Outdoor Safety
Minor accidents that occur a long distance from professional help can turn into life and death situations quickly. Frequently these serious situations can be avoided by using some simple advance planning. Preparation can also help keep a serious situation manageable until help arrives.
Getting lost is a common problem that many people experience if they are visiting a wilderness area for the first time or if they stray off defined paths or trails. Sudden weather changes involving snow, rain or fog can make even familiar terrain difficult to identify. Stress from feeling lost or dealing with an injury can add to your temporary confusion. These are the times that trip preparation can save the day. If you are planning a trip into the wilderness, how many of the following safety rules and tips do you use?
Check the terrain and consult a Gazetteer or other detailed map before entering the woods. Will you cross streams that you can use for direction? Look for distant landmarks that you can use to get your bearings. Are their sounds that can help you with orientation such as freeway traffic in the distance? Use the sun as your compass if the weather allows. Wind direction can shift, so do not to rely on it. Moss on trees isn’t dependable as it can vary with the location of pockets of moisture. Make note too of landmarks during your arrival. When you finally do work your way back to the road, you still need to know which direction to turn to locate your vehicle. I learned this detail through trial and error during a mushroom outing where the process of walking with my head down, while traveling in circles, caused me to lose my bearings. Walking an extra hour or so while tired promotes good habits. If you anticipate being in an area that could get you turned around, carry string or bright survey ribbon to mark your trail.
Simple tools can assist in helping you find your way back home. A compass will still point north and should be consulted before entering the woods and at intervals during your outing. Check your bearings frequently along the way and continually ask yourself which direction you should head to return. Cell phones can be handy in areas that have coverage and learning to use a GPS takes the guess work out of compass headings. Carry a whistle or noise making device to assist in your being heard. Keep a back pack ready to go with your basic survival gear and you won’t need to go through that last minute memory test. Wear bright clothing to make you easier to see. Hunter orange is readily available. Carry a first aid kit as well as survival gear such as matches, knife, food, water, and a light weight shelter. Know your first aid and take refresher courses as needed. Take a buddy with you. Your buddy can help with direction and also help during times of injury. If you do go out by yourself, leave your outing plans with someone back home, together with the time of your expected return. If you have forgotten this detail until arrival at your destination, leave a visible note on your dashboard stating your plans.
If you get lost, try to minimize how far you travel in a lost condition, since this will make it easier for others to find you. If you do travel while lost, mark your trail. If weather allows, find a clearing, clear a space, and build a fire. Help has a habit of showing up, especially if you have told someone of your plans. Your adventure into the outdoors can be full of fun and excitement if you have properly planned for it.
