Thursday March 28th, 2024 6:43AM

Officials: Hiking requires preparation to be done safely

Safety officials in White County said they deal with a lot of people who decide to hike at the spur of the moment, unprepared, and that can be very dangerous.

White County Public Safety Director David Murphy said weather appropriate clothing and closed toe hiking shoes are important preparations, but safety officials say how you handle your cell phone can be life-saving too. "Do not use up your battery life on your cell phone," Murphy explained, "because we use that to help pinpoint your location and to communicate with you if you are injured or lost and need assistance."

He said falling leaves can make staying on the trail difficult any time of day but especially if you try to hike when it gets dark. He said, "A full moon will sometimes help you be able to indentify the trail, but even with the leaf foilage cover still in place it's hard to see, even with a full moon."

Murphy said to expect to deal with various wildlife and pay close attention so that you stay on the trail.

He also recommended that you hike with others and carry a whistle.

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