Press Releases
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Safety hints for summer hikers The Agriculture and Fisheries Department (AFD) today (Wednesday) reminds hikers to observe all essential safety guidelines while hiking or enjoying outdoor activities in the countryside in summertime. A spokesman for the department said: "Hiking requires no special skills but suitable training and preparation are necessary to prevent accidents from happening." Hikers should carefully plan and familiarize themselves with the hiking routes before setting out. Escape route and contingency plans should also be well arranged in advance. The spokesman noted that several precautions must be observed while hiking, including: * Use only paths that are clearly way-marked and maintained; * Don't deviate from maintained path or make detours; * Don't overexert physical limits; and * Don't go alone. It is always preferable to hike in a group. "Straying away from a group is not advisable as doing so is easy to lose direction and may run into danger. "Besides, hikers should also avoid standing at cliff edge or climbing onto rocks to take photos or admire the views,' he added. In summer, hikers are likely to set out amid high temperature. Sometimes, heavy shower which is common during the season may cause flooding and landslide. Precautions must be taken to prevent heat strokes when taking hiking trips under high ambient temperature. Hikers should take good rests during their journeys and ought not overwork as this would lead to exhaustion. The spokesman reminded hikers to try to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and remember to drink lots of water. Hikers should also listen to the weather bulletin every time before setting out. "Hiking should be avoided when the weather condition is unstable, particularly when the thunderstorm warning signal is hoisted. "If bad weather sets in while hiking, hikers should consider shortening or curtailing their planned route s," the spokesman said. He noted that it was important for hikers to have their safety always in mind to cope with the many-fold changes. The Agriculture and Fisheries Department has published a hiking safety booklet listing all essential safety measures to help hikers in dealing with emergency situations from slippery paths and heat stroke to possible hazardous incidents such as landslide and mountain torrent. The booklets are available for collection at all visitors' centres at country parks in Sai Kung, Tai Mo Shan, Clear Water Bay, Plover Cove and Shing Mun. Hikers may also find such information in the department's website (http://www.info.gov.hk/afd) or via the facsimile hotlines at 2485 3250 / 2733 2300. |
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