1) Get An Idea Of What It's Like To Go Caving. You should familiarize your self of the proper caving practices. You could also visit a commercial cave to get a general idea of what caves look like.

2) Never Go Caving Alone. You should always have a minimum of 2 people. It safest to go in groups of four or more. Then, if a person is injured, at least one person may stay with the injured party and give first aid and encouragement while the others return to the surface for help.

3) Always Tell Someone Where You Are Going And When You Plan To Return. In the event that you are lost or trapped, help can then be sent to you when you fail to appear within a reasonable length of time.

4) Obtain Permission Before Entering A Cave From the Landowner. Get permission from the owner before going caving. This also helps maintain caver-landowner relations. The landowner has the right to deny you entrance into the cave and may also prosecute you for trespassing if you don't retain his/her permission upon entering the cave.

5) Always Carry Three Sources of Light. This is a rule that should be self explanatory. Be sure to carry extra batteries,carbide if you are using a carbide light, and extra bulbs. Most cavers who carry these extra light sources are rarely stranded for lack of lights.

6) Have the Proper Equipment. To avoid hypothermia is it essential to wear the proper clothing. Caves are maintain a year round temperature of 55 degrees. If you have the proper footwear it will help you to avoid slippage while caving. Proper cave clothing includes: a helmet, a light source, footwear, coveralls, a pack, and vertical equipment (if needed).

7) Check Your Equipment Before Each Cave Trip. Be sure that you have all necessary equipment and that it is in good working order.

8) Learn Proper Caving Techniques. Get involved in a local caving organization so they can teach you proper cave safety and the proper way to move through a cave. Do not be hesitant on asking how to do something the proper way, most cavers will be more than happy to show you. Remember their life is at stake too.

9) Be Prepared Emergencies. You never know when an accident will happen. Carry at least a basic first aid kit. The probability of an injury in a cave is pretty high due to the extreme conditions that are encountered.

10) Never Go Beyond Your Experience. If you have never rappelled into a cave then don't try it until you get the proper training on doing so. If you have never went on an 8 hour trip or been in tight crawls then do not do so. Never let anyone talk you into doing something you really do not want to do. Follow your instinct, remember you and only you know your limitations on what you can or cannot do.

11) Watch Where You Step. Always keep alert of where you are stepping. Some caves contain loose rocks or pits and stepping improperly can cause a serious or fatal accident. By staying alert it also help to avoid stepping on cave wild life or fragile and pristine areas of the cave.

12) Don't Over Extend Your Reach Or Jump From Heights. Always plan out your moves while caving, if you fail to do so it could be your last caving trip. Serious or even fatal falls have resulted from not watching what your doing. Never jump down from rocks in a cave the distance might not be as short, or you could land on loose rock