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PLANNING
Plan your
hike
thoroughly. Pay attention to:
- permit
requirements and gate times
- time of
start
and expected finish
- pace
(3km/h is
average)
- time of
sunset
- size of
group
(preferably three or more)
- capable
and
responsible leader
-
availability
of water
- fitness
and
medical condition of group members
- the slowest person determines the pace of hiking inform someone of
your plans and expected time
of return leave a message with your name, size of group,
expected time of return and a contact person clearly visible in your
car.
Weather
Weather conditions can change very quickly in the mountains, even if
the
weather is good at lower altitudes. Trails will be closed in the event
of
dangerous weather. Do not attempt to hike if the trail is closed - it
can
endanger lives. If the weather turns dangerous, make your way back to
the start
or to the nearest hut as quickly as possible. Do not attempt to
complete the
trail. Weather forecasts are available at tel. 082162. If in doubt, phone the
reserve before leaving home.
Emergency Equipment
Always carry the following equipment:
- torch
(with
new batteries)
- pocket
knife
- first
aid kit
- matches
in a
waterproof container
-
waterproof gear
- 1:50
000
contour map
- compass
- space
blanket
- whistle
- at
least a
1,5l water bottle
Clothing and footwear
Take a wind-and waterproof anorak and woolen jersey even in summer.
Wear two
pairs of socks. Change the inner pair every few hours to prevent
blisters.
Boots or shoes should be sturdy with strong non-slip soles and must be
well
worn in. Tennis shoes and tackies are not suitable. Sun hats are
essential,
even on cool days. Use a sun block on all exposed parts, not only on
your face!
In cold weather wear a cap to prevent heat loss.
Food
Packet soups, dehydrated vegetables, powdered milk and soya-bean
"meats", dried fruit, raisins, cheese and chocolates are lightweight,
nutritious and provide energy. Carbohydrates like pasta, dehydrated
potatoes
and rice are convenient and energy-rich. Tinned and bottled foods add
unwanted
weight. Glass containers break easily. Drink fresh water. Alcohol is
not
advisable because it may impair judgment and cause dehydration.
EMERGENCIES
In the
event of
an emergency or accident while
hiking, keep the group together. Keep moving if possible. If unable to
continue
due to injury or collapse, or if weather conditions become too severe,
seek
shelter, dress warmly and stay in your sleeping bag. Stay on or close
to the
path to be visible to a rescue party. Do not stray from a given route.
Being lost
Never
descend
via unknown kloofs or slopes.
Waterfalls, loose stones and hidden cliffs can be deadly.
Keep the group together
Light and
weather permitting, retrace your
steps until reaching a known route. Otherwise, camp where you are
until rescued
Use
bright items
to reveal your position to
search teams. Blow a whistle to attract attention.
Serious accidents
- Stay
calm
- Protect
the
casualty/ties against further
injury
- Apply
first-aid
- Ensure
that
the rest of the group are save
- If
possible,
send two experienced group
members to report the accident to the Police. Don't abandon the
casualty.
- Give
the
police the following information:
full name and age of the casualty, the type and severity of the injury,
the
location of the accident (preferably on a 1:50 000 map with grid
references),
and the details of the rest of the group
Hypothermia (exposure)
Wet, wind and cold can cause hypothermia. It can happen very quickly.
Symptoms
include exhaustion, stumbling, uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech,
loss of
memory and drowsiness. Hypothermia can Kill!! The following points can
help to
avoid hypothermia.
- Stay
dry - put
on rain gear before you get wet
- strip
off wet
clothing and put on dry clothing
- beware
of wind
- it whips heat away from skin,
and cools wet clothes
- wear a
warm
cap to avoid heat loss
- have
warm,
sweet drinks
- seek
shelter
while you still have energy, but
try to stay near the path
Hyperthermia (heat exhaustion)
Hot weather, insufficient liquid and exhaustion can cause hyperthermia
or heat
exhaustion. Symptoms can include exhaustion, stumbling, dizziness,
headaches
and impaired vision. The following points can help to avoid
hyperthermia:
- Hike in
the
cool of the morning and evening
- rest in
the
shade during midday
- wear a
sun hat
with a wide brim to protect the
back of your neck
- drink
at least
150ml (one cup) of water an
hour
- wear
cool
cotton type clothing
Mountain Fires
Mountain fires can be deadly.
- Stay
calm and
think in practical terms. Keep
your group together, keep water bottles filled and, if possible wet
your
equipment and clothes. Synthetic materials can melt
- Never
try to
out-run a fire, especially
uphill. Take note of changes in wind direction
- Find
water,
rock slabs or cleared areas and
stay there. Avoid thick bush, kloofs and rocky areas where you could be
trapped.
- Try to
keep to
jeep tracks, paths or open
slopes. If you are in a hut or building, stay there
- Never
try to
start a back-burn; you can cause
even more trouble.
- Remove
gas
cannisters and all other fuel and
inflammables from your rucksack. Store them in a safe place
- Keep a
lookout
for helicopters. Wave bright
items to attract attention
- Inform
the
trail authorities when you reach
the end of your hike
Flooded rivers
Try to
avoid
having to ford a flooded mountain
stream. Rather wait until the water level has dropped before crossing a
safe
place.
Lightning
If a
thunderstorm seems to be brewing,
immediately move away from high ground (summits, exposed neks/cols and
ridges),
prominent trees, power lines and similar lightning conductors
Seek
shelter in low bush or inside a dry
cave or overhang.
CONSERVATION
- Do not
interfere with plants or animals, or
deface rocks
- Take
all
litter home with you
- Do not
pollute
rivers and streams with soap,
shampoo or any chemical substances
- Take a
small
spade and bury toilet matter
- Outdoor
fires
are strictly prohibited
- Never
discard
cigarette butts - they cause
veld fires and are unsightly
- Stick
to paths
and walk in single file to
avoid soil erosion
- Leave
train
huts in good condition
-
Firearms and
pets are not allowed
- Finally, remember that rescue operations are
costly, difficult and could also endanger the rescuers. Relatively few
rescue
teams serve large mountainous areas, diminishing your chance of a
speedy
rescue.
Reproduced
with
thanks from the Cape Nature
Conservation brochure.
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