Although it would be impossible to fit everything regarding mountain safety into this email, we would like to answer a few frequently asked questions on the matter:
Best regards,
Pygmy Elephant
EMERGENCIES
The police, fire service, ambulance or mountain rescue can be reached in an emergency by dialing 911 or the toll-free New Hampshire State Police number 800-525-555. There are numerous mountain rescue teams operating in the regions covered by the White Mountains; the appropriate one can be contacted on the above emergency numbers.
Provide accurate details of the incident and location (grid references are very useful) – if you are in remote location with difficult access it is important to emphasize this.
The Police will assess the situation and send help – this may include a Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) and other medical support.
Hikers should be aware that cell phone coverage in the backcountry can be very unreliable, particularly in deep valleys but also on some summits, and you have absolutely no assurance that a cell-phone call will get through to authorities in an emergency. Both phones and their batteries can fail, often at inconvenient times.
INSECTS
MOSQUITOES AND BLACKFLIES
The worst time for mosquitoes is June to August in low and wet areas, and blackflies are most bloodthirsty in late May, June and early July. The most effective repellents are based on the active ingredient N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, generally know as DEET, but some have doubts about its safety. You can also avoid these insects by covering up yourself as much as possible with long sleeves and trousers. They are more prevalent in early morning and dusk when the sun is rising or setting, so ensure that you cover bare skin with long sleeves and trousers. For those with a sensible skin, a mosquito net for the face can be very useful. During the walking day in higher altitudes you don't even notice them.
Important: hikers should apply repellents to clothes rather than skin where possible.
TICKS
These little insects can bite you and leave a rash, but some can carry Lyme Disease. It is advisable to wear long sleeved shirts and long trousers and consider using insect repellents such as those containing DEET. At the end of the day you should check thoroughly for ticks and remove them. The safest way to remove a tick is to use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers, or a tick removal tool and grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull upwards slowly and firmly, as mouthparts left in the skin can cause a local infection.
For inquiries regarding your specific itinerary, please contact your group leader or key travel builder. If you have any questions about the content of this email, feel free to reply here.
Pygmy Elephant, 306 S Washington, Royal Oak, MI 48067
