Silver City, NM, August 19, 2019 -- The Gila National Forest wants all our visitors to have a safe and enjoyable time while visiting the forest. The Gila National Forest is 3.3 million acres with numerous entry and exit points, and most of it has very limited cell service. With hunting season less than a month away we want to remind you of a few important safety tips.

· If possible, travel with a companion. Leave a copy of your itinerary with a responsible person that you know. Include details such as make, model, year, and license plate of your vehicle and when you plan to return. Be specific about where you are going to be with a starting point and an ending point.

· Wear appropriate clothing for the season and be aware that the Gila NF ranges from 4,200 – 10,900 feet in elevation.
· Bring enough water for your trip. Water is never a guarantee in the high desert ecosystem that compiles the Gila NF.
· Learn basic first aid so that you know how to identify and treat injuries, and illnesses. Carry a first aid trip.
We always hope for the best, but in the event someone you know is missing these are the steps to take:
· Call the New Mexico State Police Dispatch. That number is 575-382-2500. All search and rescue incidents in New Mexico are coordinated by the NM State Police.
· Know the starting point of their itinerary, the make, model, year and license plate of their vehicle.
· If you know of any pre-existing medical problems, please inform the dispatcher.
For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/gila