HowToSurviveIfYou’reLostintheWoods.pptVIP

How To Survive If You’re Lost in the Woods Getting out of the wilderness alive is a matter of knowing what to do--and what not to do. You Will Need Water Shelter Step 1: Stay where you are As soon as you realize you are lost, stay where you are. It’s much more difficult for rescuers to find you if you’re on the move. Step 2: Remain together If you’re with others, remain together. Step 3: Follow the acronym Follow the acronym STOP: SIT down to collect your thoughts; THINK before you do anything or walk anywhere; OBSERVE what’s around you, and listen carefully for noises that indicate people or roads nearby; PREPARE for a long wait by gathering whatever items will keep you safe and comfortable, like wood and kindling if you have a way to start a fire. Tip If you can start a campfire, start three of them in a straight line or triangle. The universal distress signals are three gunshots, three blasts of a whistle, three fires, or three flashes of a mirror or reflective object. Step 4: Drink up If you have water with you, drink it whenever you feel thirsty. You may be tempted to make it last as long as possible, but it will do you more good in your body now. Step 5: Find a water source Find a clean water source in case your ordeal extends more than a day. If you’re at a high altitude, the running water in a stream is usually okay to drink—but snow is not, unless you melt it first, because it will make you too cold. Look for places that rainwater gathers, like in rock crevices. Pay attention to birds; they like to circle water. Tip Breathing through your nose will help you stay hydrated longer. Step 6: Don’t eat anything Don’t eat any wild plants, berries, mushrooms, and so on. You’re better off hungry than poisoned. Step 7: Seek shelter Look around for shelter, but don’t wander too far searching for the perfect spot. Get out of the sun—sitting under a tree or rock overhang will do just fine—but don’t hide from people looking for you! Step 8: Build a bed Use the time