🥾 SAFETY BRIEFING: HIKING SAFETY & TICK AWARENESS
Hiking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it comes with risks—especially in wooded and grassy areas where ticks and changing conditions can pose hazards. Preparation and awareness are key to staying safe.
🌲 PLAN BEFORE YOU GO
Choose trails appropriate for your skill level
Check weather conditions before heading out
Let someone know your route and expected return time
Carry a map or GPS—don’t rely on cell service
🎒 ESSENTIAL GEAR
Water and snacks
First aid kit
Flashlight or headlamp
Fully charged phone and backup battery
Whistle and basic navigation tools
🚶♂️ STAY SAFE ON THE TRAIL
Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost
Watch your footing—uneven terrain and roots can cause falls
Be aware of wildlife and keep a safe distance
Turn back if conditions worsen or you feel unwell
🕷️ TICK SAFETY & PREVENTION
Ticks can carry diseases such as Lyme disease and are commonly found in tall grass and wooded areas.
Protect Yourself:
Wear long sleeves and long pants; tuck pants into socks
Use insect repellent containing DEET or permethrin
Stay in the center of trails—avoid brushing against vegetation
After Your Hike:
Check your entire body for ticks (especially behind knees, under arms, scalp, and waistline)
Shower as soon as possible
Wash and dry clothing on high heat
❗ IF YOU FIND A TICK
Remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers
Grasp close to the skin and pull straight out—do not twist
Clean the area with soap and water
Monitor for rash or flu-like symptoms and seek medical advice if needed
🌦️ WEATHER & ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS
Avoid hiking during severe weather
Be cautious near water, cliffs, or slippery surfaces
Dress in layers to adapt to temperature changes
🆘 IN AN EMERGENCY
Call 911 if you are lost, injured, or in danger
Stay in one place if rescuers are searching for you
Use a whistle or bright clothing to signal for help
🧭 FINAL REMINDERPreparation, awareness, and prevention make all the difference outdoors.
➡️ Plan ahead. Stay on the trail. Check for ticks.
Bungay Fire Brigade encourages all hikers to stay safe and enjoy the outdoors responsibly.
Hiking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it comes with risks—especially in wooded and grassy areas where ticks and changing conditions can pose hazards. Preparation and awareness are key to staying safe.
🌲 PLAN BEFORE YOU GO
Choose trails appropriate for your skill level
Check weather conditions before heading out
Let someone know your route and expected return time
Carry a map or GPS—don’t rely on cell service
🎒 ESSENTIAL GEAR
Water and snacks
First aid kit
Flashlight or headlamp
Fully charged phone and backup battery
Whistle and basic navigation tools
🚶♂️ STAY SAFE ON THE TRAIL
Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost
Watch your footing—uneven terrain and roots can cause falls
Be aware of wildlife and keep a safe distance
Turn back if conditions worsen or you feel unwell
🕷️ TICK SAFETY & PREVENTION
Ticks can carry diseases such as Lyme disease and are commonly found in tall grass and wooded areas.
Protect Yourself:
Wear long sleeves and long pants; tuck pants into socks
Use insect repellent containing DEET or permethrin
Stay in the center of trails—avoid brushing against vegetation
After Your Hike:
Check your entire body for ticks (especially behind knees, under arms, scalp, and waistline)
Shower as soon as possible
Wash and dry clothing on high heat
❗ IF YOU FIND A TICK
Remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers
Grasp close to the skin and pull straight out—do not twist
Clean the area with soap and water
Monitor for rash or flu-like symptoms and seek medical advice if needed
🌦️ WEATHER & ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS
Avoid hiking during severe weather
Be cautious near water, cliffs, or slippery surfaces
Dress in layers to adapt to temperature changes
🆘 IN AN EMERGENCY
Call 911 if you are lost, injured, or in danger
Stay in one place if rescuers are searching for you
Use a whistle or bright clothing to signal for help
🧭 FINAL REMINDERPreparation, awareness, and prevention make all the difference outdoors.
➡️ Plan ahead. Stay on the trail. Check for ticks.
Bungay Fire Brigade encourages all hikers to stay safe and enjoy the outdoors responsibly.