Safety while hiking: what to do in a storm in the mountains?

class=”sc-29f61514-0 jbwksb”>

Hikers usually check the weather forecast in advance. But in the mountains, the weather often changes quickly and there are thunderstorms. Temperatures drop very soon, it can be stormy, rain or hail. There is a risk of hypothermia for hikers and other climbers due to the wet cold. Incoming fog or precipitation makes visibility difficult. In the worst case, people in the mountains lose their way. Rain, hail or snow can also make hiking trails slippery and dangerous.

Bruno Hasler, 63, mountain emergency statistics at Swiss Alpine Club SAC, in an interview with Blick, explains how to behave properly when you’re surprised by a storm in the mountains and gives tips for planning a hike.

correct preparation

Hikers should learn the required time, course conditions and weather conditions before they set off to avoid being caught in a storm in the first place. This is the best way to avoid being caught in a storm. When hiking, it’s important to be alert and pay attention to weather and trail conditions along the way. “If in doubt, get back in time or choose an alternate route,” advises Hasler.

If the weather suddenly changes and you are still in the middle of the mountains, the right hiking equipment is essential. It includes, among other things, sturdy walking shoes with good grip, a raincoat, thick clothing, and adequate supplies and water.

How to deal with lightning?

If there is lightning and thunder, it is important to get to safety immediately. When seeking shelter, the following places should be avoided at all costs and should be kept 50 meters away if possible: peaks, hills, individual trees, waterways, and steel cables.

Closed and enclosed places, such as shelters or cars with closed windows and doors, are the safest places during thunderstorms. “We are well protected from direct lightning strikes in large caverns and inside a triangular shape with at least two sides of equal length under rock walls, steel pylons and power lines,” says Halser. You should also keep a distance of two meters from all walls, cave ceilings or other people.

Help centers for hikers

“I recommend all mountain hikers install the Rega app on their smartphones,” Hasler continues. In an emergency, when the app is activated, important additional information such as GPS data and the battery level of the mobile phone are transmitted to Rega and Rega will contact you. Anyone who has not installed the application can reach Rega by calling 1414.

If there is no reception in the mountains, you must dial the European emergency number 112. The smartphone tries to use this number to call the network that is strongest locally.

Source : Blick