AUSTIN— With temperatures soaring into the triple-digits, it’s important to make sure you have the essentials before hitting the trails at a Texas State Park.

Experts from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are sharing their top five heat hacks for staying safe on the trails during the summer months.

Here are the top five hacks recommended for park visitors:

Hydrate- It’s important to drink at least 16 ounces of water every hour in the heat to replenish your body and prevent dehydration. Don’t forget your four-legged family members and make sure to bring enough water for them.
Dress Smart- Wear light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing, a hat, correct shoes, sunscreen and wet bandanas to keep you cool while in the sun.
Stay Salty- Food helps keep up energy and replace salt lost from sweating. Snacks such as jerky, granola, trail mix, tuna and dried fruit are a fantastic way to nourish your body while on the trails.
Buddy System- Two brains are better than one. It’s beneficial to have someone with you in hot conditions so you can look after each other on the trail. With high temperatures hitting Texas, heat-related illnesses are common and having a friend around to help recognize the early symptoms can save you from getting sick.
Plan Ahead- Study the map and have it with you. Average hikers move at 2 miles per hour, allow yourself plenty of time to avoid hiking in the heat of the day. Make sure to rest in cool or shaded area to recover from the heat if necessary. It is also a good idea to let someone know your plan before you hit the trails and what time you should be back. That way, if you become lost, people know where to look.
Parks are a great place to explore during the summer and there are things happening weekly at the more than 90 Texas State Parks. For a full calendar of state park events, visit the Texas State Parks calendar page on the TPWD website.

Find a park in your area at http://texasstateparks.org.

For infographics of the five heat hacks, visit the TPWD Flickr page.