Safety



COVID-19

As you embark on your adventures, the CDC recommends you take these precautions to protect your health and that of those around you:
  • Staying up to date on COVID19 vaccines
  • Improving ventilation and spending time outdoors
  • Moving indoor activities outdoors
  • Getting tested for COVID19
  • Wear a well-fitting mask that covers your mouth and nose in areas of medium to high hospital admission levels. Learn about COVID-19 transmission within Fresno County via COVID19 Data website

Please see the following links for additional, possibly more up-to-date, information about COVID-19:

Health & Medical Conditions

Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program, especially if you are considering substantially increasing your daily activity levels.

Walking Alone?

Generally, speaking, it's safer to go for a walk or a hike with someone else. However, for a variety of reasons, you may want or even need to go solo. 

Here are some tips to help you maximize your safety when walking alone:

  • Let others know: Always leave notice of where you are going and when you are expected to return with a household member or a family member or friend. Be sure someone knows your plans and contact them again when you return.
  • Trust your instincts (and be aware of your surroundings): Prioritize your safety. If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable (even just a little), act to protect yourself. This may include turning around, going another way, crossing a street, calling for help, screaming, or running away.
  • Stick to familiar routes: Don't walk in areas that you're unfamiliar with when you're alone. It's also safest to choose areas where there are others around.
  • Avoid forest trails (and other remote areas): Help may not be readily available in case of a health or other emergency. Falls, broken bones, bee stings, allergic reactions, heart attack, stroke, and heat sickness are all potential dangers.
  • Carry a cell phone: When you are alone, it is crucial to have a phone in case you need to call 911 or someone else.
  • Reduce noise distractions: Keep headphone or earbud volume low and keep only one ear bud in. Better yet, don't wear headphones or earbuds.
  • Pack a first-aid kit: Whether you scrape your knee or encounter poison ivy, having a kit on hand can help you prevent a bad injury from becoming worse. If you are allergic to bees or anything else, make sure to stock your kit with supplies to treat an allergic reaction. If you have asthma, be sure to carry a rescue inhaler!
  • Carry a walking stick or poles: Walking sticks or poles can help prevent falls. Additionally, simply having a stick or two in hand may make you a less-tempting target for a would-be attacker. 
  • Know when to call 911: Understand symptoms of health emergencies, such as heart attack and heat stroke, and seek assistance immediately if you experience any of these.
  • Avoid walking at night: If ever you must do so, use these strategies to stay as safe as possible.

(The tips above are adapted from recommendations for "How to Practice Safety When Walking Alone," included in the Very Well Fit article "7 Reasons to Walk Alone" by Wendy Bumgardner, updated January 03, 2021.)

Bike Safety Tips

Here are just a few reminders for those who are going to bike their way to Mordor!

  • Check your equipment: Check your tires, adjust your seat, make sure all the parts are working, and make sure you have reflectors on the front and back of your bike.
  • Make sure you can be seen: Wear neon or bright clothing. If you can't bike during the day, make sure to attach a flashing light to your handle bar.
  • Wear a helmet: Make sure it fits snugly. Other guidelines can be found here.
  • Follow the rules of the road: Ride with the traffic, stay in the bike lane, use hand signals, and be alert at all times!
(The tips above are adapted from recommendations featured in "Bike Safely and Enjoy Your Ride," on the National Safety Council website.)

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