You don\u2019t want your friends to contact the authorities because they haven\u2019t seen you around\u2026for a week or so<\/em>. You want them to call for help when you\u2019re within a couple of hours of your anticipated return time and to know exactly where you can be found. After all, time is of the essence when you might be in trouble. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even the <\/a>Washington weather can be a threat<\/a>. The only way loved ones will know you\u2019re missing and where to send help is if you\u2019ve told them ahead of time what your plans are and when you\u2019re expected to return. <\/p>\n\n\n\n After all, there are places in the Washington wilderness where cellphone signal towers are few and far between. Or you could be in a predicament where you\u2019re unable to phone for assistance. Whatever the situation, it\u2019s important that you alert others of your plans so they can alert the authorities if, for any reason, you can\u2019t. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s strength in numbers. Right? If one of you gets lost, perhaps the other one has a better sense of direction. One might be able to provide basic care or go for help if the other gets hurt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to responding to the unexpected, two (or more) heads are better than one. Two or more people working together might better figure out how to successfully escape what you\u2019ve gotten into. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What if you get stranded by a famous Washington landslide<\/a>? You\u2019ll need a friend to help figure out the best way to get you and your RV home safely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s proper<\/em>? That depends entirely on what your outdoor recreation involves. However, you\u2019re better off bringing along too much gear than not enough. Here are some of the basics we recommend for most outdoor adventures in the state: <\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s an old saying to avoid doing more than you can handle. If you haven\u2019t done much hiking, don\u2019t vow to make it up one of the sheerest mountain hiking trails at North Cascades National Park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Take baby steps. Go at your own pace. Learn how to paddle a canoe before challenging the Skykomish River. Adventurers get hurt (or worse) when they decide to “just go for it\u201d or to imitate a move they saw a professional athlete make on TV or YouTube.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s another thing to love about the Evergreen State: the <\/a>abundant wildlife<\/a> in our mountains, valleys, forests, and waterways. Washington is home to the mule deer, black bear, moose, cougar, elk, bobcat, Canada lynx, and kangaroo rat, among many other creatures that would be considered exotic and unheard-of in most other states. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For that matter, even small grizzly bear populations can be found in the Selkirk Mountains and some points elsewhere in the state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This wildlife diversification is the good news\u2026most of the time. But if you\u2019re hiking or camping out in the wilderness, you\u2019re invading their space. While even the most potentially dangerous of those wild animals would usually rather leave you alone, that might not be the case if they feel threatened or protective of their young. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you see an animal baby alone in the wild, regardless of how cute or helpless it seems to be, leave it alone!<\/em> You might think it\u2019s abandoned, but its mama might not be as far away as you think (or hope). Even a normally placid animal can turn ferocious if she feels her babies are threatened. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Assume there\u2019s a mama for every sighted baby. Stay away! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some male animals \u2014 even normally placid deer \u2014 can act aggressively during the rutting season in the spring. So here are some key ways to stay safe in outdoor recreation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Know the threat. What wildlife are you likely to encounter on the route you\u2019re taking? Bring bear spray if that\u2019s a threat and proceed with alertness and caution if you\u2019re around any potential wildlife risk. For instance, don\u2019t unroll sleeping bags on the bare ground where the Western rattlesnake calls home. (Although it\u2019s venomous, this snake will only strike if threatened. Its venom will certainly cause pain and discomfort, but it\u2019s not generally fatal to humans.)<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid wildlife encounters before they occur. If you see a moose or bear in the distance, that\u2019s exactly where it should remain\u2026in the distance<\/em>. Make sure you never get any closer than that initial sighting. Back away and figure out your escape route. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can take every precaution and still get hurt on your Washington outdoor adventure. It\u2019s the same if you are taking part in a staycation this year and hanging around home. That\u2019s just life. And it\u2019s why you need to be sure you have the most affordable home insurance<\/a> available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t have the right liability coverage and someone gets hurt, you could be on the hook for medical bills and even a lawsuit. Your home insurance will also pay for that expensive laptop if you leave it in your car while you are out hiking and somebody breaks in and steals it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When shopping around for insurance, check with an independent agent who represents policies from many major carriers. That means they can go shopping on your behalf for the cheapest possible coverage that meets your needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At Vern Fonk Insurance, our knowledgeable independent agents can help you find the most affordable home insurance before you set off into the great outdoors. Just call us at (800) 455-8276<\/a> or go online for a quick quote<\/a>. You can also find a Vern Fonk Insurance Washington office<\/a> near you.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nBring a Friend<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Pack the Proper Gear<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Get Ahead of Your Skis<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Mother](\"https:\/\/www.vernfonk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/07\/VF-safety-tips2.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nRespect the Wildlife<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Make Sure You Have the Most Affordable Home Insurance<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Find Affordable Home Insurance in Washington Before You Need It<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n