Planning the Hike

Bring Your Cellular Phone, Flashlight, Foul Weather Clothing, Whistle

In case of an emergency your cell phone can be a lifesaver.  Ensure that your battery is full prior to your hike.  We recommend packing an external back-up battery. 

Pack Food (Snacks) and Water 

Stay hydrated and prepare for the unexpected. 

Inform Others of Your Plans

Let someone know which trail (name and location) you plan to hike on, when you expect to return and who is in your hiking party. If something should go wrong, rescuers will have accurate information on where to start searching.

Hike With A Partner

Don’t hike alone. Frequently, people who get into trouble are alone. In case of an emergency, your partner’s help can be invaluable. Don’t separate from your group.

Get Information About the Trail

Prior to hiking, learn about the trail you intend to hike so you will know the route, where to start, and the degree of difficulty.  When you get to the trail’s entrance read and follow signage.  Be aware of restricted or closed trails.

Assess Your Capabilities

Compare your level of fitness, ability, and experience with the trail description. Be practical and realistic. There are a wide variety of trails in Hawai‘i, so pick one that suits your level.

Check Weather Conditions

Sunny and clear mornings are sometimes followed by rain and wind later in the day. Flash floods are dangerous possibilities in the narrow gulches. Call the National Weather Service for the latest forecast.  While on the hike monitor the weather. When hiking into valleys or crossing streams, be mindful of rain conditions along the mountain top or ridges that can suddenly raise the water level in the stream. Use extreme caution if attempting to cross a swollen stream…rushing water is very powerful.

It is better to find an alternative route, or wait until the water subsides.

Wear Proper Clothing

Dress in layers so you can protect your skin from the intense tropical sun.  A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended.  Hiking boots offer traction and ankle support to prevent slipping and injuries on muddy trails and slick or sharp rocks.  Light rain gear is good to carry because of the quickly changing weather conditions.

During the Hike

Stay on the Trail

Most accidents happen when hikers leave the established trail and disregard warning signs. Staying on the trail greatly reduces your chances of having a serious fall or getting lost. Hawaiian forests are not like mainland forests—the growth is very dense, and it is easy to become disoriented. Thick overgrowth can mask dangerously steep drop-offs. Thin, sharp lava rock can crack beneath your weight above deep holes or lava tubes.

Monitor Individuals

Monitor everyone’s condition. Dehydration, sunstroke, hypothermia, and fatigue can hit even experienced hikers.

Avoid Undue Risks

Climbing waterfalls and following narrow ridgelines or gulches off the trail can place you in danger. Rock climbing is extremely dangerous due to the crumbly and porous nature of the volcanic rock. There have been fatal accidents from crumbling rock…don’t take the chance.

Watch the Time

Getting a late start increases the possibility of getting caught in the dark. Know your turnaround time and stick to it to allow enough time to return. If you’re caught by darkness, stay put unless you are very familiar with the trail and have a flashlight.

In An Emergency

Call or Text 911: Ask for Fire/Rescue. Tell them which trail you’re on and what happened.

Be Visible: Wear or wave a brightly colored item in an open area during the day. At night, use a flashlight or camera flash.

Be Noisy: Use a whistle to attract attention.

Stay Calm: Objectively assess your situation before making any decision. Stay calm and positive.

Stay Put: You will be found more quickly and reduce the chances of getting into further trouble, especially after dark, by staying in one place. This is why it is important to notify someone of your hike location and destination.

Stay Warm: Wind and rain can drain your body of warmth, and be life-threatening. Get out of the wind and use your rain gear or extra clothes to stay warm.

Hurricanes

Hurricane Information (PDF)

The intensity of hurricanes that will hit land is measured in terms of categories that relate wind speeds and potential damage. Even less intense storms can cause damage in areas that have not prepared in advance.

Floods

Flood Information (PDF)

Floods can happen everywhere, making them one of the country’s most common natural disasters. Flooding poses a greater threat in low-lying areas, near water, downstream from dams. Even the smallest streams, creek beds or drains can overflow and create flooding. During periods of heavy rain or extended periods of steady rains, be aware of the possibility of a flood. Flash floods develop quickly—anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Listen to local weather reports for flooding information.

