100 Days Until Totality! 43 Days Left – Back-country Risk Management

The outdoors is bound to lead to incredible adventures! But outdoor activities do not come without risk. Before heading out to view the Solar Eclipse, take the time to research potential risks for each day of your trip and be ready with a plan.

Identify Potential Risks: First things first! Identifying potentially hazardous situations before they arise will help you keep prepared. (1) Traveling: Be sure to keep in mind traveling conditions such as the weather, light visibility and potential wildlife risks in the national parks and on backcountry roads or trails. (2) Falls and Strikes: Snow King and the Teton Mountain ranges are wonderful spots for hiking and eclipse viewing, but it’s important to be aware of potential falls and strikes while adventuring. Be sure to wear proper gear for your hike, check for loose footing, and watch your head for dangers above you. (3) Stay fed and hydrated! It may seem like a simple task, but can be easily neglected. Make sure you have plenty of drinking water for your treks and bring snacks for along the way. Overall, make sure you are awake and alert to potentially dangerous situations each day.

Keep Activities Aligned with the Day’s Goals: A short but important task when outdoors. Before you veer off course, keep in mind your goals for the day. Should you go on a spur-of-the-moment hike? Should you pull your car off the road to get a better look at a nearby moose? Did you go to the bathroom before you left to watch the Eclipse? Be sure that with each decision you make, that it aligns with the goals for your day. If it doesn’t, perhaps it’s not worth taking the risk.

Have a Plan Just in Case: When all else fails, you’re going to need to be prepared. Be sure to be at the ready with fully charged batteries for cell or radio communication. Have a meeting spot for your group members in case of separation. Also have a first aid kit on hand. A plus is having more than one person with fundamental knowledge of the items contained in the first aid kit. Lastly, communicate with your group members! Lay out the plans for the day and be sure to notify all group members if plans change.