Greensboro, NC: Fall's crisp autumn air and lower humidity entice many part-time adventurers to explore the outdoors. From hiking to camping to hunting, North Carolina's habitat offers explorers grand opportunities for adventure. However, it also provides an environment of potential danger, if the right precautions are not exercised.

"When the weather's right, there is probably no better place to be than the outdoors," says Dr. Bob Williamson, a natural resources specialist with the North Carolina A&T State University Cooperative Extension Program. "But, if you're not careful, there are also few places more dangerous."

Williamson indicates that the best way to avoid problems in the wilderness is to plan for them.

"It's essential that someone venturing into the wilderness be prepared for anything they might encounter, including injuries, bad weather and getting lost," said Williamson, who offers these tips to prepare for an excursion:

• always let someone know how long you plan to be gone and where you plan to go. If possible, do not hike alone.
  
• be prepared for a variety of weather conditions, especially in the mountains, where the weather can change rapidly. During cold or wet seasons, always carry a rain poncho.
  
• dress in layers. Adding and removing multiple layers of clothing is a more effective means of regulating body temperature than is wearing a heavy coat.
  
• wear comfortable yet durable footwear.
  
• wear blaze orange clothing during hunting seasons.
  
• protect yourself against sunburn by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, long sleeves, long pants and a hat. Sunburn occurs rapidly and can be quite severe, especially at higher elevations.

Besides these items, Williamson suggests that outdoors explorers consider packing items which may not be necessary in all situations, but which may be valuable in emergency circumstances. Among these items are: insect repellent, a map of the area, a compass, a whistle, a flashlight (with extra batteries), a sharp knife, waterproof matches, a fire-starter (such as a candle), a first-aid kit, water, extra food and a heavy-duty garbage bag, which may serve as an emergency shelter.

"These items don't take much room, but they can prove invaluable if things go awry, and a person faces an unplanned situation, such as needing to spend the night outdoors," said Williamson.

Potential problems can sometimes be avoided, if people are cautious when outdoors, says Williamson, who offers these suggestions for hikers:

• when hiking off trails, beware of sharp rocks and hidden holes which can cause falls and injuries.
  
• before stepping over a fallen tree, check the other side to ensure that the footing is clear and no snakes are resting there.
  
• be able to recognize skin irritants such as poison ivy and poison oak, and avoid them.
  
• when encountering strangers, be friendly but cautious in conversations. Avoid people who act strange, provocative, hostile or intoxicated.

A particularly frightening and potentially dangerous experience occurs when a hiker becomes lost, according to Williamson.

"Once a person recognizes that they're lost, they should stay put," said Williamson. "People are often tempted to try to find their way, but often this results in just becoming farther away from where they want to be."

According Williamson, a lost person should use their whistle to blow three times at regular intervals, in order to get the attention of other hikers or anyone who might be looking for them.

Also important is being able to recognize the signs of hypothermia, heat exhaustion and heat stoke, all of which are potentially fatal if left untreated. These signs include shivering, lethargy, mental slowing and confusion.

"People need to realize that they are guests in the wilderness, and that they should act with respect by not littering and being careful with fire," said Williamson. "A respect for the beauty and power of nature can go far in ensuring a safe and enjoyable excursion into the wilderness."

For more information, please contact Dr. Bob Williamson, NC A&T Cooperative Extension Program, (910) 334-7956.