A day hike nearly turned deadly for an Idaho man who fell down an icy slope on Indian Mountain in Southeast Idaho.

According the the Idaho State Journal, the hiker has been identified as Gary Fitzgerald Jr. He was hiking alone on March 2 when he fell about 200 feet down the icy slope. He says his backpack helped slow him down as he fell down the slope.

“My backpack is what actually stopped me from going all the way down,” Fitzgerald said.

He sustained knee and shoulder injuries during the fall.

“I had a lot of pain in my knee and I was just trying to figure out what to do next,” he said.

Thankfully, he was within cell phone range and was able to call 911.

However, he was trapped on the slope for nearly five hours before rescuers were able to get to him. Meanwhile, the temperature was dropping quickly and Fitzgerald did what he could to stay alive.

“I knew it was going to take a while for them to get to me,” Fitzgerald stated. “I hunkered down by a bush and did what I could to make a small fire.”

Due to the rugged terrain, the Portneuf Medical Center helicopter was unable to land on the ridge. The pilot circled around and made the decision to land below Fitzgerald.

Members of the Search and Rescue team used 4-wheelers to get close to Fitzgerald, but they still had to hike for half an hour to reach him. It was close to 9 p.m. when the rescuers finally got to him. According to the Idaho State Journal, the rescuers used a stretcher and ropes to lower Fitzgerald to the waiting helicopter.

Fitzgerald was airlifted to the Portneuf Medical Center, where he was treated for injuries that were not life-threatening.

Rescuers say he would have likely frozen to death if he didn’t have cell phone reception.

The situation could have turned out much differently for Fitzgerald, and he is lucky to be alive.

His story serves as a reminder that it is important to be prepared for the unexpected, even if you’re just going on a short day hike.

Before you head out on a hike, familiarize yourself with the area. It is easy to get disoriented in the wilderness, especially if you take a tumble down a slope and you’re unable to find your way back to the trail. Carry a GPS, map and/or compass to help you get your bearings if you get lost.

Let your friends or family members know where you’re planning to hike and how long you’ll be gone. Pack a survival kit that includes a knife, fire-starting tools, an emergency blanket, a first aid kit and a signal mirror. These basic supplies will provide the tools necessary to help you survive if you’re faced with unexpected circumstances.

Photo credit: skoeber via VisualHunt.com / CC BY-NC-SA

The desert climate is unforgiving. If you’re stranded on a roadside or lost in the wilderness, you run the risk of heat stress or dehydration.

Without proper intervention, these conditions can cause serious health problems. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can damage the brain and other vital organs. In severe cases, heat stroke can be fatal.

Before you head out in the desert—even if you’re just planning on driving through—remember these tips to stay hydrated.

#1 – Pre-Hydrate. It is a good idea to drink plenty of water anytime you are planning to be in the desert (even if you’re just planning on driving through). Start drinking plenty of water the night before so you don’t start the day dehydrated. Remember—if you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.

#2 – Pack Water. You do not want to find yourself stuck in the desert without water. Whether you’re planning on hiking, biking or you’re just driving through, pack plenty of water. It is recommended that you keep two gallons of water per person per day in your vehicle. If you’re hiking, you should carry at least a gallon of water for each day you plan to be out (although two gallons is safer).

#3 – Electrolytes. Hydration is important, but it’s also necessary to replenish the electrolytes that are lost through sweat. Pack salty snacks like pretzels or electrolyte powders you can put in your water.

#4 – Find Shade. The desert heat can be brutal. Conserve your energy and prevent heat stress by taking frequent breaks in the shade.

#5 – Identify Water Sources. Although the desert is hot and dry, you can find water sources if you know how to look for them. Talk to rangers or other knowledgeable folks about rainfall and watering holes before you head to the desert. Scan your surroundings and look for patches of green vegetation.

Cottonwoods and other trees need may indicate that a water source is present. The presence of animals and insects may also indicate that water is near. Use a water filter or another water purification system to treat the water before you drink it.

#6 – Soak Your Shirt. If you find a water source, you can soak your clothing in it to help you stay cool and prevent heat stress. Your clothes will dry quickly in the desert climate.

Surviving deadly desert heat isn’t easy, but with the right planning and practice it can be done. Know before you go, and you’ll get out alive.

If you spend time in the mountains, would you know what to do if you got caught in an avalanche? Avalanches injure thousands of people—and kill more than 150—each year.

Don’t be a statistic. Learn what you need to do to survive an avalanche.

The following tips will help you build awareness of avalanche safety and help you survive in case you get caught in an avalanche.

1- Be prepared.

