How to stay safe and enjoy the outdoors this summer season
Photo courtesy of West Millward. A Two Bear Air crewman assists firefighter Cyle Hanan with assessing the patient's injuries while others watch during the Mullan Jeep Jamboree. The inccident occured up Grouse Gulch near the Compressor District. The man was lucky that he was not alone at the time of the injury.
Photo courtesy of West Millward. A Two Bear Air helicopter leaves the scene carrying the injured man.
Photo by Chanse Watson. Another instance of backwoods injury. In 2016, emergency crews responded to an ATV rollover up Moon Gulch when riders went down a closed forest service road and the shoulder gave way, sending two people into the adjacent creek.
It certainly took its sweet time, but warm weather is (hopefully) here to stay in the Silver Valley.
With the ushering in of these friendly temperatures comes the increase of individuals enjoying the outdoors and recreating here in Shoshone County.
With 2,635 square miles of mostly backcountry, our area offers a person who loves the outdoors a nearly limitless supply of things to do- but some of these activities do come with some risks.
In 2017 alone, local law enforcement has had to search for several missing/ injured individuals in the wilderness and even respond to a fatal UTV crash this last Memorial Day weekend.
Even more recent, emergency crews had to assist several participants of the Jeep Jamboree in Mullan when they got lost or injured.
With the help of Two Bear Air out of Montana, EMS from Shoshone County Fire District #1 had to evacuate an Arizona man who fractured a rib when he slipped on a slippery rock near a creek in Grouse Gulch.
In addition to getting turned around or hurt in the woods, fire danger is always an issue in our rural community.
With the fourth of July fast approaching (and the weekend already here), caution is certainly warranted- now more than ever.
The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), and the Idaho Panhandle National Forest (IPNF) would like North Idaho residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors and all our area has to offer, but they also want everyone to be safe.
Shoshone County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeff Demery talked about the importance of outdoor recreation safety here in Shoshone County.
“Due to the high influx of people that may or may not be familiar with the area, we like to be able to stress safety tips and bring awareness to some of the potential hazards that are in our area.”
This emphasis on safety is compounded with the fact that many of these incidents are easily avoidable.
“Most of the injuries and deaths could be prevented by taking safety precautions,” Demery said.
Some of these basic precautions include wearing helmets while riding motor vehicles, checking weather prior to leaving on your adventure, knowing your limits, having a plan (and sticking to it), and making family/friends aware of your plan prior to leaving.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office (who routinely works in collaboration with SCSO on search and rescue operations) also stresses the importance of knowing your limits. “Do not venture into an area you are not familiar with, know what you are capable of doing, and don’t over-extend the ability of your vehicle when traveling.”
When it comes to specific equipment you should always have in the backcountry, it is important to have your bases covered.
Demery explains that carrying warm clothing, protective gear (such as goggles, long sleeves, long pants, riding boots, chest protectors, etc.), materials for shelter, materials for fire building, some dehydrated food, and water are key to being prepared for any survival situation.
When it comes to ATV/UTV accidents and injuries, Demery says that the top two reasons for these incidents are “drinking and driving/riding” and “not wearing proper safety equipment.”
Two things that can easily be avoided is common sense is used.
Speaking of using common sense, the same can be implemented when avoiding the ignition of a forest fire.
IPNF stresses two simple tips when enjoying the outdoors this 4th of July to avoid a fiery incident:
- Fireworks—and the possession of fireworks—are prohibited on National Forest System lands; instead, folks are encouraged to attend community-hosted events for Fourth of July activities.
- Visitors to the forest are asked to be very careful with fire. If camping, be sure to pack a shovel and a bucket for extinguishing your campfire. Please practice good sense by using caution with fire and smoking at all times, and in all places. Never leave your campfire unattended, and before leaving your campsite, douse the fire with water, stir, and check your campfire for heat with your bare hand. ALL fires must be DEAD OUT when left unattended and before leaving the site.
With these simple concepts and tips in mind, you should no problem having a safe and fun summer season and 4th of July in our unique and beautiful area.