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Crime & Safety

The One Thing You Should do Before Hiking

In wake of all the recent mountain rescues, the Sheriff's Department Search and Rescue is urging residents to fill out a Hiking Plan sheet to give to loved ones.

Whether you're setting off on a morning hike or planning an overnight camping trip with friends, the Sheriff's Department Search and Rescue team is reminding residents that having a plan can help in case of emergency.

Even if your planned hike is short, a situation could arise where you need help. Just two weekends ago, , including a  and a teen girl who was . Mishaps can happen, even to experienced hikers. The sun might set earlier than you planned, you could accidentally take a wrong turn, or simply wander a little too far into an area that didn't look so steep at first.

The Sheriff's department has provided a Hiking Plan sheet for hikers to give to a trust-worthy person who's staying behind. The sheet includes a space for the names and ages of the hikers in your group, what supplies you have with you, and your intended route. If a situation should arise, a Search and Rescue team may have an easier time finding you.

Find out what's happening in Montrose-La Crescentawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Download the form by visiting http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_163961.pdf

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