The vast majority of adventures in beautiful mid Wales go without a hitch. Thousands of visitors to the area never even see us. But the mountains, hills and rivers are still dangerous places and knowing how to contact help and keep yourself comfortable, should something go wrong, is very important. 

Do read through these tips to help make you prepared for anything. 

Get a reliable local weather forecast before you set off . The weather in the Beacons can change quickly. It gets colder the higher you go and wind-chill will have a significant effect on your body. At a given air temperature, wind speed reduces the temperature experienced by the body by an amazing amount – don’t under estimate its effect.

Plan a route that is suitable for the weakest member of your party and suitable for the forecasted weather (but be prepared for it to be worse).

Tell someone responsible what that route is . Make sure you have a map covering your route and a compass. Know how to use both.

Do a first aid course, and take a first aid kit with you.

Don't rely on your mobile phone for light or navigation, batteries can drain surprisingly quickly, especially in the cold. Consider taking a battery pack and lead with you so you're phone will still work if you're away long than intended. 

Take appropriate clothing including waterproofs, spare warm clothes (lots of layers trap more warm air), hat and gloves. Take  enough food and drink for the planned trip plus a bit extra for the unplanned part. Take a torch & a survival bag and spare batteries for the torch (if you don’t have one or know what one is get down to your local gear shop now, they cost next to nothing and may save your life).

Try to avoid relying on communications or position finding technology . A GPS is a great piece of kit, but when it breaks, the batteries go flat because of the cold or you drop it, you’re on your own. Get a map & compass . The best maps in the world are made by Ordnance Survey & cover the whole of the UK. The 1:25,000 Explorer series will give you more detail than you could ask for, but make sure you know how to read it . (You’d be amazed..! ) There is a very good reason why every MRT and professional outdoor activity provider uses these maps!

If things start to go wobbly, don’t panic. Don’t immediately get out your mobile phone and dial 999, unless it’s a medical emergency.  We’ve all gone a little astray from time to time. Try and work out where you are, use any visual or navigation aides available and do talk to strangers.

If you need us try work out your 6-figure grid reference and throw in a description of some geographical features , use your mobile phone to dial 999, or send someone (or two if there are enough in your party to leave one behind with the casualty) to the nearest phone and dial 999. Mobiles often get a better signal higher up a hill – but don’t put yourself at risk.

Consider registering your phone with the  emergency SMS service .  A text message often needs less signal than a phone call so you may be able to ask for help when you can't make or receive calls. 

During a call out we may also send you a link to our SARlock service which helps us to locate you faster. You will need signal and battery to access this service. 

Dial 999 and ask for the Police, when you get through to them ask for Mountain Rescue.

The Police will contact the appropriate Mountain Rescue Team. You will need to be able to tell them the number of casualties, the nature of the injury or illness and their location, ideally with a six-figure grid reference. The more information you can provide the quicker we will be able to get to you. You will need to stay near the phone because the Mountain Rescue Team will want to call you back. 

It can take us a while to find you and get to you, depending on where you are. After it is confirmed that we are on the way stay close to the phone and make sure you and your party are warm and cared for. Make sure you are visible to our searchers. Bright colours and staying close to paths helps us a lot. 

Stay warm. If you can move around a bit, put on your warm clothes, eat some food. Take care of yourself and each other.