Safety Information

Shower before and after use to keep the water clean
Limit soaks to 15–20 minutes; get out if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or overheated
Water is kept at or below 104°F (40°C) — do not raise it higher
No glass in or near the tub — use the provided cups
Never use the hot tub alone or after drinking alcohol
Children must be supervised at all times; not recommended for kids under 5
If pregnant or you have heart trouble or blood-pressure issues, check with your doctor first
Enter and exit slowly — wet surfaces are slippery
Keep the cover latched when not in use — it keeps the water clean and safe

Fire Pit Safety

Never leave the fire unattended, and keep a water source within reach
Burn only clean firewood — no trash, leaves, accelerants, or lighter fluid
Firewood is not provided; bring your own or buy locally
Keep the fire small and fully inside the pit ring
Keep children and pets a safe distance back
Don't burn on windy days or during a county burn ban / Red Flag warning
No fireworks
Before bed or leaving: drown the fire with water, stir the ashes, and drown again until it's cold to the touch

The home has a whole-home backup generator that starts automatically during an outage — this is normal, no action needed
Never run a portable generator, grill, or engine inside the house or garage — carbon monoxide is deadly
CO and smoke detectors are installed. If one alarms, get everyone outside to fresh air first, then call 911
Report a power outage to Duke Energy: (800) 769-3766 (or text OUT to 57801)

Fire extinguisher & first aid kit: inside the small pantry on the right side of the refrigerator
Smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors are installed throughout — if one alarms, get everyone outside and call 911
Lock doors when leaving — rural area, but a wise precaution

Tell someone your plans and expected return time
Download offline maps — cell coverage is unreliable in the forest
Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, first aid, navigation, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothing
Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms in summer
Pisgah trails are underrated in difficulty — start conservative
Stream crossings can be dangerous after rain

NEVER climb on or above waterfalls — rocks are extremely slippery even when dry
Stay behind all railings and barriers
Water temperature is 45-60°F year-round — hypothermia risk
Currents above waterfalls are deceptively strong
Supervise children at all times near water
Wet rocks near falls are dangerously slick

Black bears are present — never leave food or trash outside; keep the lids closed and doors shut
Lock your car doors at night — a curious bear can pop open an unlocked car and help itself to whatever's inside
Copperhead and timber rattlesnakes exist — watch where you step and reach
Ticks are common spring through fall — check after every hike
Yellow jacket nests on the ground — common along trails in late summer
Keep dogs leashed on trails to protect wildlife

Roads are narrow, steep, and winding — take curves slowly and use lower gears downhill
Deer and other wildlife are most active at dawn and dusk
Fog and sudden rain reduce visibility fast; ice is possible in winter
Watch for cyclists and pedestrians on forest roads
Check road conditions before heading out: dial 511 or see DriveNC.gov