Outdoor activities may have their risks, but taking the necessary precautions will help make the experience a worthwhile and enjoyable one.
RECENT news of people encountering mishaps while hiking and trekking need not deter us. Here are some basic safety tips on how to have an enjoyable adventure in the great outdoors of Malaysia.
Outdoor safety
The most effective way to prevent mishaps is to adequately prepare for the trip.
Knowledge of the area, weather, terrain, limitations of your body, plus a little common sense can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Travel with a companion
You don’t want to be by yourself in case of an emergency.
Leave a copy of your itinerary with a responsible person, park ranger, or the police.
Include such details as the trip plan, licence plate of your car, radio frequency signal, equipment you’re bringing, your emergency contact and when you plan to return.
If you are entering a remote area, your group should have a minimum of four people.
This way, if one is hurt, another can stay with the victim while two go out for help.
If you’ll be going into an area that is unfamiliar to you, bring along someone who knows the area, or at least speak with those who do, before you set out.
Engaging a local guide will be the best option.
If an area is closed, do not go there.
Know ahead of time the location of the nearest telephone, ranger station, police station, hospital and fire station in case an emergency does occur on your trip.
You can join some reputable social media group for your adventurous outing.
Be in good physical condition
Set a comfortable pace as you hike. A group trip should be designed for the weakest member of the group.
If you have any medical conditions, discuss your plans with your healthcare provider and get approval before embarking on the trip.
Make sure you have the skills required for your camping or hiking adventure. You may need to know how to read a compass, erect a temporary shelter, or provide first aid. Practise your skills in advance.
If your trip will be strenuous, get into good physical condition before setting out.
If you plan to travel to high altitudes (above 2,400m, such as mountain climbing in Nepal), make plans for proper acclimatisation.
Be prepared
Think about your footing while trekking near cliffs. Trees and bushes can’t always be trusted to support you. Stay on developed trails or dry, solid rock areas with good footing.
Wear appropriate clothing for the trail conditions and season. In hot and humid Malaysia, it is advisable to wear quick-drying clothing.
But when you climb to higher and cooler places, you need warmer clothes to stay comfortable.
Check your equipment. Keep your equipment in good working order. Inspect it before your trip. Do not wait until you are at the trail head. Be sure to pack emergency signaling devices.
Be weather wise. Keep an eye on current and predicted weather conditions.
Know the signs of approaching heavy rain, or changing weather conditions. Beware when you are near waterfalls as the water level can rise very fast.
During lightning storms, avoid mountain peaks, bare ridges and other exposed places, lone trees, streams, and rocks. Find shelter in a densely forested area at a lower elevation.
Even in our tropical rainforests, prolonged exposure to wind and rain can result in hypothermia, especially when you are at altitudes above 1,500m. Proper shelter and clothing are important.
Learn first aid
Learn basic first aid so that you will know how to identify and help treat injuries or illnesses.
Carry a first aid kit with you. Every outdoor person must have a personal first aid kit with proper medical background information inside, namely: emergency contact info, blood type, allergies and current medication.
Learn how to identify the symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hypothermia and dehydration, and know how to treat them.
Be wise
Make camp before dark. Trekking in darkness has resulted in unnecessary accidents from falls, so be sure to trek only during daylight.
Set up camp well away from the edge of cliffs, and familiarize yourself with the terrain during the day.
If you have to leave camp after dark, stay in areas you have seen in daylight, go with a friend, and always use a good flashlight.
Be alert for slippery areas and take your time to avoid tripping.
Low-hanging roots and branches make running unsafe, and leaves on the ground can hide slippery areas. Use rope or other climbing equipment to secure your ascent or descent.
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