4 Things To Do If Lost In The Woods

When hiking in wilderness, it’s crucial to know what to do if you find yourself lost. Familiarising yourself with survival strategies can also be lifesaving. This knowledge can be particularly helpful when participating in outdoor adventures, such as those offered through REI Adventures. This post shares key strategies to make visual and auditory signals to attract attention and get help quickly.

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Stay put: make yourself noticeable to rescuers

Once you realize you’re lost, stay put in one place. It’s easier for rescuers to locate you if you’re not constantly on the move. If you start wandering, you may inadvertently make it harder for searchers to find you. Here are some tips to make yourself noticeable:

• Choose an Open Area: Look for a clearing or an open space where you can be visible from the air and ground. The more visible you are, the better your chances of being spotted.
• Use Bright Colours: Use brightly coloured items or clothing to create a signal. You can arrange items in a noticeable pattern or tie a colourful bandana to a tree. This creates a visual marker that searchers can easily spot.
• Create a Signal: If you have extra gear like a tent or tarp, set it up in a way that catches the attention of aerial searchers. Even a large SOS sign made from natural materials can be effective.

Use auditory cues to signal for help

While shouting can help, it uses a lot of energy and doesn’t always carry far. Instead, consider using a whistle if you have one. Whistles are lightweight and effective for signalling. Here’s how to use it:

• Three Short Blasts: Three short blasts on a whistle are universally recognized as a call for help. This method is more efficient and conserves your energy for other tasks.
• Pace Yourself: If you don’t have a whistle, save your voice for when you hear potential rescuers nearby. Shouting can quickly lead to fatigue, which isn’t ideal when you need to stay alert.

Shine bright: using reflections to signal rescue teams

Another effective way to make your presence known is to use a mirror or any reflective object to signal aircraft or distant search parties. Here’s how to do it:

• Reflect the Sunlight: Use the reflective surface to catch sunlight and create a flashing signal. Move the reflective object in a sweeping motion to maximise the area covered and catch attention. This method can be particularly effective during sunny days when visibility is high.
• Make Use of Your Gear: Many survival kits come with reflective materials. If you have a signalling mirror, it can help you attract attention from considerable distances, especially if rescue teams are searching from the air.

For more detailed survival techniques and equipment recommendations, check out REI’s outdoor safety guide. REI is a trusted authority in outdoor gear and adventures, providing valuable information for all levels of hikers and adventurers.

Safe ways to signal with smoke

If it’s safe to do so, creating a smoky fire can be a powerful signal. The smoke can be seen from a great distance and can lead rescuers to your location. Here’s how to do it safely:

• Fire Building Tips: Start with dry wood to ignite the fire, as it will catch quickly. Once you have a flame going, add green branches or leaves to produce more smoke. This will help your signal be seen from afar.
• Fire Safety: Always remember fire safety guidelines to prevent wildfires. Ensure you are in a safe location to start a fire and have a plan to extinguish it completely when you are no longer in need.
• Smoke Signals: The universal distress signal is three fires in a triangular formation. If you can manage to build multiple small fires, this can effectively signal for help.

Extra survival tips: boost safety and confidence

1. Stay Calm: Panic can lead to poor decision-making. Take a deep breath, assess your situation, and take measured actions to ensure your safety.
2. Know Your Surroundings: Familiarise yourself with basic navigation skills. Carry a map and compass, and know how to use them. This knowledge can be invaluable in case of disorientation.
3. Plan Ahead: Before heading out on a hike, let someone know your itinerary, including where you plan to go and when you expect to return. This information can be vital for search teams if you go missing.
4. Take a Survival Course: Learning survival skills in a controlled environment can prepare you for real-life situations. Organizations like the American Red Cross offer courses that can equip you with essential skills, including first aid, CPR, and wilderness survival.

Increase chances of being found

By making your presence known effectively, you increase your chances of being found and returned to safety. Participating in guided adventures like those offered through Smiley Fitness Retreats can provide invaluable training in outdoor survival techniques. These wellness retreats emphasize not only fitness but also safety in the great outdoors.