Expedition & Adventure Directory |
Jungle Safety Tips Surviving in the Rainforest This section will be expanded on a lot in the coming months but for now here's some basics: Rule 1 Always ensure someone knows where you are going and when you will be back in contact. This person must KNOW they are expected to raise the alarm if they do not hear from you at the expected time. Rule 2 Never travel into the forest alone. Not even for a few hundred yards. It's surprisingly easy to lose your sense of direction and sound doesn't travel well in the jungle. A shout for help may be completely inaudible to other people just 50 meters away due to the sound-deadening nature of the forest itself plus the ever-constant natural noises of insects, the wind in the trees, monkey's screeching etc. Your pitiful squeaks can easily be lost among all that! Rule 3 Have a planned route or at the very least a planned destination. Then presume that you may NOT be able to reach it or return the way you came. Minor streams you could step over on the way there can turn into raging rivers on the way back. especially in hilly areas. Basically try to have at least one back-up plan and be prepared to be flexible about your route. Rule4 Due to 3, always ensure you have enough provisions for at least 2 days more than you think you need. If a day trip take enough for 3 days, if a 2 day trip take enough for 4 days etc. As a general guide leave yourself a minimum safety buffer of 20% - so trips longer than 10 days start adding 3 days extra provisions. Water is incredibly heavy to carry but carry some anyway and keep yourself well-hydrated. Consider investing in a small but sturdy filter and/or some water purifying tablets and always have a spare container available. Rule 5 Always try to plan your route so that you can complete steps in daylight - and don't forget it gets pitch black after around 7pm in this part of the world! Rule 6 Always carry a good sharp knife. Presume your mobile telephone will not work but take it anyway, fully-charged. Turn it off for longer trips to save the battery for if you really need it. More useful perhaps is a GPS system the knife is absolutely essential. Rule7 Make a lot of noise as you walk. Asian rainforests are relatively safe in terms of wildlife but the things that can hurt you are far more likely to if you catch them by surprise - like the snake that didn't hear you coming until you trod on it! Rule 8 Water, even shallow streams, can mean crocodiles. When filling a water container don't watch the container - look for bubbles, swirls, moving 'logs' etc. Keep your body language ready to spring backwards and keep your ears pricked for noises behind you as well. Rule 9 Unless you know for certain what it is, don't eat it. Rule 10 Be careful what you're grabbing hold off! |