Anna Marini is the Search and Rescue Coordinator for Joshua Tree National Park, and during a recent interview with on the June 21st episode of “The Up Close Show,” she and Joshua Tree National park Superintendent Jane Rodgers went over park visitation in the summer months and how to stay safe visiting the park in the recent heatwave.
During her conversation with Gary Daigneault, Anna Marini, the National Park Preventative Search and Rescue Coordinator, spoke of the importance of preparation when visiting the Park. The more you know about your environment, the better prepared you will be when hiking, walking, climbing, or driving through. Marini suggested packing water, salty snacks, emergency shade like an umbrella, a navigation device such as a phone and an SOS device, protective clothing, a hat, good shoes, and at least a gallon of water per person. Carry the water in multiple vessels in case you drop one. Most of this will fit in a small backpack.
Be mindful of the heat on your animals’ paws for those with dogs. Marini uses a thermometer to show visitors how extreme the temperatures can get. Asphalt can reach between 130 and 160 degrees when the air temperature is 100. You could not stand barefooted in those temperatures. There are also restrictions on where dogs can go for the safety of the wild animals in the Park. Marini said dogs are allowed wherever your car can go.
Taking care of yourself is a priority. If you feel symptoms of heat-related illness, speak up if you are in a group. Stop, slow down, find shade, and sip water slowly. Marini spoke about the possible early signs of heat-related problems and to take them seriously.
Anna Marini: “Your body’s going to give you a lot of warning signs before it turns into severe heat illness. Maybe it’s going to start as a headache, kind of a dull headache in the back of your head. It’s easy to ignore, right? We do that all the time. But maybe you’re going to start to feel a little nauseous. It’s possible you might vomit, but some of the other symptoms might be some heat cramps. Some heart edema. I think of that as sausage fingers. So your body is saying, ‘we have to slow down.’”
If someone experiences this in your group, aggressively cool them down and call for help. Use the SOS service on your phone if available.
Before going on your hike, talk to the rangers and park volunteers. Park volunteers at trailheads can help you find safe trails and provide information for your safety.
Check alerts and conditions before heading into the park at Joshua Tree National Park’s website, and download the National Park Service app for official maps, alerts, and tips for any of the public lands you visit.
