Custom Rich-Text Page

Home page* Meetings* Location* Mission* Contact us at: Our History* Funding and Donations* Search and Rescue Certification* Rodeo De Santa Fe* Cerrillos Hills* 2010 Chimayo Pilgramage* 2007 Chimayo Pilgramage* Group Picture* Photo Gallery What we do* Trailhead Safety Stay Safe on the Trail Equine Trail Safety & Etiqette



TRAILHEAD SAFETY

 

THE FOLLOWING ARE PROVIDED ONLY AS SUGGESTIONS THAT MAY BE OF ASSISTANCE TO PERSONS WHO GO INTO THE OUT-OF-DOORS.  THESE SUGGESTIONS ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE ALL ENCLUSIVE NOR TO PROVIDE ANY GUARANTEE OF SAFETY.  AT BEST, IT IS HOPED THEY MAY GIVE “FOOD FOR THOUGHT”.  EACH INDIVIDUAL IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY AND ACTIONS AND THE SHERIFF’S POSSE OF SANTA FE ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY IN PROVIDING THESE SUGGESTIONS AS A PUBLIC SERVICE. 
  

Many of the vast number of trailheads in New Mexico are used on a daily basis by a multitude of people enjoying the out-of-doors in many ways.

 

Unfortunately, there are some people who use this knowledge to assist in criminal activities.  If you park your vehicle at a trail head, these people can anticipate that you will be gone for a period of time before returning to your vehicle.  This makes your vehicle a potential target for a break-in.

 YOUR VEHICLE:
  • Don’t leave anything visible in the vehicle that someone may think is valuable, or contain valuables if it can be avoided.
  • Place all items in the trunk of the vehicle if it is equipped with one.  You may know the bag on the back seat only has some old books or laundry in it, but someone prowling your car for possible items to steal won’t know that until after they’ve broken out a window and run off with the bag.
BEFORE YOU HEAD OFF:
  • Check your cell phone to see if you have service at the tail head area.
  • Make sure you have all your appropriate items (so you don’t go off and accidentally leave something behind that you may need on your hike, etc.)
 AFTER DARK:
  • If you anticipate you may return after dark, park near lighting if there is any in the area.
  • Should you return after dark, have your keys ready before you get back to the vehicle.
  • Scan the area around your vehicle and other nearby cars to make sure everything appears as it should.
  • If you have a whistle with you (always recommended when going in the out-of-doors), be prepared to use it if you have to.
 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS:
  • If you see or suspect that something may be wrong, do not “challenge” any suspicious persons.
  • If there are other, obvious “non-threatening” people in the area; join them and explain your concerns and seek their assistance.
  • If others are present, but you cannot get to them, blow your whistle to get their attention and help.
  • If no one else is in the immediate area who may be of help, move out of the area and call for help on your cell phone.
  • As a last resort, remain out of the area until the suspicious persons have left.