Avalanche Preparedness Checklist: 14 Items
Prepare for avalanche terrain using current forecasts, specialized training, companion plans, and proper safety equipment.
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๐ก๏ธ Prepare Before an Emergency
Notes: Save your city or county emergency management contact and follow current instructions.
Save your city or county emergency management contact and follow current instructions.
Notes: Agree on a meeting point or short check-in message; keep contact information private.
Agree on a meeting point or short check-in message; keep contact information private.
Notes: Confirm safe water, medicines, and a charged radio or phone are accessible.
Confirm safe water, medicines, and a charged radio or phone are accessible.
Notes: Obtain current conditions from an authorized regional avalanche center.
Obtain current conditions from an authorized regional avalanche center.
Notes: Terrain, snowpack, and rescue skills require hands-on training.
Terrain, snowpack, and rescue skills require hands-on training.
Notes: Avoid going alone in avalanche terrain.
Avoid going alone in avalanche terrain.
Notes: Practice using equipment before each backcountry trip.
Practice using equipment before each backcountry trip.
โ ๏ธ Respond Safely When Needed
Notes: Avoid exposed slopes when danger is elevated.
Avoid exposed slopes when danger is elevated.
Notes: Avoid traps, gullies, and the runout of dangerous slopes.
Avoid traps, gullies, and the runout of dangerous slopes.
Notes: Do not bypass avalanche mitigation controls.
Do not bypass avalanche mitigation controls.
Notes: Carry an emergency communication method suitable for the area.
Carry an emergency communication method suitable for the area.
๐ Recover, Maintain & Review
Notes: Burial and hypothermia can be life-threatening.
Burial and hypothermia can be life-threatening.
Notes: A second slide can threaten rescuers.
A second slide can threaten rescuers.
Notes: Replace used or damaged emergency equipment.
Replace used or damaged emergency equipment.
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How to Use This Checklist
Prepare for avalanche terrain using current forecasts, specialized training, companion plans, and proper safety equipment.
Follow current alerts and instructions from local officials. Hazards, climate, geography, access requirements, and household needs can change which actions are appropriate.
Important Safety and Scope Notes
This practical checklist is an independent, English-language adaptation of the Ready.gov preparedness topic. It does not reproduce FEMA publications and is not endorsed by FEMA or any U.S. government agency.
Use this checklist to organize preparations and recovery tasks. In an active emergency, follow the latest official instructions rather than relying on a static checklist.
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Sources & Official Guidance
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