Before you head out into the snow, be aware of the snow conditions. Thin snow cover in early winter can become weak and unstable as heavier snowfall comes down on top. This instability increases the chances of an avalanche. If you can avoid it, don’t go out when the avalanche risk is high. Carry an avalanche beacon to help rescuers locate you if you get buried in an avalanche.

2- Travel in a group.

If you’re spending time in the snow, don’t do it alone. Travel with a group of people and make sure they are familiar with avalanche conditions and rescue.

3- Seek shelter.

If you’re caught in an avalanche, seek shelter wherever possible. Avalanches are powerful and send tons of snow quickly down a mountain, covering everything in its path.  Crouch down, turn away from the avalanche and cover your mouth and nose to prevent snow from getting in. Brace yourself against the impact.

4- Stay on top of the snow.

If you are buried in an avalanche, you need to get to the top. Depending on the severity of the avalanche, this may be easier said than done. You need to act quickly to stay on the top of the snow. Move your arms in a backstroke to stay on top of the snow.

5- If you’re buried, create an airway.

“If it comes over you and buries your face, you want to fight, you want to swing, you want to punch.” Sue Anderson of Wasatch Backcountry Rescue states. “You want to fight as hard as you can to stay on top of that snow. When the snow stops, it settles down as hard as concrete. You have about a second to punch to get that airway done.”

6- Remain calm.

This step may seem impossible when you’ve been buried in an avalanche. However, this step is the most important one for your survival. If you panic, you run the risk of making the situation worse.

7- Dig yourself out and call for help.

Your survival depends on your ability to get yourself on top of the snow. Do whatever you can to dig yourself out of the snow and call out for help.

Surviving winter’s worst requires a combination of common sense, adequate preparation, and innovative use of everyday items.

Here are some strategies for surviving the biggest blizzard Old Man Winter can dish out.

What to Buy When  Blizzard is Approaching

  • Buy a variety of items at the store. Think about bottled water, juice, granola bars, nuts, and other packaged foods that last for long periods of time. Don’t waste time with non-essential items.
  • Make a huge dish or two of a food that provides a big dose of calories and carbohydrates, like lasagna or heavy casseroles. Slice them into pieces and place them in the freezer.
  • Buy salt for your sidewalks and driveway. Cat litter is an acceptable substitute if ice-melting products aren’t available.
  • Buy a reliable shovel. Then buy a back up for that one.

What Do Do When The Snow is Piling Up Outside

  • Keep up with the downfall by shoveling and sprinkling salt on your sidewalks and driveway. This makes clean-up easier and keeps you ready for an emergency evacuation.
  • Keep your vehicles clear of snow and ice by tending to them every few hours. Cover car windows and windshields with a large tarp that can be removed to save time.
  • Help out your neighbors. Doing them a favor of clearing their property might pay off if you’re unable to get to your own at some point.

What to Do in the Blizzard’s Aftermath

  • Move snow from critical areas like your driveway, sidewalks and gutters to less important area. Always have a clear route to and from your door.
  • Wear clothing that will protect you from the wet and cold weather but also has room to move. Avoid cotton materials that can get sweaty and keep you cold.
  • Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the blizzard’s white out aftermath. Sun reflects off of snow and ice and can cause damage.

With the right preparation and some common sense, you’ll be able to ride out a winter storm and have easy access to everything you need.

 

The desert is an incredible environment to explore. Rock formations, vibrant colors, and varied landscapes make the hiking experience incredibly rewarding.

However, hiking in the desert comes with some serious risks. Even if you’re not planning to be gone for long, let someone know where you’re planning to hike and what time they should expect you to be back.

People who aren’t prepared to spend extended time in the desert frequently get in trouble due to dehydration, heat exhaustion, poor equipment, temperature fluctuations and flash flooding. These dangers can be easily avoided with preparation and awareness.

Around 80 percent of people who get lost are day hikers who aren’t prepared to spend more than a few hours in the wilderness.

If you find yourself lost, remember these seven priorities of survival.

1- Positive Mental Attitude: Maintaining a positive mental attitude is essential to survival. A clear mind will help you strategize a plan to keep you safe and help rescuers locate you. Your mental attitude will also help you conserve your energy so that you do not exhaust yourself by making poor choices.

2- Water: The desert is typically very hot and very dry. Because there are virtually no reliable water sources in the desert, you will need to pack at least a gallon of water per person for each day you plan to be hiking. Hydrate before you leave for the hike. Make sure you have iodine tablets or another method of purifying water so that you can safely drink water that you find.

3- Shelter: Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically in the desert. During the summer, temperatures can reach upwards of 115 degrees during the heat of the day. Wear long-sleeved clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect you from the sun. Carry an emergency blanket to provide a quick and effective shelter in case you get lost or injured.

