Post by Trix on Mar 6, 2018 23:48:10 GMT -5
Rescue Crews: Hikers Be Wary in Cold, Wet Conditions
Posted: Mar 06, 2018 11:34 PM EST
Updated: Mar 06, 2018 11:34 PM EST
POWELL COUNTY, KY (Lex 18 ) Rescue squads at the Red River Gorge say they've been busy over the last few weeks, and weather may very well be part of the reason.
Don't let the "road closed" signs fool you, the hiking trails are open, and busy for early March.
You don't have to remind Lisa Johnson of Powell County Search and Rescue. She and her squad members have been in the area several times since the beginning of last week.
"We've had two lost, last night we had two lost, and Saturday we had three lost," Johnson said.
Looking back at the different rescues, Johnson noticed many had one of two things in common.
"They underestimate the weather and themselves," Johnson said. "They think, well I can go and hike and be out in two hours."
Johnson said that's often not the case and, with cold temperatures and rain in the forecast, her team is urging people to not take any chances.
"I think if you are a beginner you need to use your common sense. 'I'm not a good hiker, I don't know this area, I'll wait until the weather is nice,'" Johnson said. "Plus, you'll have more hikers out there if something happens."
If you do decide to go hiking in the wet conditions, Johnson said it's important to always be prepared. She suggests hikers always bring a whistle and a flashlight in case anything were to happen on the trail.
"You've got to remember it's slippery, trees, rocks, mud, limbs, and you also have to remember, when it's rainy, trees fall," She said.
At the Red River Gorge, the breathtaking views will always be there. In fact, if you ask the rescue squads, they may be a little prettier and less dangerous in the sunlight.
www.lex18.com/story/37664361/rescue-crews-hikers-be-wary-in-cold-wet-conditions
Posted: Mar 06, 2018 11:34 PM EST
Updated: Mar 06, 2018 11:34 PM EST
POWELL COUNTY, KY (Lex 18 ) Rescue squads at the Red River Gorge say they've been busy over the last few weeks, and weather may very well be part of the reason.
Don't let the "road closed" signs fool you, the hiking trails are open, and busy for early March.
You don't have to remind Lisa Johnson of Powell County Search and Rescue. She and her squad members have been in the area several times since the beginning of last week.
"We've had two lost, last night we had two lost, and Saturday we had three lost," Johnson said.
Looking back at the different rescues, Johnson noticed many had one of two things in common.
"They underestimate the weather and themselves," Johnson said. "They think, well I can go and hike and be out in two hours."
Johnson said that's often not the case and, with cold temperatures and rain in the forecast, her team is urging people to not take any chances.
"I think if you are a beginner you need to use your common sense. 'I'm not a good hiker, I don't know this area, I'll wait until the weather is nice,'" Johnson said. "Plus, you'll have more hikers out there if something happens."
If you do decide to go hiking in the wet conditions, Johnson said it's important to always be prepared. She suggests hikers always bring a whistle and a flashlight in case anything were to happen on the trail.
"You've got to remember it's slippery, trees, rocks, mud, limbs, and you also have to remember, when it's rainy, trees fall," She said.
At the Red River Gorge, the breathtaking views will always be there. In fact, if you ask the rescue squads, they may be a little prettier and less dangerous in the sunlight.
www.lex18.com/story/37664361/rescue-crews-hikers-be-wary-in-cold-wet-conditions