Officials advise hikers to be prepared in icy conditions

Heading up to the Angeles National Forest this month?

Keep tire chains handy, dress warmly and drink plenty of water, officials say.

The winter season exposes travelers to more safety hazards, from hypothermia to icy roads.

The Cresenta Valley Sheriff’s Station advises those visiting local mountain ranges to check conditions first at www.dot.ca.gov/roadsandtraffic.html.

They also say venturing in the forest alone or sledding down slopes greater than 30 degress is not a good idea.

The station recommends filling out a form and handing it to a family member or friend if you’re planning on going on a hike, in the event that you don’t return as scheduled. The form is available at https://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_163961.pdf.

-- Tiffany Kelly, Times Community News

Follow Tiffany Kelly on Google+ or on Twitter: @LATiffanyKelly.