***********North Pagosa will be closed July 21th-27th********

N. Pagosa Blvd closed from Friday, July 21st through Thursday, July 27th. If the work is finished before 7/27 they will open the road up early but we want to include a few more days to be safe.

Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you will return and your emergency plans.

Your hike begins before you reach the trailhead. It's important that you research, write down and distribute your plan before you leave.
Include:
•how many people are in your hiking party, their names, ages and any unique factors (medications taken, chronic diseases such as diabetes, or disabilities)
•equipment, gear and the amount of food and water you have with you
•hike start date and time
•hike return date and time (give yourself a cushion so emergency services aren't called if you're a little late)
•trailhead names and connectors
•turn around point

Discuss the plan and leave a copy of the plan with someone who is reliable and responsible, and who knows how, when and why to contact authorities.

If your plan changes, call this person! You don't want a search and rescue team sent for you if not needed.

*************THUNDERSTORM SAFETY**************

All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous. If you hear the sound of thunder, then you are in danger from lightning. Lightning kills between 75 to 100 people each year and being outdoors in the most dangerous place to be. Always listen to the radio and television for the latest information and instructions for your area.

A THUNDERSTORM WATCH means a thunderstorm is possible for your area.

A THUNDERSTORM WARNING means a thunderstorm is taking place in your area.

IF YOU’RE OUTDOORS:
•Keep an eye at the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of lightning, or increasing winds. Lightning often proceeds rain, so don’t wait for the rain to begin. If you hear the sound of thunder, go to a safe place immediately.
•The best place to go is a sturdy building or a car, but make sure the windows in the car are shut. Avoid sheds, picnic areas, baseball dugouts and bleachers.
•If there is no shelter around you, stay away from trees. Crouch down in the open area, keeping twice as far away from a tree as far as it is tall. Put your feet together and place your hands over your ears to minimize hearing damage from thunder.
•If you’re with a group of people stay about 15 feet from each other.
•Stay out of water. It’s a great conductor of electricity. Swimming, wading, snorkeling and scuba diving are not safe. Also, don’t stand in puddles.
•Avoid metal. Stay away from clotheslines, fences, and drop your backpacks because they often have metal on them.
•If you’re playing an outdoor activity, wait at least 30 minutes after the last observed lightning strike or thunder.

IF YOU’RE INDOORS:
•Avoid water. It’s a great conductor of electricity, so do not take a shower, wash your hands, wash dishes or do laundry.
•Do not use a corded telephone. Lightning may strike exterior phone lines.
•Do not use electric equipment like computers and appliances during a storm.
•Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.

IF SOMEONE IS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING:
•Call for help. Call 9-1-1 or send for help immediately.
•The injured person does not carry an electrical charge, so it is okay to touch them