In Australia, staying put is almost always the right choice. Rescuers search from your last known point. Every step you take makes the search harder.
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Mobile phone: If you have a phone, call 000 first. Even in areas with poor signal, emergency calls may connect on any available network.
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Dehydration
Prevent First
Signs
- Dark yellow urine
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
Prevention
- Drink 500ml per hour when active in heat
- Drink before you feel thirsty
On Camp
Keep sipping throughout the day, even when resting in the shade. Do not wait for thirst as a warning signal.
1
Check the forecast before every outdoor activity.
Storms in Australia can build and move very fast. Know what is coming before you leave.
2
If you hear thunder, seek shelter immediately.
Thunder means lightning is close enough to be dangerous. Do not wait to see the lightning.
3
Get away from high ground, ridges and tall trees.
Isolated trees are especially dangerous. Never shelter under a single tree in a clearing.
4
Get away from metal objects, water and open ground.
Drop your pack if it has a frame. Move away from any standing water or wet surfaces.
5
Crouch low on the balls of your feet, feet together, hands over ears.
Do not lie flat. This position minimises your contact with the ground and reduces your target height.
6
Get into a solid building or hard-topped vehicle if available.
These are the safest options. A tent, a tarp or an open shelter offer no protection.
7
Stay off creek banks during storms.
Flash flooding can arrive with no rain in your area. A dry creek can become a torrent in minutes if it is raining upstream.