are three essential components of a well-prepared adventurer’s kit in Canada,” says Zisckind.
5. Monitor Weather Conditions
Awareness of impending weather changes is crucial to avoid hazards like landslides, avalanches or tornadoes. “Checking the weather forecast is a ritual every camper should adopt. Staying informed allows you to plan and adapt to changing conditions safely,” adds Zisckind.
While the call of outdoor exploration is compelling at this time of year, safety must always remain a top priority. Be sure to review the above precautions before leaving for your next hiking and camping adventure, and contact Diamond & Diamond Lawyers at 1-800-567-HURT should you have any personal injury law inquiries.
About Jeremy Diamond
Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about Jeremy Diamond.
