B.A.S.I.C.S., (Being. Aware. Safe. In. Crazy. Situations) a program service of the High Fives Foundation, has released the second installment of a five part video series to promote safety and awareness through world-class fundamentals coaching and education. The B.A.S.I.C.S. 2 – Avalanche Awareness video is intended to help outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy the backcountry to be better equipped and safe while being aware of the inherent dangers with such activities.
The B.A.S.I.C.S. 2 – Avalanche Awareness video, emphasizes five key things to recognize when enjoying the backcountry in order to come home safe: (1) Get Educated. Learn about avalanche safety by taking a class. (2) Know your skills, know your surroundings. Check out forecasts for weather and conditions before you go. (3) Have the proper equipment and know how to use it (avalanche transceiver, probe, shovel, and airbag). (4) Never travel alone. Always ride with partners in a group and have a plan. (5) If you don’t feel comfortable, don’t go. There is always tomorrow when using good judgment.
Watch and share the B.A.S.I.C.S. 2 – Avalanche Awareness video by visiting www.basics.highfivesfoundation.org.
“In 2012, North America saw 34 deaths due to avalanches,” said Roy Tuscany, High Fives Foundation co-founder. “This video is designed to act as a catalyst to get youth and winter sports enthusiasts motivated to become educated in backcountry safety, prevention, and awareness.”
Additionally, the following websites are great resources to be better prepared when in the backcountry: American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (avtraining.org) / Avalanche.Org (avalanche.org) / Forest Service National Avalanche Center (fsavalanche.org) / National Snow and Ice Data Center (nsidc.org) / Back Country Access (BCA) Float Airbags and Safety Equipment (backcountryaccess.com).
“The creation of B.A.S.I.C.S. has been essential in the growth of the High Fives Foundation,” said JT Holmes, B.A.S.I.C.S. Program Director. “We are working hard to educate winter sports enthusiasts by encouraging them to use good judgment in order to catch them before they crash or have an accident. I also feel it is important to give back to your sport. Knowing that we could potentially prevent an avoidable accident through this education series of videos is very rewarding.”
In 2012 Lake Tahoe skier, Ben Brackett lost his life due to an avalanche. Donations made in honor of “Benny” helped fund the Avalanche Awareness video and a subsequent educational tour. Please help by donating today and supporting the B.A.S.I.C.S. Program Service at www.basics.highfivesfoundation.org.
