Hiking and safety

The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office provided these tips from the North Country Trail Association for winter hiking and safety:

• Never go out alone, and make sure someone knows where you are going. Let a family member or friend know when you’ll be out on the trail and when you expect to return.

• Beware of reduced visibility.

• Carry the 10 essentials: appropriate footwear; map and compass or GPS; water and a way to purify it; food; rain gear and dry-fast layers; safety items, such as a flashlight, means to start a fire and a whistle; first aid kit; knife or multi-tool; sun protection; and shelter, such as a lightweight blanket.

• Beware of hypothermia.

• Stay hydrated.