Lost in the Woods: Rules of Survival
Many people enjoy a good hike in the woods. Other than the exercise, it’s also a great way to be closer to nature. However, getting lost in the woods is hardly any fun. In the event that you do get lost, don’t panic. Try to remember these rules of survival.
Stay together. Always, always stay together when you get lost in the wilderness. Whether it’s with a pet or with an actual friend, separating is never a good idea, not even if it’s to try and find a way out of the forest. Separating can lead to someone getting lost, hurt, or in even more trouble. It can even lead to only one person getting found when rescue arrives, so stay together.
Stay in one place. Wandering around a forest is only likely to get you more lost. In fact, wandering around will often lead to more trouble because you can get hurt or lose your way entirely. Staying in one place is also important because if you have been responsible as a hiker or explorer, rescuers should have a good idea of where you’re supposed to be. Also, if you find a building or a road, don’t wander away from it.
Keep warm. Getting cold is one of the first things that can affect a hiker’s judgment. It makes it harder to move and think, and that can mean a whole lot of trouble. If you have extra clothing, even if it is just a pair of pajamas, put it on if you get cold. You absolutely have to stay warm to be able to think clearly.
Find a cozy waiting place, not a hiding place. Remember that while you want to stay safe and sheltered, your main priority is being found. Hiding deep inside a cave or deep in the forest isn’t likely to get you found at all. If you hide too deeply, you may miss the rescue when it comes. Try to find a place to hunker down at night, but be sure that you will be able to hear if someone is coming.
Put out something bright. Once again, you want to get found, so if you have anything bright at all – a flashlight, flare or even a fire – to put out at night when it gets dark, do it. Try to conserve flashlight batteries, but if you’re getting desperate, put it out there so that it can be used as a beacon for anyone searching for you.
Look bigger for searchers. A small group in a forest is easy to miss, so do your best to make yourself noticeable. Pile a large quantity of rocks or branches together, start a fire, do something so that if someone is flying overhead, you can be spotted.
Do not lie on the bare ground. Nothing will make you colder faster than the bare ground. There are also lots of tiny insects that can get into your clothing so always make sure to lie on something like a blanket.
Watch what you eat. Unless you’re absolutely starving, don’t eat anything you don’t recognize. Eating something that makes you sick can put you in more danger than going for a couple of days without food.
Stay away from large rivers and lakes. Carnivores like bears tend to gather around large rivers and lakes, so avoid these places if possible. Large rivers and lakes also present a health hazard. Falling into a river can result in you getting washed downstream. Further, the cold water can actually make you sick.
