When an Accident Occurs

trashbag.jpg (40671 bytes) A simple trash bag can save your life. Use it to wrap your body. It will provide an extra layer of insulation as well as keep out moisture from rain or dew.

     At the moment you realize you are lost you should S.T.O.P. (Sit, Think, Observe, And Plan). The first ten minutes of being lost is when most search fatalities make their deadly mistake. Stay calm and use your head not your feet.

     When you discover you are lost stay where you are and yell "Help!" or blow a whistle 3 times to signal you are lost. Wait several seconds then turn 90 degrees and try again. Keep doing this. If someone yells back, let him come to you. Sometimes echoes may cause you to lose your orientation. Even if someone sounds far away keep yelling. They may sound this way because they are turned away from you.

     You are more likely to be found if you stay put. Search and rescue teams are sent to the location where you were last seen.  Statistics have shown that 88% of lost hikers walk down hill, 73% find and follow a trail, and 82% are found in open areas.

     If you are lost leave clues for searchers.

  1. Stamp SOS in a large open area in the snow or grass.

  2. Create "arrows" to show the direction you are traveling.

  3. Leave clues such as a pile of rocks or wood.

  4. If possible build a fire to signal where you are.

 

Preparation and Prevention

When an Accident Occurs

Online Quiz on Lost in the Woods Safety

 
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Boating Safety		 car.gif (1021 bytes)
Vehicle Breakdown or Accident		 plane.gif (343 bytes)
Plane Emergency		  tornado3.gif (1760 bytes)
Tornado		 hurricane_icon.gif (1217 bytes)
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Flood
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Fire		 bang.gif (1062 bytes)
Earthquake		 Hatchet
by Gary Paulsen		 The Cay
by Theodore Taylor		 Safety Home Page Resources