With the heat in Santa Clarita reaching triple digits, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department  officials and park rangers are sharing some hiking safety tips.

One of the biggest risks that hikers face, especially in the summer, is high temperatures and a lack of planning.

After two stranded hikers and their dog were found and rescued from 100 degree weather and heat exhaustion while exploring a Castaic mountain area Saturday, emergency responders are sharing tips to help stay safe while hiking in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Related: Two Hikers Rescued Near Templin Highway In Castaic Saturday

“Right now one of the biggest dangers is the risk of heat stroke,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Search and Rescue Team Leader Mike Leum. “Another one of the biggest problems we are having right now is people going out and not letting anyone know where they are going. Have a plan, stick to that plan and tell someone of your plan.”

Another extremely important precaution a hiker should take is to stay on marked trails, according to Leum.

Although cell phones can be extremely useful in the event that a hiker becomes lost or stranded, Leum reminds hikers to use certain phone settings.

“Make sure to take your cell phone and put it on ‘airplane mode.’ A lot of times, the reception in the hiking area is not good and you lose reception or your battery life runs out from roaming, which drains your battery at the three times the rate it normally uses,” said Leum.

Leum also said that it is not a good idea to hike in an area that you have never hiked in before unless you speak with someone who is familiar with the area.

Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Department Public Information Officer Shirley Miller also offered hikers some helpful tips.

“Always take a hiking buddy whenever possible. You should try to pack light but always have water, some food, a first aid kit and a flashlight,” said Miller. “A lot of times, hikers don’t take into account the length of the hike and they don’t bring adequate supplies with them,” Miller said. “People don’t anticipate getting injured or suffering heat exhaustion.”

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Search and Rescue Team has devised a form that you can download and give to a third party the next time you go out on hike. The form includes hikers’ names, there starting time and location, and their predicted end time and location.

Recreation Services Supervisor for the Placerita Canyon Nature Area Ranger Frank Hoffman echoed what Leum and Miller said.

“Plan ahead. Don’t hike alone and do not hike at night. Make sure to wear appropriate clothing,” Hoffman said. “ A lot of people hike during the day when it’s hot. When the sun sets, the temperature can drop considerably and you want to be prepared for that.

“You should also bring a whistle. If you’re stranded, three short whistle blasts will carry farther than your voice and will also help you help you to save your energy.”

Additional tips from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station can be found here.

Other tips include not waiting until you feel thirsty to replenish electrolytes and fluids, eat and drink often, avoid walking in direct sunlight whenever possible by looking for shade and be sure to rest in shade.