SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST — Watch out! Falling trees are a hazard when traveling in the forest, and this year’s die-off will require visitors to be on their guard even more than usual.
While it may seem incredibly obvious on its face, reminding ourselves to practice good situational awareness is important. It’s easy to become complacent.
The Sierra National Forest warns anyone who plans to spend time camping, recreating or driving through the forest that the massive tree mortality poses definite risks to your safety.
Following these guidelines will help forest visitors avoid risks:
- Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid dense patches of dead trees. Trees can fall without warning.
- Stay out of the forest when there are strong winds that could blow trees down. If you are already in the forest when the winds pick up, head to a clearing out of reach of potential falling trees.
- Pitch tents and park vehicles in areas where they will not be hit if trees fall.
- When driving in remote areas of the forest, park close to a main road rather than on a spur or one- way section; if trees fall across the road you could become trapped.
- Bring an ax or a chainsaw to remove fallen trees from roads if you do become trapped.
- Do not rely solely on cell phones for safety as many areas of the National Forest have no cell phone coverage.
