The NSS has published a Guide to Responsible Caving.
- Always Go Caving with at Least 3 People - Go with someone experienced on your first several outings, don’t be afraid to ask questions. In caving, there is no such thing as a stupid question. If you don’t ask, you don’t know.
- Always Bring at least 3 Sources of Light - Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures (and videos), kill nothing but time.
- Always Tell Someone Outside the Cave the 3 "W's" - Who You’re With, Where You’re Going, and When You Are Expected Out of the Cave - Make sure this person understands how important this is.
- Always Use 3 Points of Contact While Climbing - If something in your gut tells you something is wrong and you shouldn’t do it, maybe you should listen. Touching formations can damage them (pressure, skin oils and dirt).
- Bring Snacks and Water. Plenty Of High Calorie Foods to Replenish Your Energy - Share with your teammates, caving is not an individual sport.
- Bring a First Aid Kit, Know How to Use It (Splints too) - If you like what you’re doing, take a basic course in cave or wilderness rescue. It could save someones life.
There is a fungus that is killing bats, learn more about it and how you can help at WhiteNoseSyndrome.org.