Thousands of people will likely hit the hiking trails this Memorial Day weekend, but not everyone will be prepared for an emergency in the woods.
Local search and rescue volunteers are on alert for what could be a busy weekend.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we get called out,” said Snohomish County sheriff’s search and rescue coordinator Sgt. Danny Wickstrom.
The Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue crews have been on several missions already this year. Recently, crews searched for two days for two Seattle women lost on Mount Pilchuck. The hikers spent two nights on the mountain with only windbreakers protecting them from the cold and rain.
“They’re not reckless people, and it’s a relatively easy trail, but if someone gets turned around, your life can be in jeopardy,” Wickstrom said.
Search and rescue experts say hikers can’t avoid unexpected problems on the trail, but they can make efforts to be better prepared for an emergency.
“The mountains are pretty unforgiving. It’s best not to rely on one’s luck,” said John Morton with Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue.
Even if it’s just a day hike, people need to carry enough food, water and other supplies in case they become injured or lost.
“People get in over their heads. Things happen that are not in the plans,” Morton said.
Experts also say hikers shouldn’t rely on their cell phones to call for help. Only a small percentage of trails in the county have cell phone coverage, Morton said.
Hikers also are advised to tell someone where they’re going and when they’ll be back.
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