ER24 and Rescue SA are urging people to plan their trips, to be vigilant while in an open area and not to act carelessly.
Colin van Niekerk, a technical rescue instructor at Rescue SA, said: “If you have never been to the area before, it would be wise to find out what type of insects and animals are in that region.
“There could be snakes and spiders, for instance. By finding out you will know what to expect, be able to prepare and know what to do should something happen,” said van Niekerk.
“Remember that it is their home and you are the invader.”
He added that people should look at the weather forecast for the area to which they are going prior to travelling. This will help you decide if it is still worthwhile or safe to go. If you decide to go, make sure you pack appropriately.
“Consider where you are going and what you are going to be doing. Certain activities call for light, quick-drying clothing, while others require warm clothing. Remember to take the appropriate shoes as well,” he explained.
“You should always have a first aid kit with you.
“If you have a medical condition be careful and ensure you carry your medication.
”Find out about cellular phone reception; if there is no reception in the area you are going to visit, let people know where you are going and when they can expect you back.
“They can make arrangements for a rescue crew to search for you should you not return.”
Van Niekerk warned people to take note of everything happening around them while they are in these areas.
“Be alert. If there are suspicious people around, do not confront them, rather leave the area,” he said.
Hiking, cliffs
Van Niekerk said people should be aware of their surroundings when hiking or approaching cliffs. They should also visit open areas in groups.
“Be careful when walking in these areas, as you could step on loose stones or boulders. Remember that misty areas can pose a danger if you are not careful,” he added.
“If there are children with you while you are sightseeing or camping, for example, make sure you know where they are at all times. Do not let them go too close to cliffs or wander away.
“People should never go into a secluded area alone. They should rather go in a group.
“If a person is injured, at least one person in that group can stay with them while others seek help. There will also be people to assist a patient should they need to be carried out of the location in which they are.”
If you are taking any hiking equipment with you, ensure that it is in good working order.
Fire
Van Niekerk, who was a firefighter for 25 years, said that if people decide to start a fire to keep warm or to have a braai, they should ensure they are allowed to do so.
“If you are allowed to do so, be careful at all times. Instead of making an open fire, rather contain it in a makeshift brick structure, for instance,” he explained.
“Make fires well away from dry brush and grass. Be careful of wind that may pick up, as it can blow embers into the dry brush and grass, thereby creating a serious problem.
“Never abandon a fire; make sure it is extinguished. Also teach children about the dangers of playing with matches and lighters.
“Accidental and unnatural fires occur more frequently than natural fires. One of the biggest contributing factors to unnatural fires is people who dispose of lit cigarettes.
“Refrain from throwing a lit cigarette into areas that could catch alight. Fires that are started by people maliciously are also common. If you see a fire or someone doing something that poses a danger, inform the relevant authorities immediately.”
If you are in a mountainous area and a fire erupts, van Niekerk advises that you should get yourself to a low lying area if possible.
“Fires burn downhill a lot slower than what they would burn uphill, so try to get yourself upwind of the fire or to an area that has already burnt. A burnt area will not burn again,” he said.
“When visiting an area, you should memorise where water bodies such as rivers and dams are. Should a fire erupt and you do not have any better options, you can make your way to one of these areas for safety.”
He added that people should also pay attention to where they park their vehicles.
“You should not, for example, park your vehicle on long dry grass. The majority of vehicles today have catalytic converters. These heat up to astronomical temperatures and this could ignite grass.”
He encouraged people to mount fire extinguishers in their vehicles.
ER24’s Emergency Contact Centre can be reached 24 hours a day, on 084 124, for any medical emergency.
