This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
With temperatures expected to reach the 100s in many parts of southern Utah that include popular national parks such as Zion, Arches and Canyonlands, heat exhaustion can become a major problem.
Dealing with the heat offers some obvious solutions. The key is to drink plenty of water and eat salty foods. Also, leaving kids or pets in a hot car can be deadly.
Hiking early or late and finding something to do during the hottest part of the day is also a good plan.
The National Park Service offers the following 10 tips to avoid heat issues:
1. Drink plenty of water or water flavored with an electrolyte replacement.
2. Eat twice as much as normal including salty foods.
3. Carry a first aid kit that includes bandaids, ace wrap, antiseptic and moleskin.
4. While many trails are well-marked, take a good map when going into the backcountry.
5. Have a good, comfortable pack to carry the essentials.
6. Carry a flashlight with spare batteries that would help you find your way out of the backcountry at night when the temperatures cool.
7. Use a spray bottle filled with water for your own personal air conditioning system.
8. Wear a good hat and sunscreen.
9. Carry a whistle of signal mirror for emergency use.
10. Have a rain poncho or waterproof clothing in case you encounter heavy rain.