General Safety Tips for Outdoor Alaskan Excursions

Recently in this space, we discussed emergency preparedness themes for any Alaskan outdoor adventure, which are very important to anyone participating in them. Such emergencies are extremely rare, of course, but preparing for them is important nonetheless -- and in addition, there are a number of other general safety themes you should be thinking about that, while not necessarily connected directly to any emergency, are still worth preparing for.

At Pybus Point Lodge, safety and preparation are vital parts of all our all-inclusive Alaskan vacation programs, whether you're taking part in our saltwater fishing, wildlife tours or any of our other fun activities. Our guides are all well-trained in everything from emergency preparedness to basic outdoor safety, and many of our activities include a specific safety briefing from your guide before departure. Here are some of the other broad safety themes we'll promote to you and all our other clients while you're in our care.

Noting and Avoiding Hazards

One part of Alaskan outdoor safety that speaks directly to the value of having a quality tour guide with you: Identifying and avoiding natural outdoor hazards that might be present on your route. In areas where it snows, for example, our guides will identify the route you'll be taking and take into account any avalanche danger.

They may choose to place an extra person at the head of your group to help with cutting switchbacks through potentially dangerous snowdrifts -- or even reroute you completely in order to avoid any chance of danger. On our wildlife tours, when we take you hiking along trails through the woods and mountains or out onto lakes and rivers, your guide may stop frequently to point out potential dangers, such as undercut rocks that could roll with you off a cliff or critters' nests on branches above your head.

Fire Safety

In any situation where a fire is necessary, our guides will take several steps to maintain fire safety. Fires will only be built in safe areas, all participants will be briefed on fire safety, and a water supply will always be available to extinguish the fire if necessary.

In addition, precautions will be taken while using any items that might be a fire risk, such as propane stoves. Our guides will instruct you on how to operate the stove safely and avoid any chance of fire.

Tent Placement and Safety

If you'll be camping for any period of time, tent setup and safety is important as well. The tent should be made of a flame-retardant material, and should be placed far from the campfire so as to minimize fire hazards. If you'll be using a gas stove inside the tent, make sure to place it in an appropriate location so as not to risk fire.

Make sure that your tent has adequate ventilation, and never place anything flammable or combustible underneath it. Don't get into your sleeping bag with wet clothes on -- remove them and hang them on a line outside the tent, away from the stove and any possible embers.

If you'll be sleeping in a hammock, make sure that you have a tarp over it to protect it from rain or snow. Hammocks can also sway in high winds -- if you're concerned about this on your trip, bring extra guy lines with which to secure the hammock to trees or rocks.

No matter how you're sleeping, make sure that you can easily get out of your tent or hammock if need be -- and that if there is a fire nearby, you have a clear path to safety so you won't enter it.

Poisonous or Harmful Plants

Another area our guides will be happy to inform you of throughout any outdoor adventure in Alaska: Avoiding any poisonous or otherwise harmful plants that may be present on your route. Cow parsnip, for instance, is present in many areas along our hiking and biking trails, and is generally not harmful unless it comes into contact with your skin.

If you touch cow parsnip, wash the area immediately with soap and water since its oils can cause a burning sensation on the skin. Other plants like fireweed can be poisonous if ingested -- make sure to tell your guide if you or anyone in your party thinks he has ingested any of these plants.

In addition, Alaska is home to a number of mold varieties that can be quite harmful if they are ingested. Our guides will inform all participants about the potential dangers of eating food outdoors in Alaska and how to avoid them.

For more on general outdoor safety in Alaska, or to learn about any of our fishing vacations, lodging accommodations or other services, speak to the staff at Pybus Point Lodge today.