1. Outdoors
Prepared
Be
“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, 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 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.
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. 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.