BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — With the increased snow in the area, KCSO Search and Rescue is reminding people the hazards that come with these winter conditions.

The Search and Rescue team is advising individuals to know their route and to check weather and road conditions before they head out. There are also several tips that they give to ensure that you and those around you are safe on the roads.

• Let someone know where you are going and have a set time for them to call for help when you do not get home. Let them know your proposed route of travel and type of vehicle you will use.
• Avoid going alone
• Have plenty of water and an emergency cache of food. You can become very dehydrated in the cold. Dehydration speeds hypothermia so even though you may not be thirsty, drink water!
• Bring appropriate cold weather clothing, dress in layers.
• Have a first aid kit geared toward your plan in the wilderness.
• Invest in fire starting material and make sure you know it works and how to use it.
• Learn how to shelter in place and bring proper sheltering equipment
• Consider investing in a SPOT device or an in-reach device to communicate without cell phone service.
• If you become stranded and must call for help, STAY PUT. If you MUST leave to find cell signal, go back to your vehicle or campsite and wait for emergency crews to get to you.
• Be patient. Rescue crews will work as fast as safely possible and often times it is not speedy.
• Know how to obtain GPS location on your cell phone or GPS device. Most modern cell phones have this capability and will greatly enhance the speed at which rescue crews can find you. Keep a full battery also.
• Know that the sun sets much sooner and conditions become more dangerous in the dark.
• Have a printed map to guide you and understand that snow may be deep enough to obscure trail markers.