Metal detecting is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States, but it can also be dangerous. A lot of metal detector hobbyists are not aware that there are dangers associated with metal detecting. Many people have been injured or killed by unexploded ordinances and other hidden hazards. Chad Eicher from metalpursuits.com put together a list of eleven safety tips to help you stay safe while hunting for treasure. These tips will keep you out of harm's way without having to give up your favorite pastime. If you're new to metal detecting, this article is an excellent guide on how to get started safely; and even if you're already experienced at using a metal detector, these helpful hints will ensure that your next hunt goes off without any problems.
Check the weather forecast before heading out.
It's better to be safe than sorry. If you know there is a storm coming, or if it is currently storming outside, postpone your metal detecting adventure for another day. Isolated thunderstorms happen quite often during the summer months, but they can also pop up at any other time of the year as well. If you plan to metal detect in a desert or an area with no trees, wind and lightning pose a much higher safety risk than if you're hunting in forested areas. The best policy is to be prepared for any type of sudden weather changes.
Know the law before you start your hunt.
Metal detecting on someone else's property is illegal without explicit consent from that property owner, regardless if the land is unoccupied or not. Even if you trust that person, it's always better to get approval first. It does not matter if the owner of the property is present or not. If you want to metal detect on a beach, park, historical site, etc., be sure to get permission from a representative of that location before you start your search.
Never hunt alone.
It is never wise to go hunting without someone else being there with you. It's also important to know where your other fellow hunter is at all times. If you happen to get lost, this other person will be able to find you and help you back to safety. If something happens to the two of you while metal detecting, the authorities will know exactly who to look for.
Take water with you when you go metal detecting.
It's important to stay hydrated while spending long periods in the heat. Dehydration can be deadly if left untreated, so take plenty of water with you when out metal detecting. The general rule is to drink half of your body weight in ounces every day, so if you weigh 150 pounds then aim for drinking 75 ounces of water each day to stay hydrated while you're out metal detecting.
Stay on the trail.
If you're at all concerned about safety, metal detecting should always take place on open trails. Being off the trail can be an easy way to get yourself lost or injured. Most people who are experienced with using metal detectors still prefer to use them on well-defined paths.
Be aware of hidden threats that may exist in the area.
Not all safety hazards are easy to spot. If there was an explosion recently, it's possible that pieces of shrapnel from bombs or grenades may have been scattered around your metal detecting location. Watch out for any signs of smoke and fire damage like burnt trees and bushes. These types of hidden safety hazards can cause serious injuries if you're not careful.
Take safety equipment with you.
Always bring safety equipment with you on your metal detecting adventures. Things like flares, GPS devices, cell phones, whistles, or safety harnesses are great to have in case of an emergency. These objects will keep you safe during all weather conditions and land formations. There are safety harnesses that can attach you to a tree or large rock if you become stuck somewhere.
Store your safety equipment in a bag with a tight lid.
This safety tip is specifically for those who metal detect at the beach. If you bring safety items like flares, whistles, cell phones, GPS devices, etc., but don't put them in a bag, you could lose what you need most for safety if the tide comes in. Not only are whistles and safety flares useful for safety purposes, but they can also signal others who are lost or stranded to find you. Be sure that your safety products are always secured inside a watertight container.
Learn safety procedures beforehand.
If you're not safety-savvy, it's a great idea to learn safety skills and knowledge before going out metal detecting. This way if something happens, you already know what you need to do. For example, if there is an active volcano nearby or if the area is known for its dangerous wildlife, find out safety procedures in case you encounter this safety hazard. Knowing safety procedures ahead of time can help keep you safe before, during, and after your metal detecting adventures.
Know your surroundings.
It's never a good idea to go metal detecting in areas where safety hazards are common, so always be aware of your surroundings before you go. If you're not sure if an area is safe or not, ask the proper authorities before going on a treasure hunt there. It's also important to have a general sense of where safety equipment is so you know where to find it quickly if you need it.
Don't metal detect at night.
Metal detecting after dark is dangerous for several reasons. First of all, you won't be able to see the hidden hazards in some areas. These could include sinkholes, rocks, and logs that have fallen on the ground, etc. There may also be animals around that might pose a safety risk to you while metal detecting at night. You can hurt yourself if you accidentally step into a hole or trip over something.
These tips will keep your next treasure hunting trip safe and successful. Metal detecting is actually one of the safest hobbies out there (compared to other activities like diving or walking down the street), but that doesn't mean that certain precautions shouldn't be taken. By avoiding these common safety mistakes, you can enjoy metal detecting for many years to come. It's important that safety precautions are taken before, during, and after your metal detecting adventures. These eleven safety tips should help keep you safe while out metal detecting for treasure.
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