WALKING - Safety


When venturing into the hills there are some points that you should consider for your own safety and the safety of other members in your party.

Listed below are a few points for you take into consideration when venturing out.

EQUIPMENT: [Always take the basic minimum kit with you].
In the summer you should have sturdy boots, warm and windproof clothing, full set of waterproofs, woollen hat, gloves or mittens, map [1:50,000 scale as a minimum, 1:25,000 in more complex areas], compass, whistle, survival bag, first aid kit, food/drink that includes energy food with plenty of fluids [always advisable to take extra food/drink in case of emergency's] and a rucksack for these items to be placed into.

In the winter [including late autumn and early spring] you will need the above items and also a headtorch with spare batteries, bulb, extra warm clothing, overmitts and gaiters. If there is snow and ice around you will require an ice axe, crampons [knowing how to use both items], snow glasses or ski goggles and some form of shelter. A pair of winter boots maybe required also.

If you are planning to do some form of scrambling it is recommended that you take a suitable rope and a helmet with you.

If you intend to some camping in the wild you will require a tent, stove, pans, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, extra clothing, suitable food and some form of lighting.

INFORM SOMEONE WHERE YOU ARE GOING:
If you are going out on your own or with a group it is good practice to leave a rough outline of your proposed route and the expected time you will return. Always inform the person when arrived back to avoid the Mountain Rescue being called out.

LEARN TO USE A MAP AND COMPASS EFFECTIVELY:
Many accidents in the hills are caused by poor navigation.

GET A LOCAL WEATHER FORECAST: WEATHER FORECAST FOR WALKERS
The mountains and the hills make their own weather and the conditions can change within seconds. Always get a forecast for the area you intend to walk in and seek advice from the locals [this advice can be sought at the local outdoor shops in the area].

KNOW THE BASIC OF FIRST AID:
If something goes wrong or come across someone whom requires help whether you are close to home or a distance away it is good practice to know the basic knowledge of first aid.

KNOW YOUR OWN ABILITIES AND EXPERTISE AND YOUR PARTY:
Always plan your routes according the abilities of your party and yourself and the expected conditions. Never be afraid to turn back the mountains and the hills will be always be there for another day. If possible have an escape route if the weather turns bad or someone gets injured. Also allow time for breaks in your planning and daylight time.

BE AWARE OF THE SURROUNDINGS:
Always keep your eyes on the weather, companions, looking at your map to pinpoint features to establish where you are.

TAKE EXTRA CARE DURING DESCENT:
The vast majority of accidents happen during descent has you to tend to relax and come oblivious to the surroundings you are in.

WINTER-WISE:
Never venture onto snow, ice mountains and hills without carrying an ice axe and crampons and not knowing how to use them.

HAVE SOME IDEA OF EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: [You should know how to call out a mountain rescue team].
Mobile Phone: In the UK dial 999 and ask for the police giving details of where you are, nature of the problem, names and they will then contact the mountain rescue team. The Whistle is used for the International Mountain Distress Signal which is six [6] good blasts on the whistle followed by minute silence then repeated. The answering call is three good blasts followed by a minute silence. Also both signals can also be made using other methods such as flashing a torch, shouting help, waving a bright object.

RESPECT THE MOUNTAIN ENVIRONMENT:
Be conservation minded not just to the physical environment but to the human environment as well.

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