MYTH: You need to boil water for ten minutes to make it safe to drink.

FACT: Any water brought to a boil, even at high altitudes, is safe to drink.

BE SAFE Tip – Outdoor Tip – Snake Bite Prevention

• Stay away from infested areas.
• Do not hike at night when the snakes are out.
• Only place your foot or hand in areas you have visually searched for snakes.
• Shake out your shoes, clothing and bags in the morning.
• Don’t try to pick up a snake.
• Wear high leather boots in snake country.

Learn more wilderness medicine and first aid tips – click here for Dr. Weiss’s Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness and Travel Medicine.

BE SAFE Outdoor Tip – Preventing Lightning

• A lightning bolt can travel up to 15 miles
• Seek shelter indoors or inside a vehicle
• In a tent stay as far away from the poles an wet clothes as possible
• Do not stand under a tall tree in an open field or on a ridge top
• Get out an away from open water
• Get off bicycles and golf carts
• Stay away from wire fences, metal pipes or other metal objects that could carry the lightning bolt to you from a distance

Q:
I am a river guide during the summer, I usually do class 3-5 rapids, and do multi day trips with up to 12 people. I have my WFR and EMT certifications. I also do a lot of backpacking, I do back country skiing in the winter. And I enjoy mountain biking on days off during the summer and was wondering which would be the best kit for me.