Authorities remind public to be prepared when heading outdoors

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. -- With the nice weather we should be getting here in the county, some people may take advantage of the sunshine and head for the great outdoors.

While a little time in the outdoors can be nice, it can become a dangerous situation if you're not prepared.

Officials recommend taking a few precautions before you head out the door to make sure you stay safe.

First and foremost, authorities urge people to tell others where they're going. "All too often, people on a whim go out into these rural areas that we have here in Douglas County, and they don't let anybody know where they're going," said Sheriff's deputy Dwes Hutson. "Then when trouble strikes and they find themselves lost or stuck, we don't have a clue where to start looking for them."

Hutson says that Douglas County is roughly 5,000 square miles, and if they're not sure where to start looking, it's like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Dwes also adds that people should take enough provisions for at least three days. That includes warm clothing for any overnight stays.