OutdoorsPreparedBe“If you have never been

to the area before, it would be wise to find

out what type of in-sects and aninals are

in that region”

The

Visiting any open area be it to camp, hike or sightsee can be enjoyable but not if you are unprepared or do

not consider safety first.

ER24 and Rescue SA are urging people to plan their trip, to be vigilant while in an open area and not to act carelessly.ER24 spoke to Colin van Niekerk, a technical res-cue instructor at Rescue SA. He 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. “Remember that it is their home and you are the in-vader,” said Van Niekerk.He added that people should look at the weather forecast for the area they are going to 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 appropri-ately.“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.“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 arrange-ments for a rescue crew to

search for you should you not return,” said Van Niekerk.Van Niekerk said people should take note of everything happening around them while in these areas. “Be alert. If there are suspi-cious people around, do not confront them. Rather leave the area,” he said. Hiking, cliffsVan 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 be stepping on loose stones or boulders. Remem-ber 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.“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.If you are taking any hiking equipment with you, ensure the equipment is in good working order. FireVan 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. 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.“Accidental and unnatural fires occur more frequently than natural fires. One of the biggest contributing factors of 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 some-thing that poses a danger, inform the relevant authorities immediately,” he said.If you are in a mountain-ous area and a fire erupts, you should get yourself to a low lying area if possi-ble. Fires burn downhill a lot slower than what they would burn uphill. Try to get yourself upwind of the fire or to an area that has already burnt. A 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,” said Van Niekerk.He added that people should also pay attention to where they park their vehicles. “You should not park your vehicle on long dry grass for instance. “Majority of vehicles today have catalytic converters. Catalytic converters heat up to astronomical tempera-tures and this could ignite grass,” he said.He added that people should also ensure a fire extinguisher is mounted in their vehicles.ER24’s Emergency Con-tact Centre can be reached 24 hours a day on 084 124 for any medical emergency.