Be prepared and stay safe in the outdoors

ACT Policing would like to remind people to be prepared and stay safe in the outdoors.

In the past six months, ACT Policing, ACT Parks and Conservation, AFP Search and Rescue and the SES have responded to numerous reports about people missing in reserves and national parks.

In the majority of these incidents the missing people were ill-prepared and/or unfamiliar with their surrounds.

ACT Policing would like to remind people to take the proper precautions before they go into the outdoors.

Whilst Canberra offers some stunning local bushlands the terrain and weather can be unpredictable. If people are ill-equipped and don’t take the necessary precautions then they are putting themselves at risk.

Some safety tips are:

• Carry and drink plenty of water;
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the activity you plan to undertake;
• Carry appropriate safety equipment, such as a Personal Locator Beacon or GPS, satellite phone and first aid kit;
• Ensure you have an adequate fitness level for the activity you plan to undertake; and
• Tell someone your plan and when you expect to return.

Further information on safety in the ACT’s Parks and Reserves can be found at http://www.environment.act.gov.au/parks-conservation/parks-and-reserves/explore/Safety-in-ACT-Parks-and-Reserves