Planning on being outdoors this weekend?

A Sunday afternoon is perfect for hiking, sightseeing, or any activity for that matter but not if there are no safety measures in place.

ER24 and Rescue South Africa are urging people to plan ahead of time, be vigilant, and to not act in a careless manner.

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. Finding out you will know what to expect, will enable you to prepare and know what to do should something happen and remember that it is their home and you are the invader,” said Van Niekerk.

Van Niekerk also advised that people look at the weather forecast for the area they will be visiting prior to travelling. This helps packing accordingly and make a decision on weather the trip is still worthwhile and safe to make.

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. You should always have a first aid kit with you.

He explain that any person having a medical condition should have their medication with them at all times. In addition, cellphone reception in the area needs to be checked in case of emergency.

If the reception is poor, he advises that people going on the trip let those close to them know where they are going as well as when they will be back.

Van Niekerk says to be vigilant and not to take chances,  “Be alert. If there are suspicious people around, do not confront them, rather leave the area.” 

Hiking, cliffs

Van Niekerks’ hiking and cliff climbing is to visit open areas and to be acutely aware of surroundings,

Be careful when walking in these areas as you could be stepping on loose stones or boulders. Remember that misty areas can pose a danger if you are not careful. If there are children with you while 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.”

He says people should never go to a secluded area alone – groups are safer. He explains a scenario where one person is injured, “If a person is injured for instance, 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 they are in.”

Any hiking equipment that will be taken on the trip should be in good working order.

Fire

Van Niekerk was a firefighter for 25 years and said if people decide to start a fire to keep warm or even decide to have a braai, they should make sure they are allowed to do so in the area.

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. Make fires well away from dry brush and grass. Be careful of wind that may pick up as it can blow ambers 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,” he said.

He explains that accidental fires and unnatural fires occur more often than any other kind. He says lit cigarette butts are a huge contributing factor in wild veld fires.

In a mountainous area, seek refuge in a low laying area as fires burn slower downhill than uphill. Try get to an are that has already burned. I burnt area will not burn again.

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.” 

In the instance of vehicles, he said not to park on long dry grass. “Majority of vehicles today have catalytic converters. Catalytic converters heat up to astronomical temperatures and this could ignite grass,” he said.

In addition, he said hikers, campers, and general outdoor thrill-seekers should ensure a fire extinguisher is mounted in their vehicles.

ER24’s Emergency Contact Centre can be reached 24 hours a day on 084 124 for any medical emergency.