Safety

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7 rules of outdoor safety

1. Plan your trip thoroughly

• leave an Intentions Form with a responsible person
  this should include
  • the route you intend to take
  • the party size, and experience level of the group
  • time and place of return

2. Carry sufficient clothing, equipment, food, and water

• take appropriate equipment
• take extra equipment in case of emergencies
• take navigation equipment and know how to use it

3. Carry a means of emergency communication

• Mountain radio^[1], satellite phone, or personal locator beacon.
  A radio communication device is necessary in the outdoors where cell phone reception may be limited or unavailable. Emergency communication devices can be hired at minimal cost or purchased.

4. Check the weather forecast

• monitor the weather in the days before you leave
• continually monitor the weather conditions during the trip

5. Check the track and hut conditions

• check with the Department of Conservation, locals, local tramping clubs, Regional Authorities, or District Councils

6. Beware of rivers - if in doubt DO NOT CROSS

• know when, where, and how to cross
• attend a river safety course before you go

7. Prepare for emergencies

• when things go wrong, use the STOP model for making decisions:
  Stop, take a breath, sit down, and remain calm
  Think, look around you, listen, brainstorm options
  Observe what is around you, evaluate the potential consequences
  Plan what to do what is necessary to keep alive, then act. Water, shelter, warmth, and the will to survive are the essential elements to your survival, but if in dougt stay put.

Safety tips for tourists^[2]

• Sign in and sign out
  Leave a detailed trip plan with the Department of Conservation or a friend, including a "panic date". The more details rescuers have about intentions, the quicker they'll be rescued if something goes wrong.
• Don't underestimate bad New Zealand weather. Check forecasts before going into the outdoors for the period planned.
• Take advice from people who know the area you're planning to tramp or climb in.
• Rivers can be killers
  If it's running too strong to walk through. Wait until levels drop. Be conservative.
• Go with others
  Its better than going alone.
• Consider using a personal locator beacon, especially if travelling alone.
• If lost, seek shelter and stay where you are. Use a torch or camera flash to attract attention at night. During the day, try to position something coloured and visible from the air to assist a helicopter search.