Coconino County Search And Rescue Sees Increase In Calls

By Ron Dungan
Published: Friday, July 3, 2020 - 9:18am
Updated: Friday, July 3, 2020 - 10:55am
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Coconino County’s Search and Rescue team continues to see a high number of calls, and they are expecting a busy Fourth of July weekend.

The coronavirus lockdown has driven Arizonans to the high country. Search and Rescue spokesman Aaron Dick said his team had 36 calls, more than he’d seen in 27 years.

This year that number rose to 48. He’s asking people to use caution.

“We’re trying to encourage people not to, take a lot of risk or do things that, just to be a little bit more conservative in their decision making and their recreation,” Dick said. 

The team has also seen people get stuck when their phones try to reroute them past a Grand Canyon road closure. The Canyon is closed on the east entrance via Highway 64, so phones try to find a workaround through a series of rugged Forest Service roads that may not be suited for passenger vehicles. 

He encourages people to plan ahead, watch the weather and bring necessary supplies. Hikers should learn about the 10 essentials and carry them.

They include map, compass, sunglasses and sunscreen, extra clothing, headlamp or flashlight, first-aid supplies, knife and extra food and water.