Like many others, I’d rather the steps to prepare for an avalanche than the steps to survive one, so let’s look at the things to do to avoid getting caught up in one. Remember, obedience is better than sacrifice.
Here we go.
5 Steps to Prepare for an Avalanche
Take a Class in Avalanche Survival
Participating in an avalanche survival class may not provide all the fun you want on your ski trip, but it’s vital — it’s a life-saving concern, isn’t it? Understanding the basics & knowing the must-have may be what saves you when it matters.
If you cannot attend a physical workshop, you should make do with webinars & other online sessions. There are thousands of resources on the internet to get started. Note though that some may be paid for.
Read More Books
Asides from the physical or virtual classes, reading up books on ways to survive an avalanche may be all that you need to survive one. Sometimes, boobs can be much more informative than the training you receive.
Some places will offer brochures & pamphlets to tourists, so do read up. When going through books that can help, check for tips on what item to pack along, things to expect & steps to take in case of an emergency. Your top priority should be to research the do’s & don’ts.
Pack an Emergency Bag
If you wish to make it out of an avalanche, food, water & a first-aid kit won’t be enough to keep you going until the end. In fact, none of them is the most important supply when it comes to avalanche survival. The most essential thing to have during an avalanche is a beacon transceiver that helps call for help if it eventually happens that the avalanche buries you.
When on your trails, a shovel would make a great gear too. You can use a sturdy one to dig out snow & mark your trails. A heavy bag, by the way, may bother you, but it’s better than having nothing to protect you.
Stay Updated With the Forecast
Before going on any trip, be it a camping or hiking trip, make it a staunch habit to check the weather forecast. Having the beforehand knowledge of what’s very likely to happen will help to stay ahead of the curve. You can decide to reschedule your journey & should you choose to go, you’ll know what to expect — and how to survive.
Mind you; forecasts can be wrong as they are not always 100% accurate. They are nevertheless great indicators of how the weather is going to be.
Be Observant of Your Environment
Assessing your environment is a good precaution when it comes to avoiding an avalanche. Checking our area will guide you to the safer routes & perhaps good shelter. By checking out your surroundings, you can tell if an avalanche has happened recently in the place. If you find signs that avalanches are common in an area & the weather forecast predicts another one coming up, I’m guessing you don’t want to be caught up. Do you?
Concluding The Steps to Prepare for an Avalanche
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Preparing for an avalanche won’t cost you a lot, and you should be able to avoid getting caught in one, except you want to have the experience. I suppose none of us want to have such an experience, so I trust us all to stay safe. Let’s hear from you: are there other steps to prepare for an avalanche that we have missed?