It seems record numbers of visitors are heading to the nation's national parks this
Centennial year. The National Parks Service forecasts there will be 10 million more visitors this year.
National Parks officials say injuries happen when visitors aren't paying sufficient attention to their surroundings, their abilities and the rules that are in place to keep them safe. Here's how to prepare kids for a National Parks adventure- safely:
Don't count on your smartphone if you get lost or injured; cell service is spotty in the remote areas of parks. Make sure everyone-including older kids have a trail map marked with the trail you are taking.
Instruct the kids-and adults-to "hug a tree" if they get separated from the group. It will be easier to find them if they are in one spot; send someone down the trail or ask a passing hiker to alert the authorities that a child in your group is missing.
Make a mental note of what everyone is wearing. If someone gets lost, the first thing a ranger will ask is what they were wearing.
Always stay on trails and boardwalks. People have died because they have ventured off.
Be especially careful around water. Rushing streams can be dangerous; don't even think about going into a waterfall.
Stay at least 25 feet from park animals. Remember, they are wild! Never attempt to feed them.
Each child should carry a backpack with a rudimentary first aid kit, sun screen, bug repellent, water, snacks, a rain jacket, magnifying glass, a measuring tape, a small notebook and pencils-to help them explore along the way. (They can note how many and which animals and flowers they see! An extra layer and spare socks are good bets too.
Make sure everyone is wearing appropriate footwear-not flip flops!
Make sure everyone in the group has sufficient water and snacks.
Tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return so that if you are very late, they can alert the authorities.
Most important, talk to the Park Rangers before you head out. They can advise you where to go and what to do-safely.
