Some people from the Okotoks area may be heading to Kananaskis Country for Family Day on February 15th.
The President of Foothills Search and Rescue Rob Rossie says they cover a pretty big area.
"Foothills Search and Rescue services an area south of Highway 1 adjacent to the mountain parks all the way out to the Gleichen area and south to the Chain Lakes area."
He says we can enjoy everything the mountains have to offer but not to stray from the beaten path.
He says often we're tempted to make our own tracks in the snow but that can have deadly consequences.
Rossie says if you're planning to leave town and head for the mountains this holiday weekend, be prepared.
He says if you're not prepared the solution is simple.
"If you're not sure, don't go. If you're not equipped with avalanche shovels, probes and beacons or those kinds of tools that are helpful then you shouldn't be there. If you're not prepared to judge the terrain in terms of its stability, again, you shouldn't be there."
He says there are things you can do to prepare ahead of time to make you're trip a memorable one.
He says if you're caught in an avalanche there is something you can do.
"Making an air pocket around your face can significantly improve your survival times. Grab hold of the back of your head with your hands, and put your elbows around the front of your face. That little pocket created between your nose, mouth and the inside of your elbows is the air space of survival."
He says with the recent temperature changes and unpredictable weather you have to be prepared ahead of time.
Rossie says that to contact your local library to ask for a workshop on avalanche safety and they will put in the request.
He says for more information on avalanche safety you can also visit these trusted websites:
Fri, Apr 12, 4:30 PM
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