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Warning to stay safe on the mountains
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SNOW-COVERED mountains can provide an incredible backdrop for winter walking or climbing but with the short winter days, cold weather and dark skies, it's more important than ever to plan ahead to ensure you stay safe out there.
Kerry Mountain Rescue Team (KMRT) urges you to make sure you start your walk early enough in the day; be aware of what time it gets dark and allow for a change in the weather too.
Plan your day and route taking into consideration a reliable mountain weather forecast. “Leave a route plan with a responsible person. Don't forget to keep an eye on the weather during the day,” said Alan Wallace of KMRT. “Always be prepared to turn back or take a shorter route. The mountains will still be there another day.”
Whatever your plans, you’ll need a good torch and spare batteries in case you get delayed. If you need to call out the mountain rescue team, first make a note of all relevant details: location (with a grid reference if possible), name, gender and age of casualty, nature of injuries or emergency, number of people in the party, and your mobile phone number. Dial 999 or 112, then ask for "Mountain Rescue".
In 2017, KMRT, which has 35 volunteers, assisted 37 people on the mountains in 29 responses to calls for assistance. There was one fatality on Kerry’s mountains this year. Mountain rescue hours reached 1144, with team training hours standing at 1115.