4- Signaling: Always carry some sort of signaling device with you when you’re hiking. A whistle, signal mirror and brightly colored bandana can easily fit in a pack and can help rescuers locate you. If you’re in the backcountry, consider packing a satellite phone or personal locator beacon. You can use these devices to call for help in case of emergency.

5- Fire: The ability to make fire can save your life in case of an emergency. Fire provides an essential heat source to keep you warm when temperatures drop, and it also helps rescuers identify your location. Always pack fire starting tools and make you know how to use them before you hike.

6- First Aid Kit: The desert can bring many dangers. Make sure you have a first aid kit that is stocked with bandages, ointments, antiseptic wipes, allergy medications, painkillers and any other medications you may need.

7- Rest: If you are lost, you will need to conserve your energy. The desert sun is brutal. Avoid hiking in the heat of the day to reduce your risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration. Stay put and use your signaling devices to help increase the likelihood that you will be found.

If you are lost in the desert, these seven priorities of survival will help you stay calm and provide you with the tools you need to stay alive and get rescued.

Preparing for unexpected power outages during winter is important so you’ll be better prepared for those long, cold hours of going without the modern conveniences we’ve all grown accustomed to.

What should you do to better equip yourself in the event that your electricity suddenly goes out?

Stock your home with essentials throughout the whole winter because it’s not just power outages that are likely to happen this time of year. Ice storms, heavy winds, or blizzards emerge as well.

It’s a good idea to have what you need when these circumstances arise. The main things you need to have around is extra food and water. Think of items you can eat that doesn’t require heating, like peanut butter, nuts, granola bars, chips, etc.

Fill at least a few 1 gallon containers full of water so that you have this to keep you and your family hydrated.

Have several flashlights and batteries on hand. Candles pose the threat of fire and aren’t the best source of extra supplies for emergency preparedness. Part of survival is having things that will last …  and candles won’t last that long.

If you don’t have a battery-powered radio, purchase one. When access to a television isn’t an option, a small radio that will keep you informed is a good alternative. You can be apprised of any warnings, evacuation orders, or status updates on power outages.

Lastly, to prepare for an unexpected power outage, buy a car cell phone charger. It’s vital to keep phone fully charged. The phone can be charged by using the cigarette lighter or auxiliary plug in your car as a supplement source of power. Another good tip is to consider having an alternate landline phone for your home, which tends to be unaffected during power outages.

Follow these main tips in emergency preparedness and you’ll be far more comfortable while waiting for the electricity to come back on!

Winter weather can cause flash floods that make roads you thought you knew take on a new, and very deadly, risk.

Trevor Thorlakson, 16, didn’t notice the water until it was too late when he was driving on a rural road in in Gerald, Missouri. He and a friend were crossing a bridge when trouble began.

Trevor said that the creek was about 20 or 30-feet below, so he didn’t think that the water would’ve been over the road. After two straight days of torrential rains, the creek was flooded after water covered part of the bridge. The teen reveals that he didn’t see the water — which was about waist-high — before his car got submerged.

It was a nerve-racking moment, but the teen didn’t panic. Instead, he used smart survival skills in order to get himself and his friend out of the harrowing situation. He said that he and his friend stayed in the car as it floated. Eventually it stopped. The two managed to call 911.

Rescue crews found the pair clinging to the top of the car. They reached the teens by boat; both were uninjured.

His harrowing survival story should wake drivers up to the dangers of bridges and quickly rising creeks or rivers. The swift current makes these waterways unpredictable.Take note of weather conditions before getting on the road and tell someone what route you’ll be taking.

If you find yourself in a submerged car, don’t panic. In this scenario the car floated along with the current but every situation will be different. Attempt to get to the highest point possible and use a flashlight or bright clothing to remain visible to rescue personnel.

If you’re not sure about the depth of the flooded roadway, don’t try to test it. Water can move quickly and depth can be unpredictable. It’s tempting to speed through it, but it could end up causing you much more trouble than it’s worth.

Don’t get stranded out in the cold. Winter is here. The cold winds and snow are beautiful but deadly if you’re not prepared. Here’s how to get ready for anything Old Man Winter can throw at you.

The two main places people are at the most are in their homes or cars. You must have the right tools at your disposal in the event of a winter weather emergency. The worst can happen when you least expect it.

Ride out Winter Storms at Home
One of the biggest survival tips is having enough food and supplies. Winter is the time of year to always be prepared in case of a blizzard, ice storm, or other turbulent storms that sweep through.

Be certain to have fully charged cell phones in case electricity goes out. Have functioning chargers and a good stock of batteries on-hand for flashlights and radios. Don’t forget to have smoke detectors in good working order as well. Be certain there’s plenty of water around and that you have an emergency heating source. Lastly, it’s smart to have a fire extinguisher at home.

