Hiking Caution: Survival Tips Ahead

Written By: Jerry Carpos on August 13, 2010 No Comment

Problems can strike hikers even seasoned ones at any point during treks which they are ill prepared for. A guy from the department of the county sheriff who spent many nights out in the California mount range encourages people to read 1800s hike survival literature for more info. The guy thinks that a smooth sailing outing is possible as long as no idiotic mistakes are committed and these include going missing in the wilderness.

Plans have to be laid out right so nothing untoward happens while entering and exiting the wild. Hiking no matter how far or long is easier with the 10 essentials around from the waterproof matches to the fire starter to the flashlights to the maps and compass to the sunglasses to the pocket knife to the first aid kit to the spare clothes and food.

Always prepare for the worst. Add to the essentials a whistle plus a space blanket and signal mirrors that can be used to reflect sunlight suggests search and rescue people for the off chance that hikers make an unplanned overnight stay in the woods. Light travels fast and is a great communicator. Camera flash bulbs have often been used effectively to signal the whereabouts of lost hikers. Whistles are handy tools for getting help but the trees can swallow the sound up or concealed by the water noises.

A cellular phone might not be the most sure fire way out of a hiking problem but it can still be used to make calls while within the area of the front country. One reason most searches are arranged is that hikers disregarded the established paths and could not find their way back. If topographic maps are unfamiliar to you better stick with the trails specified. Meandering elsewhere when already lost is not smart and search and rescue staff say the best solution is to simply remain in one spot and wait to be found. Keep in mind that roving targets are harder to locate than fixed ones so abandon all ideas of finding your way back alone and just wait for help to arrive.

Experts have come up with an acronym which is STOP people can use. When alarmed by events just STOP. THINK where you were prior to feeling lost. It would help to OBSERVE for hints that might direct you where you need to go. Take the necessary measures but be guided by a PLAN. Plans vary depending on the time of day so if you got lost late at night then you could opt to stop walking and sleep till morning. The two important priorities here are staying dry and keeping warm. You can bring out the space blanket for this situation but if you forgot yours the tree branches and leaves also provide comfort.

The core temperature of the body remains normal provided you eat. The best advice for kids when lost is to not leave their spot and just put their arms around a tree while awaiting rescuers according to search and rescue pros.

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