WITH Easter fast approaching, locals and travelers have been reminded to take care during the holiday period to make sure they prioritise both safety and enjoyment for all.

Truck Drivers

HEAVY vehicle drivers have been urged to run thorough pre-departure inspections of their vehicle, ensure proper load securement, and importantly, practice fatigue management by following work and rest requirements.

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator chief executive, Sal Petroccitto OAM said that 11 people lost their lives in crashes involving a heavy vehicle in Australia during April last year.

“One life lost on Australian roads is one too many, so it is critically important that whether you are driving - a truck, bus, car or motorcycle - you remain patient and ensure safety is top of mind when travelling to your destination,” he said.

“All road users need to prioritise rest, take plenty of meal breaks and overall, just take care of yourselves on the road.”

Hikers

“DON’T ration your water - instead ration your exertion and avoid walking in the late afternoon, which is often the hottest time of the day,” VICSES Grampians regional duty officer, Jordan Bush said.

Packing ample food and water and ensuring it is consumed while undertaking the activity are simple steps which can be taken to reduce the risk of an emergency response being required.

Bushwalkers can also mitigate their risk by packing a map and compass or tracking their route through GPS, or by familiarising themselves with emergency markers designed to pinpoint their location in the event that an emergency extrication be required.

For those who are hiking or bushwalking, several tips include keeping away from hazardous trees, wearing appropriate footwear and clothes for the conditions expected, having functional communications equipment for the terrain, bringing at least three to four litres of water per person and packing what may be needed for an emergency.

Water Activities

 “IF travelling away from home, pay attention to and check the warning signs and keep an eye on the weather and water conditions, even if you have been to that location before,” Royal Life Saving Chief Executive Officer Justin Scarr said.

“Everyone needs to wear a lifejacket when boating, fishing or paddling - it could save your life.

“Always keep watch and keep children within arm’s reach, designate an adult to supervise during gatherings around all bodies of water, including the backyard swimming pool.

“Make sure the gate is in good working order,” he said.

Be prepared and stay alert whenever around water, especially if travelling to unfamiliar locations.

Five tips to enjoy the water safely are - always supervise children around water, avoid alcohol around water, wear a life jacket when boating and fishing, know the conditions and avoid going out alone.

Pet Owners

PET owners have been warned of the dangers of tasty treats, flagging chocolate and hot cross buns as toxic to cats and dogs, and Easter Lilies that are toxic to cats.

RSPCA Victoria chief veterinarian, Dr Bronwyn Oke said keeping these treats and plants away from pets was vital.

“Chocolate and fruits like grapes, sultanas and raisins can cause serious health issues for pets,” she warned.

“Human chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic for dogs and cats, while fruit like grapes, sultanas and raisins can cause kidney failure.

“It’s important to take all incidents seriously, particularly if you’re not sure how much your pet has eaten.

“Time is of the essence when chocolate or these fruits have been eaten, don’t take a ‘wait and see’ approach, as it could cause too much damage or sadly result in death.”

To help keep pets safe this Easter, know where the nearest emergency vet clinic is and have their contact details ready; keep chocolate, any fruit-based hot cross buns, and lilies out of reach from pets, if pet owners know, or even suspect, their pet has consumed any of them, please act quickly and get them to a vet clinic as soon as possible.