Prepare Your Car for Treacherous Roads
When traveling in your car, you never know when a winter emergency will arise. Sometimes things will be going along just fine until a rapid cold front changes everything in the way of a weather pattern. This makes roads treacherous and unpredictable. If something happens, you’re in the middle of nowhere and on your own. Depending on help isn’t the way to think in a dire situation. This is where self-preservation must kick in.

Having a fully charged cell phone is one of the top survival tips when going out. Call friends and give them an estimated time of arrival so someone has an idea as to when they should hunt you up if you don’t show up when expected. Have a full tank of gas and emergency fuel with you.

Other winter survival tips for cars is to have warm blankets and extra food and water. In case you’re stranded, you want to be cover up and not go hungry.

Preparing for emergencies is what winter survival tips are all about. These valuable tools may save your life.

The rush of whitewater rafting is pure adrenaline. Your first sight of the set of wild rapids just down the river sends your heart rate pumping. You grip your paddle with knuckles as white as the water.

While floating rivers and group river rafting tours are a common outdoor pastime, they aren’t without some inherent dangers. It’s that risk that makes rafting so exciting. Here’s what to do if you find yourself thrown from the raft, and into the whitewater.

1. Get properly equipped before you even hit the water.
If you’re going out with a guided tour, take a look over their equipment first. Helmets and maintained life jackets are crucial to whitewater safety.

Wear light clothing that dries quickly and won’t take on bulky weight when they hit the water. Items like boots and denim jeans get wet, they’ll weigh you down if you’re in the water.

Keep your life jacket snug and buckled, making sure that you can breathe but the jacket itself can’t be pulled up to your neck. If it’s too loose, or not buckled, you run the risk of turning the life-saving device into a hazard instead.

2. If you’re in the rushing water, keep your legs out in front of you.
If you’ve been tossed from the protection of a raft and into the whitewater, keep your legs out in front of you to defend yourself from rocks or tree branches hidden under the surface.

If your life jacket and helmet are secure, your legs are the first line of defense as you tumble downriver. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your body flexible.

Push off of obstacles or, if they’re unavoidable, try to use the momentum of the water to push yourself up and over anything in your way.

3. Help your rescuers.
If possible, keep in contact with those still in the raft. Watch for them to throw you a flotation device or rope that you can hold onto.

When you’ve reached your rescuers, allow yourself to be pulled in face first. This way, you’ll be able to bend at the waist and roll into the raft.

Before venturing out into water, whether in a raft or while wading for angling, keep the dangers in mind. If you stay calm and follow these tips, there’s plenty of fun to have out on the water.

It starts like a normal day, then a report of a wildfire comes in. In less than 12 hours, it grows to thousands of acres in size and forces people to evacuate their homes. Shelters are set up and people’s property and possessions are at risk.

What do you do? Do you grab your bug out bag? Do you even have one? What’s your plan? Perhaps most importantly, where will you go when you’re forced to leave your home?

Your destination is one of the most important parts of your escape plan in case of disaster. Where you end up will dictate your long-term plan for surviving and thriving when a disaster hits.

When selecting your destination for evacuation in a disaster, take these factors into account.

1. Is it safe?

It makes no sense to move to an area that could eventually be subject to an evacuation order.

2. Does it provide access to food and water?

You will eventually need to restock your supplies. Consider the location’s proximity to fuel, food, water and other supplies.

3. Does it allow you to go to work?

You’ll probably have to go back to your nine to five once you set up shop. Unless told otherwise by your employer, it’s probably good to keep performing your daily life as much as possible unless of course your place of employment is subject to an evacuation or has been damaged or destroyed.

4. If you have kids, does it allow them access to school?

Just because there’s a forest fire doesn’t mean school’s out. Be sure to check with your district to learn about class delays or cancellations all together.

5. How easy is it to get to and how would you get there?

Are you travelling there by land? Water? Air? Have a primary and secondary route for your destination as roads can be disrupted by wildfire activity.

For many people, the destination after evacuation could be a shelter set up by the local government or by a nonprofit such as the Red Cross. These can provide you with a place to sleep as well as nourishment and basic medical services. However, if you have a destination set up already, go there.

Moving to a familiar place will provide you and your party with stress relief as it provides a set of knowns in what can be a chaotic situation. It could be a friend or relative’s house, a cabin or other spot.

In such cases, make sure to plan ahead and know what to do when the time comes to leave. If you’re travelling with your family, make sure you know how to get them to your destination safely. If you’re destination is a friend or family member’s home talk with them beforehand about what your evacuation plan is.

Seasonal disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes allow you a relative grace period to solidify a plan and properly set things up. Everything will come down to your ability to execute when the time comes to move.