Pet Fire Safety

Pet Fire Safety Tips (PDF)

Pets give us comfort, friendship, and unconditional love. Our connection to them can be among the strongest relationships in our lives. But pets can cause fires. We need to be careful with pets in the home.

Chicken Coops

Backyard Chicken Coop Safety (PDF)

Raising chickens as a hobby is popular. Hobby farmers enjoy raising hens as pets or livestock. Protect people, property, and your flock from the tragedy of fire.

Hoarding and Fire

Hoarding and Fire: Reducing the Risk (PDF)

Do you have a person in your life who may be a hoarder? Hoarding is a condition where a person has persistent difficulty discarding personal possessions. The large amount of possessions fill the home and prevent the normal use of the space. Living space becomes cluttered. It may be unusable. Hoarding brings distress and emotional health concerns.

Security Bars

Security Bar Safety (PDF)

People are afraid of crime near their homes. To feel safe, many people install security bars on their doors and windows. Some security bars, also called burglar bars, can trap you in a fire. They can also keep firefighters from getting in to rescue you.

Scald Prevention

Scald Prevention Safety Tips (PDF)

A scald injury can happen at any age. Children, older adults and people with disabilities are especially at risk. Hot liquids from bath water, hot coffee and even microwaved soup can cause devastating injuries. Scald burns are the second leading cause of all burn injuries.

Fire Safety At Your Home Away From Home

Vacation Rental Safety Tips (PDF)

Peer-to-peer hospitality services, such as Airbnb, Vacation Rentals by Owner and other types of vacation rentals are not regulated in the same way as hotels. Requirements vary widely across jurisdictions. Act as your own safety advocate and know before you go. Be sure the following safety measures are addressed.

Hotels & Motels

Hotels & Motel Safety (PDF)

Vacations and business travel make hotels and motels our home away from home. It is just as important to be prepared and know what you would do in a hotel/motel emergency as it is in your own home.

Kids & Fire Safety

Children and Fire Safety Tips (PDF)

Babysitting

Babysitting Safety (PDF)

Having a babysitter can give you peace of mind. It allows you to leave your child with someone you trust. Be sure your babysitter knows about fire safety. Be sure your babysitter knows what to do if there is a fire.

Car Fires

Car Fire Safety (PDF)

Cars can catch fire for many reasons. Mechanical or electrical issues are the most common cause. A car can also catch fire as the result of a bad crash. If you see smoke or flames or smell burning rubber or plastic, respond immediately.

Safety With Oily Rags Wet With Flammable or Combustible Liquid

Safety With Oily Rags (PDF)

Oil-based paints, stains, and varnishes are often used for home improvement projects. It is common to use rags to wipe up spills or clean brushes. But wet rags can ignite on their own. They can start a fire if not handled carefully. The same is true of the liquids themselves.

People With Disabilities

Home Safety for People With Disabilities (PDF)

There’s no place like home. It is a place to relax, share laughs with family, and enjoy home cooked meals. But did you know that the majority of fire deaths occur in the home? Help everyone in the home stay safe from fire.

Public Assembly

Safety in Places of Public Assembly Tips (PDF)

Every day, millions of people wake up, go to work or school, and take part in social events. But every so often the unexpected happens: an earthquake, a fire, a chemical spill, an act of terrorism or some other disaster. Routines change drastically, and people are suddenly aware of how fragile their lives and routines can be. Each disaster can have lasting effects — people may be seriously injured or killed, and devastating and costly property damage can occur. People entering any public assembly building need to be prepared in case of an emergency.

Campus Fire Safety

College Campus Fire Safety Tips (PDF)

College students living away from home should take a few minutes to make sure they are living in a fire-safe environment. Educating students on what they can do to stay safe during the school year is important and often overlooked.

Scald Prevention

Scald Prevention Safety Tips (PDF)

A scald injury can happen at any age. Children, older adults and people with disabilities are especially at risk. Hot liquids from bath water, hot coffee and even microwaved soup can cause devastating injuries. Scald burns are the second leading cause of all burn injuries.