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Cave Exploring: Safety First: Cave Care While Exploring

Cave exploration is a fun and educational activity. If you are interested in spelunking (or recreational cave exploring), however, you need to have a good grasp of the basics of cave exploration. Here are some tips that will help you safely enjoy your underground escapade:

Inform someone about your trip

You need to tell your friends or family about your caving trip. Tell them when you are leaving and when you are expected to be back and who are you with. Provide them with directions or a map to where you are going.

Don't go alone

Even professional cavers know that it is unwise to go spelunking alone. Cave exploration is very dangerous, so you need to go with at least two people, particularly experienced spelunkers if you are new to the activity.

Wear appropriate clothing and safety equipment

Work pants, jeans, tee shirts are best clothes to wear when caving, while military boots are ideal footwear. It is also important to wear good-quality hardhat or climbing helmet, preferably with strong chinstraps and an electric headlamp. Knees and elbow pads are also needed for protection.

Bring at least two reliable flashlights in addition to your headlamp

It is extremely dangerous if you and your companions run out of a reliable light source inside the cave. You should bring with you at least two small flashlights, spare batteries and bulbs. Don't depend on your companions for extra batteries or bulbs.

Pack extra food and water

It is important that you bring extra canister of water, especially during long cave excursions. You should also remember to carry nutritious snacks for emergencies.

Know your limits

Don't attempt to do something that you aren't trained to do, such as vertical caving or cave diving. Keep in mind that you are not only endangering yourself with your reckless actions, but also put others in perilous situation.

Don't jump inside caves or climb down steep shafts that you think you can't shin up again. Don't fool around or show off, doing stupid things injures many untrained cave explorers. Always watch your step and proceed with caution.

No smoking

Don't smoke inside caves because cigarettes contain ingredients, such as nicotine, that may be harmful to cave dwellers, such as bats. Moreover, the air circulation inside caves is usually poor so the smoke you have created will stay there for quite a long time.

Follow the tips above and you will surely enjoy a safe, educational and fun spelunking experience.

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