101 Critical Days of Summer Tips — Be Safe During Your Forest Adventures

The most effective way to prevent mishaps is to adequately prepare for your 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. Always exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Travel with a companion. You don’t want to be by yourself in case of an emergency. Tell someone when and where you are going, when you are expected to return and how many individuals 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. Stay on developed trails or dry, solid rock areas with good footing. Wear appropriate clothing for the trail conditions and season.
Be weather wise. Keep an eye out 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 exposed places, lone trees, streams, lakes and savannahs during lightning storms. Find shelter in a densely forested area at a lower elevation, if possible. 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 symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration, and know how to treat them.
Travel during daylight and make it to camp before dark. Traveling after sunset can result in many accidents from falls or unexpected encounters with wildlife.
Be alert for slippery areas and take your time to avoid tripping. Low-hanging branches and variable terrain makes running unsafe and leaves can hide slippery areas underneath.
Think before you drink! No matter how clean or pure water looks, it’s like to contain water-borne parasite and microorganisms that can cause discomfort and sometimes serious illness.
Always be on the alert for for poisonous snakes such as rattlesnakes and cottonmouths. Be careful when walking in tall grass or dense areas where rattlesnakes like to lie. Cottonmouths are normally found in wetlands, rivers and lakes. Leave them alone.
Poisonous plants to look out for are poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. It is always encouraged you wear loose-fitting long pants and long sleeved shirts when outdoors.
Ticks are common in the National Forests in Florida. Always check for ticks after your trip in the forest.