Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies and many other highly trained and brave rescuers volunteer for $1. a year. Also, full time rescuers from sheriff’s departments and fire departments fly and drive and hike and swim and rapel in to effect rescues on a regular basis. In fact, there were 560 search and rescue activations last year just for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The people who were rescued came from all of the world, yet most were local; none ever expected their lives to be at such risk, or to need to be rescued. Many nearly lost their lives.

So what is it that the rescuers ask of you as they risk so much to help you and those you love?

Hiking/Camping is a fun way to get family and friends together to enjoy the outdoors and to get some physical activity. However, you should always be prepared for the unexpected. You should tell family and friends what your plans are and provide a list of who will be going with you. That’s why the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind the residents of Los Angeles County (and beyond) that having a HIKING / CAMPING PLAN is crucial to survival in case of an emergency.

Before you leave, please fill out LASD – HIKING PLAN sheet and provide to a loved one to hold onto just in case something happens to a member of your hiking/camping expedition. Or, if you know someone going on a hike, ask them to fill out this easy form, so that it will help your mind at ease. You can download the form by visiting: