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Memorial Day Weekend Safety Reminders

coconino county sheriff's office logoSedona AZ (May 26, 2016) – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind all residents and visitors to Northern Arizona over the Memorial Holiday Weekend about some safety measures to keep your weekend enjoyable.

The CCSO will conduct increased patrols throughout Coconino County roads, forests and waterways as part of our two-pronged approach of safety education and enforcement. Members of our Community Emergency Response Team (CERT – look for their green vests) also will be at information contact points in Mountainaire and Munds Park sharing safety information with the public.

Don’t Drink and Drive / Boat!
• Drive and Boat responsibly
• Have designated drivers
• Watch your speed

Boat Safety
• Conduct a safety equipment check of your vessel life jackets for everyone on board, U.S. Coast Guard approved type 4 throwable flotation device and a serviceable fire extinguisher if required for your size craft.
• Check weather conditions prior to leaving
• Leave your voyage plans with a responsible party

OHV Safety
You’re more likely to be injured on an OHV if you don’t use it properly. If you’re a parent who owns or operates an OHV, you can model safe behavior by following these guidelines:

• Passengers: Many ATVs and motorbikes are meant to be used by a single driver. Never carry more passengers than the equipment is designed for. Passengers can affect the balance and make it hard for the driver to stay in control.
• Age and experience: Driver error and loss of control are common causes of OHV crashes. OHVs are not toys; ride age-appropriate equipment and supervise riders younger than 16 years of age.
• Proper equipment: Drivers and passengers should wear appropriate safety equipment including, approved helmets, eye protection, proper clothing (such as boots, gloves and long pants).
• Training / Rules of the Road: Drivers should take an approved training course and know the rules of the road. Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
• Drugs and alcohol: Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Camp / Hike Safety
Remember, weather in Northern Arizona can change quickly. Here are some simple hiking safety tips to help reduce the need for search and rescue efforts and to have a safe, enjoyable outdoor experience.

• Keep children in your sight at all times
• Carry appropriate gear
Navigation tools – topographic map & compass (don’t rely only on GPS)
Sunglasses & sunscreen
Extra Clothing (remember sturdy footwear & extra socks, consider space blanket, rain jacket, hats, gloves, etc.)
Headlamp or flashlight
First Aid supplies
Matches / Fire starter
Pocket knife or multi-tool, tape and cable ties for emergency repairs of equipment
Food – good trail snacks are ones that will provide you with high energy, such as fruit, granola, peanut butter, bagels, power bars, fruit bars, beef jerky, or even candy.
Water – carry plenty of water with you, especially in the summer. Liquids such as water or sports drinks are best for you. Drinking soda or alcohol while hiking will dehydrate you.
Emergency shelter
Signal device such as cell phone or signal mirror (remember cell phones don’t work everywhere)
• Have knowledge of the terrain & weather – Stay on the designated trail.

Check the weather forecast before heading out. Be prepared for unexpected changes in the weather such as rain or wind and mountain climate.
• Leave your plans with someone – Give a family member or a friend your hiking itinerary and your estimated time of return.
• Stay together – When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group. Take into account the ability level of everyone in your group before choosing a hike. Pace your hike to the slowest person. Estimate the energy you need to return and be ready to turn back if fatigue sets in or weather changes. Start your hike early so that you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy it and to get back before dark.
Fire Safety – Be Firewise. Check with the local forest or fire district regarding any fire restrictions.

Sheriff Bill Pribil and the men and women of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office wish you and your family a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend. Let’s work together to keep this holiday weekend safe.

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2 Comments

  1. Gary Chamberlain says:

    Veteran Suicides at 22 Per Day

    http://fanninsentinel.com/?p=6347

  2. Jack Hallman says:

    Remember me and all the rest.

    http://worriersanonymous.org/Share/Mansions.htm

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