Always Be Prepared!

You know, a fairly simply thing that individuals can do is to go through their pack and check out safety items…

These are the most common things that people do for safety and a list of items you should take with you:

Tips For Preparation

  • Make a Travel-Plan! Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back
  • Prepare as if you would spend a night or two out. Pack some power bars or the like. Make sure they are not from years ago and are eatable
  • Know how to build a snow or tree shelter. It’s a basic skill and can save your life.
  • NEVER travel alone. If you injure your self seriously while alone - your chances of survival are reduced.
  • CARRY a Map and Compass. A GPS is helpful (learn to operate).
  • CARRY Spare clothing (gloves, socks, toque). Goes back to planning as if you would be out over night.
  • CARRY a Space blanket. Same thing - can act as a wind break to keep you warmer.
  • CARRY Means to start a fire (Solid BBQ starter works well.)
  • CARRY Matches in a dry container. (wooden matches in a 35Mil Film capsule will keep them dry)
  • CARRY a Hatchet / Knife.
  • IF IT IS DECIDED that you will spend a night out gather fuel for a fire early in the day, don’t wait until it will be dark. Build a shelter near your snowmobile, as it is a source of things you could use to stay alive. It’s also a wind break if there is nothing else.
  • CARRY a First-aid kit.
  • CARRY signalling devices; Flares, a whistle, a mirror, thin red plastic to lay on snow as a ground sheet and a signal to aircraft.
  • CARRY a Flashlight. An L.E.D. type is recommended (lasts many hours - Wall Mart has an inexpensive one in the camping section)
  • CARRY Spare gas.
  • CARRY a Spare Drive belt.
  • CARRY Spark Plugs. (Are they working ?)
  • CARRY an extra piece of Starter rope.
  • CARRY Towing rope.
  • CARRY Snowshoes.

These are all pretty basic things that people should have - even if you are planning a short day out with a group. Weather can fog in, or heavy snow - you can get separated from your group - then you are alone and have to be able to fend for your self.

Let us know things you do and things that make your outings safer - maybe we can add things to our safety items list.

We all enjoy seeing wildlife so when Wildlife is Encountered… These are things you should know:

  • ALWAYS OBSERVE AND OBEY WILDLIFE SIGNAGE.
  • Know that animals are in a low state of sustenance reserves, and scaring animals can have negative impacts on the animal’s ability to survive the winter.
  • If an animal is encountered, NEVER approach the animal.
  • If it is apparent that your paths will cross, stop and let the animal/s pass.
  • Stay on your machine as you are seen as less of a threat to the animal.