IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
WHAT IS THE HIKESAFE PROGRAM?
hikeSafe, along with the Hiker Responsibility Code, was developed as a joint program between the White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHFG) to create and develop a Mountain Safety Education Program – the first of its kind – for New Hampshire. The goal of the program has long been to expand beyond New Hampshire and turn hikeSafe into a nationwide campaign for hiker safety and awareness. Read our hikeSafe Blogs to learn all the tips and tricks when it comes to hiking no matter where you are.
THE HIKER RESPONSIBILITY CODE WAS DEVELOPED AND IS ENDORSED BY THE WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST AND NEW HAMPSHIRE FISH AND GAME. VISIT HIKESAFE.COM FOR MORE INFO.
HIKESAFE HIKER RESPONSIBILITY CODE
You are responsible for:
- KNOWLEDGE AND GEAR. Become self reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start.
- TO LEAVE YOUR PLANS. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you’ll return and your emergency plans.
- TO STAY TOGETHER. When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group. Pace your hike to the slowest person.
- TO TURN BACK. Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Fatigue and unexpected conditions can also affect your hike. Know your limitations and when to postpone your hike. The mountains will be there another day.
- FOR EMERGENCIES. Even if you are headed out for just an hour, an injury, severe weather or a wrong turn could become life threatening. Don’t assume you will be rescued; know how to rescue yourself.
- TO SHARE THE HIKER CODE WITH OTHERS.
HOW MINUS33 HELPS HIKESAFE
Minus33 is an official cooperator of the hikeSafe program. The assets we use are created and owned by the hikeSafe program, the New Hampshire Fish & Game, and the White Mountain National Forest.
We are strong believers in safety. hikeSafe’s message can apply to any outdoor activity, not only hiking. As New Hampshire natives, we are strong supporters of our Fish and Game and Forest Services. Our goal by participating as a cooperator is to spread the message of safety to our customers. We know our customers love to get outside, and we want you to be safe so that you can enjoy it.
At Minus33, one of the main initiatives we have taken on to help support the hikeSafe program and Search and Rescue organizations is the creation of our SAR Kit Program. SAR teams are able to request rewarming kits from Minus33 to carry along on rescue missions. For more info on this program, please visit our Search and Rescue page.
To learn more about hikeSafe's initiatives and to read up on preparedness, please visit our hikeSafe Blog.
hikeSafe Cards
New Hampshire offers a voluntary hikeSafe Card purchase program. The hikeSafe Card is used primarily by hikers and other outdoor recreationists who wish to support the NH Fish & Game SAR efforts. Cards are $25 per individual and $35 per family. Those who hold hikeSafe cards are not liable to repay rescue costs if they need to be rescued in the state of New Hampshire (excluding negligence).
As a thank you for current hikeSafe cardholders, we are now proud to announce our hikeSafe discount program. Please upload a copy of your currently active hikeSafe card, and we will send you an exclusive discount to use on our website. If you need to find a digital copy of your hikeSafe card, you can search for it at the NHFG website. If you would like to purchase a new hikeSafe card, please visit this link: NHFG hikeSafe Card Purchase. Please note that your hikeSafe card is purchased through the NH Fish & Game, not through Minus33's website. Valid NH Hunting/Fishing Licenses are also accepted, since these licensing fees also directly benefit search and rescue efforts. Thank you for your support of NHFG!
