Preparation

Preparation

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Note the weather conditions Nov to Feb

Cold, Dry, Short Day Time

A sudden drop in temperature may cause hypothermia;

Gusty wind with low humidity may increase the risk of hill fire.

One will find snake occasionally in Autumn.
March to April

Wet, Mist, Warm

Poor visibility due to misty weather; hikers may get lost easily
May to Oct

Hot(28C~33C), High Humidity (above 90%), Long Day Time

Some westerners may find it very difficult to hike under high temperature and high humidity.

Thunderstorm, typhoon and heavy shower may cause flooding and landslide;

High temperature and high humidity may cause heat stroke and heat exhaustion. One should bring a lot of water. Try to walk and rest under shade. Frequent breaks are also recommended.

Insects are pretty active in this period, you should bring along insect repellant.

If the temperature rises above 33C, you should consider cancelling trip.

Before the journey, the leader should leave the following details to a contact person not participating in the hike:

a) Nature of the journey, the route and the destination;

b) Date and time of the event, as well as the estimated finishing time;

c) Number of participants;

d).Names of participants, contact phone number and address of their next of kin.

Participants should also inform the same to their family.

Sleep well on the night before the journey. Have a nutritious meal before setting out especially for a long walk.

A mobile phone can be the best means to call for assistance. However, it is important to note its coverage and blind spots such as mountain ridges and valleys. It is also important to bring enough backups for battery.

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Brief members the journey and the points to note before setting out.

Pay special attention to the way-marks and the adjacent environs to ensure that one is on the right track.

Note the physical conditions of the participants and watch out for signs of depression. If someone looks tired, allow the whole group to have a suitable break. Ensure that no one is straggling behind or straying away.

Watch out for any changes in your surrounding environment; listen to the weather bulletin and news report so as to take early precautionary measures.

Take note of all warning signs to avoid accidents.

If bad weather sets in, one should consider shortening or curtailing the planned route.

Should the group become overdue in case of emergency or sudden change, ask the contact person to relay your message.

Don't alter your route indiscriminately or attempt to take any overgrown short cuts. You may find yourself getting lost or stranded in a place where you can neither retreat nor proceed.

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Understand the strenght requirement, length, duration, difficulty of the route.

Make sure you're physically fit for the hike.

Let your family knows where you're going and who the contact person(s) is/are.