How to Stay Found

Working with Local Search and Rescue teams

If you ever get lost, one of the most important keys to being found is knowing HOW to be found.

I know that may sound confusing but, especially if you like to play in the woods or go on grand outdoor adventures – whether solo or with a small group – there are a few very important ways to be sure you don’t end up a “Search and Rescue” statistic.

One of the most important things I can share is:

Learn how to properly use a map and compass

A map and compass or more natural navigation techniques along with creating a game plan to make sure you always find your way home. Below are a few helpful tips that could in fact, keep you found

If you do not know where you are at the moment… most likely you have not been lost for a long time and you are in fact very close to being found

THIS IS WHY IN MOST CASES YOU SHOULD STAY WHERE YOU ARE!

How long have you traveled before you realized that you are lost?

If you simply STOP at this point and rethink your route, you can easily travel back to the last known spot you had encountered!

You can safely do this by implementing a few precautionary steps-

1. Mark the area you are in NOW clearly with marks on the ground. A directional arrow is best along with a bandanna or piece of bright clothing hung on a branch or tripod, to clearly mark this location.
2. Always keep this marker in sight!
3. Look around for familiar trails and landmarks that lead you to your current location.
4. When you find YOUR tracks or sign where you were just previously, simply move your marker station accordingly, closer to your last known point

  The best insurance for your return home is simply leaving a game plan with 2 different people along with instructions to notify local authorities if you are not back withing a pre-determined time frame

This will only work if you FOLLOW YOUR ORIGINAL GAME PLAN

Are you really lost if you know the answers to these questions?

• What state or province are you operating within?
• Are you near a city or town?
• Were there prominent landmarks along your route, mountain ranges,rivers, trees etc?
• What the last known trail or road you were using?
• How long have you traveled before you realized that you are lost?
• Can you see your previous track or trail you came in on?
• Did you remember the general location of the sun when you started your journey?
• Do you remember what landmarks or roads that were close to your location on a map?
• If you determined a general direction would you feel confident in walking to that feature in hopes of finding rescue?

Use these questions to make a MORE educated choice for direction of travel to find your way to safety if you have failed to leave a proper game plan.

jb