| 1 |
Always
tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.
Make sure that when you do get back you let them know so that
they don't call out the cavalry. |
| 2 |
Be
prepared. Even if you are only going for a day walk always take
a torch (to signal rescuers), some matches (to light a signal
fire), enough food and water for at least two days, some warm
clothing and a small mirror for signaling rescuers. |
| 3 |
As
soon as you know that you are lost stop everything. If it is
getting dark you are far better to set up a camp in the remaining
light rather than stumbling through thick vegetation trying
to find your way out. Try to build a fire to keep you warm. |
| 4 |
Try
to build a shelter of some description to protect you from the
elements. |
| 5 |
If you breakdown in a vehicle stay with it. There are many,
many documented cases of people dying in isolated places because
they have left their car. The search teams found the car but
not the missing person. |
| 6 |
As
soon as the sun comes up try to find an open place where you
could be seen from the air. Creek beds are excellent for this
if you are in thick vegetation. Search helicopters generally
traverse waterways first of all when looking for missing people. |
| 7 |
Build
a signal fire with lots of damp leaves to ensure that the fire
produces a lot of smoke. |
| 8 |
Ration
your food and water. Try to make it last as long as you can. |
| 9 |
If
you are in a hot climate keep movement to a minimum especially
during daylight hours. |
| 10 |
Be
patient. If someone knows that you are missing help is on the
way. |
