If you go down to the woods today

ER24 and Rescue SA are urging people to plan their camping 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. By finding out you will know what to expect, be able to prepare and know what to do should something happen.” Van Niekerk added that people should look at the weather forecast for the area they are going to prior to travelling.

He also advised campers to find out about cellular phone reception. “If there is no reception in the area, 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,” said Van Niekerk.

He added people should be aware of their surroundings when hiking or approaching cliffs. They should also visit open areas in groups. “People should never go into a secluded area alone. They should rather go in a group. 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,” said Van Niekerk.

He continued 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, and contain it. Van Niekerk added, “Make fires well away from dry brush and grass and make sure it is extinguished.” If campers are in a mountainous area and a fire erupts, van Niekerk advised that campers should get to a low lying area if possible as fires burn downhill a lot slower than what they would uphill. He added, “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,” concluded Van Niekerk.