SAFETY RULES

When planning a mountain hike, assess your health and fitness first.

At the beginning, choose less demanding trails, that will help your acclimatization in the mountains and will get you familiar with the surroundings. Use maps, guides and mobile applications.

Before you set off for hike, check the weather forecast.

Remember that the weather in the mountains is very dynamic! Hot summer is full of dangerous storms, while in winter sudden snowstorms and fogs create a risk of orientation lose and hypothermia.

Before visiting the park, read the visiting regulations.

Each park is different and rules for visiting may be different as well. For example, in the Bieszczady National Park, dogs are not allowed on hiking trails, but it’s legit in the neighboring Slovakian Połoniny National Park.

If you can, don't go hiking alone. In case of danger or injury, you have the support of your companions.

They will help you or will get professional help if needed. Besides, joint trips bring plenty memories for the future, among family and friends.

Appropriate clothes are key to the success of the entire trip! In summer, take a hat to protect you from a heat stroke.

During winter always bring with you a warm hat and gloves. It's also worth to wear thermal underwear. Don't forget about good hiking boots with protector and high upper that protects the ankle!

A nutritious sandwich and caloric chocolate will give you energy, drink will help either hydrate or warm up your body.

It’s worth it to have a first aid kit with you.

Bandages, scissors or a thermal blanket can be useful not only for you, but also for your companions or other tourists in case of minor accident.

Before going hiking, remember to charge your phone and install the Ratunek (Rescue) application on your mobile phone.

Thanks to it, if necessary you can quickly call for help. The mountain rescue service will locate you easier in the area and reach you faster. How to call for help in the mountains:

• in Bieszczady National Park – application „Ratunek”
  tel. 112; GOPR: tel. 985 or

601 100 300 (mobile).

• in Poloniny National Park
  tel. 112 or +421 (0) 527 877 711; HZS: tel. 18 300.

Mountain expeditions should bring many unforgettable thrills and memories.

Therefore, on the trail always walk carefully and prudently. Don't run downhill, avoid steep and dangerous places such as slippery rock outcrops. Don't risk meet up with wild animal for a photo! In case of bad weather - turn back!

Thunderstorms in the mountains can be very dangerous, especially during summer when the weather is very dynamic.

They usually occur afternoon so early take off is advisable. If you get caught in the storm while traversing meadow go down to the forest as soon as possible. Avoid open spaces, wet rocks or tall lonely trees as they attract lightning.