We have have hit that time of year, reaching the first triple-digit day in Tucson.
The Tucson Fire Department says if you are going to hike during this time of year, do it right! Hikers should never their home without the essentials, some sunscreen or your cell phone in case of an emergency. However, the most important reminder officials want to stress is to stay hydrated.
According to health experts, dehydration can set in quickly, especially at high elevations. Therefore, a rule of thumb is to drink ten ounces of water every hour during a hike, Tucson Fire Captain Andy Skaggs said. It is a good idea to at least take a 16 ounce water bottle with you, that way you have a little extra if you need it, he added. However, preparation starts the night before. If you plan on hiking, you should drink a glass of water before you go to sleep to get a good head start. "Once you fall behind, it's hard to catch back up especially in these temperatures," he added.
The most common mistake hikers make is poor planning, Skaggs explained. "They get tricked,because it just looks like a beautiful day and you can go out and be able to do it and get sucked in to it and are in trouble," Skaggs said.
Other safety tips:
- Hike early in the morning or later in the evening.
- Take some snacks, energy bars to maintain healthy walking environment
- Wear wide rimmed hat, a light long sleeve white shirt and sunscreen.
If you prefer sports drinks instead of water, they are good to drink, but Captain Skaggs recommends diluting them with water.
