GET AWAY FROM IT ALL BUT 'THINK' SAFETY

Taupo Times, Volume 19, Issue 99, 23 December 1970, Page 6

GET AWAY FROM IT ALL BUT 'THINK' SAFETY

Christmas is here and with it the chance to "get away from it all" and enjoy a holiday in the bush and mountains. For many people this is the only opportunity in the year to head into the more remote regions. All too often this means that they are not fit enough or experienced to tackle a long, hard trek.

Every year, says Mr L. H. Harris, private hunting officer with the Forest Service, trampers and climbers lose their lives or at best, suffer physically and mentally by becoming lost in the mountains or forests. There is more to tramping and climbing than heading off bravely into the hinterland with a pack on the back. Before embarking on a trip

make sure that everything is planned down to the last detail well in advance. If you are unfamiliar with the area to be visited, learn its physical features thoroughly from maps, photographs and available literature. fConsult other trampers, climbers and local rangers about available facilities and likely obstacles. 9Let local police or rangers know what your plans are and when you intend to return. 90n returning home don't forget to tell them that you are back. If you are going hunting, obtain all the necessary permits, licences and whatever permission is necessary from landowners. Ensure your food is high in energy value, appetising, and varied. Energy burn-up , while tramping is very much greater than for a normal nine to five job. Concentrate on lightness with a minimum of canned food. i Take sufficient warm clothing (wool is best) to protect against rain, wind, or '■ even snow. Mountain regions are notoriously unpredictable and a warm, sunny day down ' in the valley can soon turn into an extremely hazardous one on the mountain with swirling mist and freezing cold. Choose your campsite carefully on well drained land that is sheltered from the prevailing wind. A campsite close to a river may look inviting but it is no fun if you get flooded out in heavy rain. On even the most strenuous trip it pays to spend a little time in selecting a good campsite. Parties taking firearms on trips must be particularly careful. One of the golden rules, says Mr Harris, is to treat every firearm as if it was loaded. • Never take loaded firearms into a car, boat, camp or cabin. iRemember also that there may be other people in the vicinity and therefore it is imperative to identify a target beyond all possible doubt.

tNever shoot at sound, colour or movement. If you are caught out overnight without a tent, shelter . under an overhanging rock a fallen tree, or construct a shelter from saplings branches and bark. Shelter and warmth are essential for survival, food is not. You can last more than a week without it if you drink water regularly and don't over-exert yourself. Without shelter in adverse conditions debilitation through exposure (hypothermia) comes suddenly and unnoticed by the victim, who can die. In an emergency cover yourself with a jacket, dry vegetation or animal skin at night. If complete sense of direction is lost, don't wander aimlessly — stay in one place, make yourself comfortable and await rescue During daylight build a safe smoky fire and if ground searchers are likely in the region, fire three shots spaced 15 seconds apart. Above all, keep cairn. Tramping is a good way to appreciate the magnificent scenery in the back country and mountains, but to enjoy a holiday to the full it is essential to plan the trip properly. Taking straightforward precautions and so being prepared for all conditions will help you toward a memorable trip and perhaps avert a tragic one.