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Even if you are an experienced backpacker or climber, you need to know what to do if something goes wrong. It is not that Alaska is that much more dangerous than other places. It is no more hazardous than elsewhere, as long as the proper precautions are taken. However, if they are not, Alaska's tough terrain could get the best of you. Temperatures even in the summer can dip below a negative 40 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of the state. Some portions of the state receive 200 inches of rain. And, avalanches pose a serious threat to anyone traveling during the winter. So, being prepared is crucial to ensure a safe trip.
First of all, make sure you pack everything you will need for your trip. Even if you are traveling by car, pack clothes and gear for backpacking. Because of the extreme weather, cars break down frequently. Pack a survival kit full with: a down coat, boots, mittens, a hat, snow-pants, sleeping bags, flares, candles, a flashlight, and high-energy food. If you are traveling by car, also pack extra spark plugs, extra belts, a shovel, and a chain. If you are traveling on foot, make sure you plenty of rain and snow gear, and make sure your camping gear can stand gale force winds. Even if you are traveling by plane, make sure the plane has all this gear inside. Also make sure you know how to operate the Emergency Location Transmitter, before you leave. If for some reason the pilot becomes incapacitated, you will need to know how to operate it.
If you are camping or hiking, make sure you know how to avoid bears. If you are lost in the wilderness, there is no doubt you will encounter them.
However, there is no need to be alarmed. Just take these precautions: make noise as you walk, bears will avoid you; cook your food away from where you sleep, and store your food away from where you sleep, so the bears are not attracted. Both of these should keep the bear away. However, if you do encounter a bear, there are two different schools of thought. One is to make noise and scare the bear away. The other is to stand still and speak softly to get the bear to leave. If you are dealing with a brown bear, you can climb a tree, since they cannot follow. But, black bears can climb. If for some reason the bear attacks, play dead. Try to protect your head and neck, and hopefully the bear will leave its "dead" prey.
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