To begin with, the avalanche is a natural phenomenon can intervene at any time. She can be fromnatural origin Where man-triggered. How to avoid the risks associated with avalanches? How to react in the event of an accident?
How to guard against the risks associated with the avalanche?
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Don’t go alone
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Cross a risk zone one by one, then take shelter in a safe zone
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Give loved ones their round-trip route and approximate time of return
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I know move smoothly, avoid sharp turns
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Keep abreast of weather conditions and risk areas
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Bring an avalanche victim detector or an avalanche victim search device, a shovel, a probe and a telephone
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When hiking, leave a good distance between each person, this avoids an overload on the snow plate
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Take the less steep slopes.
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Always keep an eye on the other members of the group.
How to react in the event of an avalanche?
- First of all, try to escape sideways of the slope. Indeed, if you try to do the opposite, the avalanche has a greater speed than yours so it will catch up with you more easily. Just before you are taken away, protect your airways by placing your hands in front of your mouth and nose.
- Try to stay on the surface by doing big movements without going too fast, to avoid tiring yourself.
- Get rid of your bag if it is heavy. Otherwise, keep it. It can form a barrier to counter the cold and protect you from shocks.
- Finally, if you see obstacles like rocks or even trees within arm’s reach, try to grab hold of them.
How to react after an avalanche
- Try to create space to clear your airways and avoid filling your lungs with snow.
- Then dig up towards the light.
- Attempt to break through the snow patch by straightening your arms or using something sharp.
- Avoid yelling, use a whistle so you don’t run out of breath, or try to make short, high-pitched sounds.
- Last but not least, you should never fall asleep.
If I witness an avalanche, what should I do?
- Take a safe place when leaving the avalanche path and watch well above you if a second avalanche is not likely to occur
- Trying to always keep one visual cue from where the victims disappeared
- Immediately notify the emergency services by dialing 18 or 112
- In the meantime, pay attention to the slightest sound that buried people might emit, movements and even odors
- If, however, you are equipped with a probe, use it to try to locate the victims until help arrives