Lightning and Heat Illness

Note: This weeks Grant Challenge donations amounted to $120. We have reached 61% of our goal. Let’s keep it going!

LIGHTNING AND HEAT ILLNESSES ARE OF PARTICULAR CONCERN DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS.

Lightning

The best way to avoid a lightning strike is to be indoors since there are no places that are completely safe in the outdoors. At JUMP we make sure to start hikes early during the summer as well as ensure we are off any ridge lines or out of exposed areas by early afternoon (when thunderstorms and lightning are most prevalent). Here is a link to an excellent site to learn more about lightning and how to minimize risk if you are caught outdoors.

https://www.wildbackpacker.com/wilderness-survival/articles/surviving-a-lightning-storm/#:~:text=Lightning%20safety%20while%20backpacking%2C%20hiking%2C%20or%20camping&text=While%20up%20to%2090%25%20of,as%20neurological%20and%20internal%20injuries.&text=NOAA.gov%20makes%20it%20clear,thunder%20are%20in%20the%20area.

Heat Illnesses

The risk of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke are heightened during the summer months but can occur year round. At JUMP part of our safety culture is to take this into account by understanding the fitness level and experience of our hikers and planning routes that will get us or keep us out of the sun. Pre-adolescents are of particular concern since their bodies will over compensate until they suddenly collapse.

Here is a good source for information on heat illnesses.

https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html

Enjoy the outdoors, have fun, and stay safe!