13 Suffer Dehydration In Past Month At Franklin Mountains State Park
EL PASO, Texas — Thirteen people have been stranded and have suffered dehydration at the Franklin Mountains State Park in the past 30 days, according to park superintendent Cesar Mendez.
None suffered serious injury, but park officials caution visitors against going out in mid-day heat without sufficient water.
In the four separate incidents in which the 13 individuals were stranded, the visitors were able to use cell phones to call for help. However, officials say visitors should not rely on cell phones for emergencies since service is unreliable in some areas of the park.
Franklin Mountains State Park officials have the following recommendations:
Take plenty of drinking water (more than you may think you will need). Take light snacks. Protect yourself from the sun. Use sunblock lotion, wear a long sleeve shirt and long pants, and use a cap or hat. Do activities with someone else. If you do activities alone, let somebody else know about your plans. Stay on the trail always. Walking off-trail increases your chance of suffering an injury, getting lost, or encountering rattlesnakes. In addition, desert soils are fragile. Cutting across switchbacks tramples vegetation, erodes the soil, and eventually destroys the trail. Have a cell or mobile phone for emergencies, but do not rely on them only. Carry with you a whistle, mirror, flag, flashlight or other means to signal your location. Check weather conditions and avoid doing activities during extreme temperatures. Seek shelter in the event of strong winds and thunderstorms.
For more information contact Franklin Mountains State Park at (915) 566-6441.
