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HOW NOT TO GET LOST

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WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I GET LOST?  

The best defense is a good offense. There are a few  basic precautions you can take before you go out exploring – especially in an unfamiliar place.  If at all possible, it is always better to travel with someone else. 

  • Be sure that someone else knows where you are planning to go, approximately when you expect to return. If you are going on a longer trip (i.e., 2 or more days) it is a good idea to give someone a detailed itinerary of your expected route/location on a map if possible.
  • Consult the local weather forecast before departing on your trip.
  • Carry basic safety items such as
    • water
    • a map of the area and a compass, a VHF radio and GPS if you have them
    • a whistle - three long blasts is the signal for help and the sound carries over much further distance than your voice and requires less effort
    • a warm garment and hat; even though you may be hot now, it could get cold later.
    • small first aid kit
    • a butane lighter
  • Be sure that you are dressed for the weather. Remember the temperature can fluctuate a fair amount from day to night. 50◦F is cold enough for hypothermia to set in.
  • Carry a cell phone, but remember, they do not work in all areas in the wilderness.

If you realize that you don’t know where you are:

  • STAY PUT! It is much easier for searchers to locate a stationary victim than a moving one. Also, it is less likely that you will injure yourself if you aren’t running or wandering - especially at night.
  • Do not remove clothing, but put paper, money or brightly colored objects such as hair ties in trees or on rocks near your waiting place as clues for searchers.
  • If more than one person is lost, or you have a dog or pet with you, stick together for warmth and companionship.
  • In cool weather, keep your head covered. 70-80% of body heat is lost through the head.
  • Try using bright colors, smoke, or reflection to attract searchers.
  • If possible, make your waiting place near an open area so that you can move into the clearing if you see or hear searchers.  If you hear an airplane or helicopter, lie down on the ground in the clearing and and spread out to make yourself as big as possible so the pilot can see you easier. Stand up after the craft has passed, as the ground can be very cold
  • Don’t hide if you hear people calling/looking for you.

When lost for an extended period:

  • Remember, the basic essentials of life are water, shelter, food, rest and positive attitude.
    • Shelter is probably the first item to consider. Look around and see what resources are nearby that could be used as shelter materials. A small shelter is what you want because it contains the heat better than a large space. Use leaves, pine boughs or grasses to make a ‘bed’ and ‘covers’. The bed should be at least a couple of inches thick. Don’t lie on the cold ground as you will lose heat quickly.
    • Water is crucial. A human can generally survive about three days without water. Conserve what water you have and try to retain fluids by not exerting yourself.
    • Food – Do not attempt to eat mushrooms or other plants unless you are positive that you know what they are. A person can go without food for approximately three weeks, so food is going to be relatively low on the priority list at first.
    • Rest as much as you can. This will help conserve your energy. Try to exert yourself as little as possible. Also, resting will give you an opportunity to think, observe and plan what you can do next to increase your chances of survival.
    • Positive attitude is also critical. Being prepared and knowing ahead of time what to do in a survival situation will help you remain positive. Chances are, someone is looking for you.






















"How Not to Get Lost" borrowed from www.minnsarda.com 
Thanks to the Minnesota SAR Dog Association (www.minnsarda.com) for publishing this information on their site first.