2. Introduction
• Dr. Paula Jo Colescott has spent more than four years as
assistant medical director at Anchorage, Alaska’s Providence
Breakthrough. Away from her work in areas of addiction, Dr.
Paula Jo Colescott enjoys staying physically active by hiking.
Safety is the primary goal of all hikers ahead of a hiking
expedition, whether it be an hour-long morning hike around a
local pond or a weekend excursion up in the mountains. One
common safety suggestion for hikers is remaining up-to-date
on the daily weather forecast. However, hikers must first
educate themselves on which weather conditions are
considered dangerous.
Perhaps most importantly, a person should keep an eye on the
high temperature of the day of a hike.
3. Hiking
• While hiking in hot conditions, the average person sweats up to 1
quart of fluids every hour. The hotter conditions become, the higher
the risk of dehydration and related complications can be. If hikers
think they can safely hike during a hot day, they should remember
to pack a surplus of water and other restorative fluids.
Thunderstorms are another hazardous weather condition that
hikers should avoid. The troubles associated with thunderstorms
include falling trees and flooded paths. Individuals should not only
follow the daily forecast but also learn about the various signs,
including cloud formations and temperature changes that
foreshadow an oncoming storm. Various parts of the United States
and the world have their own thunderstorm seasons. Hikers should
remain even more vigilant during these times.
4. Conclusion
• Thunderstorms represent another weather event
hikers should avoid. The troubles associated with
thunderstorms should be obvious to hikers, ranging
from falling trees to flooded paths. However, the
real trick with thunder is the speed with which a
storm can form. Individuals should not simply
follow the daily forecast but learn about the various
signs, including clouds formations and temperature
changes, that foreshadow an oncoming storm.
Various parts of the United States and throughout
the world have their own thunderstorm seasons.
Hikers should remain even more vigilant during
these times.
