H A P P Y   T.R.A.I.L.S.    Safety Guidelines

Overview | Southshore Tour | Northshore Tour | T.R.A.I.L.S.

H – Have a plan before heading out on your adventure. Know where your going, how to get there, and what to bring.

A – Ask a friend or folks who’ve been where your planning to go for advice and tips fo you don’t have to learn the hard way.

P – Be Prepared. Wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Bring appropriate gear and supplies.

P – Practice and Review Trail Safety with your family before heading out. The ones here are suggestions but do your own research as a family. This is a great learning experience for kids and empowers them so they are less apprehensive if one of these situations should occur. You know your childs ability better than anyone.

Y – Yucks! The aches (stomach, head, muscle), Low Blood Sugar, Too Much Fun in the Sun, or Brushing By Something Not Nice. Teach leaves of three leave them be. (Poison Ivy) and leaves of five stay alive, but still don’t touch. (Poison Oak). Stay on the Trail. Review, pack for the above, and teach before heading out.

T – Try to stay calm if you get lost.

R – Remain where you are

A – Alert somebody. Look around to see if you see anybody familiar. Use your trail whistle or shout out but try to reserve your voice. Of course use a cell phone if you can get a call out.

I – Insulate yourself. Wear or bring a light jacket to keep you warm if needed and protected from insects at night. Or use it to shield from the sun during the day.

L – Listen for people calling for you. Use your whistle or flashlight if it’s night.

S – Save your supplies. Try to ration your water and snacks.

Three of the most common health situations (not including the occasional skent knee) that can occur while your enjoying the outdoors pertain to:

Sun Safety

Avoid becoming over heated. Drink plenty of water, sit in the shade or a cool place if you feel overheated. Wear sunscreen. Bring a cloth that you can use to cool yourself. Remember also that younger children and infants adjust to heat differently than adults. (If your bringing a pet along be sure to practic sun safety with them as well. Their paws can get hot, and they also need plenty of water and a cool shade or cloth.)

What to look for: pale, clammy skin, sweating, and in extremes dry lips an mouth and lightheadedness. Know what to do. Practic and teach.

Low Blood Sugar

If you or your child have LBS be prepared by bringing the right supplies. Always carry carbs and sugar with you. Be sure to bring plenty of water. Remember the 15/15 rule.

Something Not Nice

Teach ahead of time and along the trail if you identify something not nice. Leaves of three leave them be. (Poison Ivy) and leaves of five stay alive, but still don’t touch. (Poison Oak). And remind Don’t rush to pick up sticks or logs, etc. as you don’t know what might be lurking nearby.

Stay on the Trail!

Resources:
Arkansas Parks provided the T.R.A.I.L.S.
Greers Ferry Lake Little Red River Association, provided the H.A.P.P.Y.