Safety rules to be followed prior to leaving the settlement.

 The group leader should:

• check the weather forecast for the next few days;
• inform the rescue service and rural household owner about the group’s trip, the route, time of return back.
• make sure the health of the group members is of satisfactory state;
• check the availability of equipment, foodstuff and first aid kit;
• inform participants of possible dangers on the route, the main reasons of accidents and rules of behavior when meeting local people.

 Remember, it is unacceptable to:

• start for a hike in a bad weather (heavy fog, rain, low temperature);
• hike to the high mountain area without a skilled guide during three days after a heavy snowfall (50 cm ) or explicit snow avalanche risk.

Safety rules to be kept while hiking the mountains.

• One should not hike alone, but in a group. The first and last group member shall be an experienced tourist. Avoid splitting up of the group!
• The tempo and schedule should correspond to the physical condition of participants, location and weather. In any case it is recommended to make 10-15 minute pause every 45-50 minutes of hike. The first stop should be made in 15-20 minutes to ensure proper thermoregulation of the body (removing of extra clothing), check for the subject of the feet edemas etc. Be sure to slow down the speed when climbing up the mountain. The group should adjust the speed to the physical abilities of the weakest participants.
• The river with a rapid flow and deeper than 0.7 m should be crossed only with a belay. Avoid swimming in mountain lakes or rivers where there exists a risk to drown.
• During the severe thunderstorms one should stay and wait until it finishes, but do not do this on top of a sharp ridge or mountain, under the lonely-staying tree, on the edge of the forest or on the bank of a pond.
• Do not try to shorten the way by risking, especially in winter, because you can trim the snow slope and get into an avalanche.
• In any case do not hike in the fog or darkness in winter. This helps to avoid slipping from a ledge rock or loosing bearings etc.
• Do not climb up (go down) the narrow canyons, where there is a risk of rock shift or avalanches.
• Avoid rocky areas on the route. Remember that even on “easy” rocks one can climb up without ropes, but it is impossible to go down without the latter.
• Do not step aside from the route without a high need. Check the direction with the map and compass regularly.
• If you got lost and there is no opportunity to stay for overnight at a reliable place, it is better to return back by a familiar route.
• When hiking in heavy frost make sure the group members have no signs of frostbite.
• Do not allow one’s going down the snow slopes at the plastic bags as it can lead to serious injury (eg. injury of coccygeal bone) or falling into a cliff.
• When hiking a steep slope (covered with snow or grass) it is good to have an ice-ax or ski poles, which can be, if necessary, used to keep one from falling down.
• Inform the team leader about the health problems occurred as soon as possible.
• In case of emergency do not panic but strengthen the discipline and act together.
• In case of need, the two most experienced group members should be sent to call for help.
• Stop for an overnight in advance (1-2 hours before the darkness comes).
• Even during the pause one may stay apart only at the permission of the group leader.