Environmental Safety
Controlled Burning
Prior to any burning, contact the Shenandoah County Communications Center to report the location of the burn at (540) 459-6101
Hiking Safety
Know your Limits:
What’s your experience and fitness level?
How much equipment, food, and water can you carry comfortably in a backpack?
Have you ever hiked in this type of environment before?
Are you hiking alone or are you hiking with a friend?
Can you hike higher elevations?
Plan Your Hike:
Pick the right trail for your group.
Leave a trip plan, what trail you are going on, who is with you and when you expect to return with a friend.
Have an emergency plan in case someone needs medical assistance while on hike.
Have a way to communicate and make sure cellular devices are fully charged
Be ready for the weather!
What to Bring:
Water and food to get you through the hike and an extra day’s supply just in case.
Bug spray, first aid kit, GPS, water filtration and purification equipment, proper shoes or hiking boots.
Sleeping bag, tent, backpack, extra food and safe storage container for overnight hikes
Hike Smart:
Let the slowest hiker set the pace
Ask a Ranger
Keep Track of your time and distance
Yield to uphill hikers
Take breaks often
Eat snacks and drink water
Take your time and watch your step
Stay away from rapid waters and slippery slopes
Spray for mosquitos and check for ticks
Stay on your trail
Be aware of wildlife
Information provided by the National Park Service
