W.Va. DNR urges precaution with hiking in the heat

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - With temperatures hitting 90 degrees for 23 of the past 30 days, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources says outdoor enthusiasts need to take precautions and plan ahead.

Michelle Foster, of Hurricane, exercises on a regular basis. Monday’s heat caused her to opt for the shade of a trail run in Hurricane.

“I mean, it’s definitely on my mind,” she said. “I do run out on Teays Valley Road, but I can’t do it in this extreme amount of heat. I have to find shade to be able to do it.”

Beating the heat has been critically important this summer across the country.

In Utah, a hike this past Friday turned deadly. A father and daughter got lost and ran out of water at Canyonlands National Park. Both died.

Closer to home, it’s a different climate indeed, but temperatures hitting with humidity can make it feel even hotter.

Just this weekend, DNR Park Superintendent Clark Sanford said a camper was treated for heat stroke at Kanawha State Forest.

“Regardless of the amount of tree cover and shade that we have here, when you are recreating and taking part in physical activity outdoors along with high temperatures, the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke is still there,” he said.

Add in the stress of hiking, and Sanford said preparation is key.

“You want to pack at least one bottle of water for every two miles that you plan to be out hiking, and then to eat and to have proper salt intake as well,” he said. “Your body needs that salt to be able to hold onto the water to remain hydrated.”

Sanford added that if you get in trouble and you don’t have cell service, you should still use your phone to call 911. He said many cell phones, in the case of an emergency, can connect with satellites to get help.

Officials also say listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right slow down, take a rest and find a way to cool down.

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