Many of the basic safety guidelines for caving are encapsulated as “Rules of Three”.  Here are some of them.

1) Always go caving with at least three other people.  If one person is injured, then one can stay with them while two go for help.

2) Always let three people know where you are going and when you will be back.  These people need to know what to do if you do not check in by the scheduled out time.

3) Always carry at least three independent sources of light.  Two of them should be mounted on your helmet.  The third source is on YOU and not in your pack.  Any of the three lights must be good enough to get you out of the cave.  

4) Always carry enough batteries for three times longer than you plan to be in the cave.  That includes your backup lights!

5) Three points of contact, especially on rough surfaces and climbs.  Elbows, knees and butts count as a point of contact.