Make plans known; avoid traveling alone

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jared Bratsberg
  • 341st Logistics Readiness Squadron
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The best way to avoid mishaps during an outdoor activity is to plan ahead. Knowledge of the surrounding area, weather and limitations of your own body are crucial. Let others know where you are going and when you plan to return, and don't travel alone; a partner can make a trip more enjoyable and safe. 

One of the most dangerous mistakes an Airman can make is to drive off looking for adventure alone, without telling anyone. In Montana, an accident could mean death, not solely from the accident itself, but from dehydration, hypothermia and a variety of other things. When planning a trip, make sure to talk about it around the work center; not only to share the excitement, but to spread the word. A simple, "Hey, I'm headed to Glacier National Park for the weekend," would be better than nothing, but a smarter approach would be to designate a friend back home to keep in touch with. Provide your friend with: 
* Exact location 
*  Path of travel; use a global positioning system to create travel itinerary 
*  Estimated time of arrival and prearrange, if possible, to give a friend a call upon arriving safely 
*  Length of stay 
*  Estimated time of return; prearrange a phone call upon safe return 

Providing someone back home with this information will not prevent mishaps, nor will it supply you with any immediate attention if you get hurt; so do not travel alone. 

A friend makes a journey twice as enjoyable and much safer. Ensure your friend and you are proficient with CPR and, depending on the conditions of the trip, a small medical kit should be packed. 

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service's Web site, if you'll be entering a remote area, your group should have a minimum of four people; this way, if one is hurt, another can stay with the victim while two go for help. If you'll be going into an area that is unfamiliar to you, take along someone who knows the area or at least speak with those who do before you set out. 

Friends can save your life if you get caught in a bind, share the journey and look out for each other. 

A weekend getaway from Great Falls can be a wonderful thing if the proper precautions are exercised. Let others know of your whereabouts and keep in touch. Leave a map behind indicating your route of travel and prearrange phone calls. Don't travel alone. This state is too big and has too few cell phone towers to fly solo.