Page 283 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Southwest USA & National Parks

PR A C TIC AL INFORM A TION  281

DIRECTORY
Emergency Services
All Emergencies
Tel 911 and alert police, fire,
or medical services.
Police Non-Emergency Line
Las Vegas
Paramedics vehicle Tel (702) 828­3111.
Phoenix
Tel (602) 262­6151.
Santa Fe
Tel (505) 428­3710.
Traveler’s Aid Society
Las Vegas
Tel (702) 369­4357.
Phoenix
Fire engine Tel (602) 266­4673.
Consulates
already taking prescribed sudden summer storms can
medication, be sure to carry cause flash floods. Visitors The consulates closest to the
extra supplies for your trip. may obtain the latest weather Southwest are found in California.
No specific vaccinations are information from the ranger
required before stations in the Australian Consulate
entering the US. national parks, Century Plaza Tower, 31st Floor,
However, it is as well as by 2029 Century Park East,
always a good listening to the Los Angeles, CA 90067.
idea to have a reports on local Tel (310) 229­2300.
tetanus booster radio and tele­ British Consulate
before setting out, Pharmacy sign vision channels. If 2029 Century Park E., Suite 1350,
particularly if you you are planning Los Angeles, CA 90067.
are planning to engage in a hike in wilderness territory, Tel (310) 789­0031.
adventurous outdoor activities. always tell someone where you
are going and when you expect Canadian Consulate
to return. 550 South Hope St., 9th Floor,
Outdoor Hazards
The dry heat of the region’s Los Angeles, CA 90071­2627.
The weather in the Southwest summers can often be Tel (213) 346­2700.
can present visitors with a underestimated by visitors, and New Zealand Consulate
variety of dangerous situations, hikers especially are advised to 2425 Olympic Blvd., Suite 600 E.,
especially in Southern Utah’s carry at least a gallon (4 liters) of Santa Monica, CA 90404.
canyon country and parts of drinking water per person for Tel (310) 566­6555.
southern Arizona, where each day of walking. It is also
extremely important for visitors
to guard against the risk of creatures generally avoid
forest fires, which can affect the humans; it is unlikely you will be
area with devastating results. bitten if you avoid their habitats.
At higher elevations the sun Mostly they hide under rocks
can be surprisingly strong, and in crevices during the heat
even on cloudy days. of the day. Be careful where you
If you are planning on step, and do not turn
hiking or engaging over rocks. Do not
in other outdoor reach up to touch rock
activities during ledges with your
the summer, wear hands. Insect stings
effective sunscreen and bites may hurt but
and a sunhat. are rarely fatal to
While the wilderness Fire Department adults. Always carry a
of the Southwest is badge, Sedona snakebite kit or a first
home to certain aid kit if you are going
venomous creatures such as into snake or scorpion country.
Park Ranger at the Petrified Forest National snakes, scorpions, and the Gila If bitten by a snake or scorpion,
Park, Arizona monster lizard (see p25), these seek medical help immediately.

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