Safety Advice
When you head out for the day there are several things you should consider.
Check your route
How far is it? What’s the terrain like? How long will it take? How many hours of daylight do you have?
Check the weather
Our Great British weather can be very changeable and what started out as a sunny day, may not end up like that!
Check your phone
Make sure your battery is charged and location settings are on. Many people also carry a portable power bank and cable. They’re not expensive and may save your life.
Download the What3Words app which you can use to give to the emergency services, including Mountain Rescue, your precise location.
Registering your phone with emergencysms will allow you to contact the emergency services via text message when the signal is too weak to make a phone call.
Check your backup
Tell someone where you’re going, and when you’ll be back. This is especially important if you’re going on your own.
What should you take with you?
Suitable footwear and clothing
Supportive footwear with a good grip, warm, windproof and waterproof clothing, a hat and gloves.
Plenty of food and water
If you are unfortunate to get into difficulties, it’s useful to carry spare food and drink.
A map and compass
Make sure if you carry a map and compass, you know how to use them.
Torch and whistle
Even if you set off in the middle of the day and expect to be back by nightfall, if you get into trouble, you might need to attract the attention of people searching for you.
A watch
When you’re out and about enjoying the scenery it’s easy to lose track of time.
A first aid kit
Whether it’s a minor cut or maybe something a bit more serious it’s useful to have a first aid kit with you.
When you’re out there
Stay together
It’s always more fun doing adventures together, and you might need each other if something goes wrong.
Stay fed and hydrated
Eating and drinking regularly helps to avoid energy lows and dehydration and keeps you in the best condition for tackling the challenges of your trek or ride.
Stay aware of where you are
Checking the map regularly and using GPS to see if you’re where you should be might avoid a long and potentially dangerous detour.
Stay well dressed
Wear suitable clothing for the weather conditions: supportive footwear suitable for the conditions, lightweight clothing, a sun hat and sun cream when it’s hot, layers of warm clothing in winter, waterproofs when it starts raining to avoid getting wet and cold and risking hyperthermia.
In an emergency
Gather information
- Location
- Name, age and gender of the casualty
- Nature of injuries or emergency
- Number of people in your party
- Your phone number
Dial 999
- Ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue
- Tell them the details above
Stay where you are until contacted by the Mountain Rescue team
- Keep your phone switched on, don’t make unnecessary calls and conserve the battery
- Make sure Location Services are enabled on your phone
- Follow instructions given in text messages or phone calls
If the phone signal is poor or you have speech or hearing difficulties, use the emergencySMS service
- Send a text to 999 including Police, Mountain Rescue, location and details of the incident
- You must register first. Text ‘register’ to 999 and follow the instructions.
Further information
Check out the great advice on enjoying the great outdoors safely at Adventure Smart
Useful Links
MREW performs a number of functions on behalf of teams and their members.
Be Adventure Smart: Make your good day better.
Keep safe on the hills with The British Mountaineering Council.
What’s the weather going to be like?
GetOutside was founded by Ordnance Survey, to help more people to get outside more often.