Caving Safely
Caving: "Coming back alive!" - Continued
Your second and third light source can be hand-held flashlights, candles, chemical cyalume sticks, etc.. You will need an extra bulb and batteries for EACH electric lamp you carry. If you are using three flashlights, then you need three complete extra sets of batteries and bulbs. Don't forget extra matches for your candles and put them in a waterproof case.
GLOVES You must wear gloves. Leather gloves are the best. The surfaces in caves can and will cut and tear up unprotected hands! This is especially true if you are new to caving because you're not very proficient in a cave yet. Usually the cloth gloves, cheap garden type, will suffice. It is suggested that you bring two pair.
GARBAGE BAGS You should bring a minimum of two garbage bags. Four would be the best. One of the bags you should stuff up into the top of your helmet. Another one should be in your pack. (Packs are discussed farther down this sheet.) There are several reasons for garbage bags. As stated before, caves are typically cold and wet. If for some reason you become chilled or end up getting stuck in a cave for an extended period of time, a garbage bag can be worn like a sweatshirt and will tend to retain body heat and help warm you up. You can even put a candle, carbide light, or other heat source under the bag and let the rising heat warm you up. Another reason for a garbage bag is for garbage. Help the environment and the cave. If you see trash, pick it up, please. Everything you take into a cave must be brought back out. Sometimes other people do not do that and leave trash! After you get out of the cave, another bag can be used to put your muddy and wet clothes in. This is especially nice if you're riding in someone's vehicle that will not want to get it all muddy and trashed out.
