Getting lost is a scary thing, and being lost in the woods is especially frightening.  Use these simple rules and instructions to help get yourself found when you’re in a sticky situation.

First of all it’s important to have a first aid/survival kit with you whenever you’re going to be hiking or camping in the woods. This kit should be lightweight and small.

The following kit is an example of what a child should carry.

• A Zip Lock sandwich bag for the container (this bag can also be used as a sort of drinking water cup)
• Some high energy trail mix or a Power bar (in a separate zip lock bag)
• A good whistle that can be heard over a mile away (three short blasts will translate into S.O.S for searchers)
• A signal flag that should be about 5x10 inches and a bright color and made of a durable material (like a bright colored trash bag.
• A reflector to send signals. This can be a small compact mirror, or a piece of tin foil wrapped around a piece of cardboard (avoid sharp edges)
• A large sized brightly colored Poncho or garbage bag with a pre-cut “head slot”. This will protect the child from bad weather as well as help keep in body heat to ward of hypothermia
• A couple adhesive bandages for any minor cuts and scrapes they pick up along the way.
• A small pocket flashlight.

This kit is advised for adults.

• Store the supplies in two or three half or whole sized Zip Lock sandwich bags to keep them safe from the elements
• One bag should contain supplies for more serious injuries, like deep wounds. For these keep a small roll (a couple feet) of cling (self adhering) and tube gauze, and 4 non-stick gauze pads.
• Another bag (which can be combined with the one above if you’d like) should contain dressings and supplies for minor wounds. One extra large bandage, 5 or so plastic adhesive bandages, 2 fingertip bandages, and some knuckle and butterfly (wound closure) bandages.
• The third bag should contain medications and cleaning supplies. 4 alcohol prep pads (individually wrapped), a small hydrocortisone (anti-itch) cream tube, some antibacterial ointment, tylenol, ibuprofen, and aspirin should be brought for fever and pain relief. Bring enough for two doses, and remember that aspirin should not be given to children. You may want to bring diarrhea medicine as well, just in case.
• Other things you should bring are a throwaway brightly colored Poncho, a good high powered whistle, a Power bar or trail mix snack, and a hypothermia blanket. These blankets are large but extremely compact and will keep you warm and alive if you are lost or stuck somewhere with an injury.

• First off, Don’t Panic!  If you can follow these directions You Will Be Found!
• If you are with another person, or a pet, Stay together and do not become separated. Together you can keep each other calm, and warm (by huddling close for body heat) until help arrives.
• Stay in one place, and Hug A Tree. Hugging a tree will help calm you down and if you stay with that tree you can’t get lost any further or fall down and get hurt. Do not climb that tree though. The people who are out looking for you are looking on the ground, not up in the trees. You also take the risk of getting hurt if you fall from the tree. Make sure the spot you pick is not a hiding place, we can’t find you if you’re hiding. If you can, pick a spot near a clearing or section of lower trees. But don’t wander trying to find one. Do not try and find your way back, you may just get more lost.
• Keep Warm!  This rule is VERY important!  Keep all your clothing on, and cover up all exposed skin that you can. Hats are a wonderful way of staying warm, bring one with you when you’re hiking or camping. The worst danger you face while being lost is Hypothermia. It’s a scary thing, but it can easily be avoided. If you get cold, put on your poncho, or garbage bag, make sure you put a head hole in it first though, so you can breathe! Also try and stay as dry as you can.
• It’s scary to be lost, and kind of embarrassing too. But, it happens to lots of people, and it’s usually not your fault. Don’t be afraid that your parents will be angry at you for being lost. They miss you very much and are very very worried about you. They and hundreds of other people who care about you and want to help are out looking for you, and it’s your job to help them find you. This is actually pretty easy to do. Make yourself as big as you can. If you hear a helicopter or plane passing nearby lie down in a spot where you can see the open sky above you,  move your arms and legs like you’re making a snow angel, also, if you’re wearing bright colors then it’s even easier to see you so don’t dress dark on days when you’ll be out in the woods! Also, try not to lie on the ground for too long, as the ground is cold! Don’t worry if they don’t seem to see you, you’ll still be found. If you can, you can also take sticks and stones lying around and make signs for any passing helicopters, such as a big S.O.S. or a X to show them where you are. If you don’t have things like that near you, you could drag your foot through the dirt and make marks in the ground. You may also want to wave around your signal flag or attach it to a branch to it will catch in the wind and attract attention.  Don’t just start yelling for help, it takes lots of energy. Instead blow your whistle, it’s loud and easier and takes less energy. If you think you hear someone coming towards you it’s ok to yell out and call for help.
• About those noises… The woods can be scary, no doubt about it. But, they don’t have to be. Remember that even though you may be smaller than some of the animals, none of them want to hurt you, and in fact, they’re all afraid of you! If you hear something and you’re afraid or you don’t know what it is, yell and shout and blow your whistle. If it’s an animal they’ll run away and if it’s a searcher they’ll yell back. Whatever you do, do NOT run away. You risk getting even more lost, and getting hurt. This is an especially important rule at night when things can be extra scary.
• If you’re still lost when it gets dark out, then get out your flashlight. It will help calm you down and make you feel safe, while at the same time it’s a flashing signal that say’s “HERE I AM!”. People will keep looking for you, even at night, so if you hear something, yell and shout. It is ok, to go to sleep. But make sure that you’re wearing your poncho, or garbage bag, and do not lie on the cold ground. Instead pile branches, leaves, and moss together as a sort of mattress about a 8 inches off the ground. It may not be too comfortable, but it will help keep you warmer. You can also use branches and leave to make a bit of a blanket. 
• Do not eat anything you aren’t 100% sure of what it is. Sometimes berries that look like berries you normally eat, are not, and can make you sick. Don’t eat any mushrooms, even if you think you know what they are. Water from a small stream or river should be ok to drink, if it looks clean. Don’t drink from a big lake or river unless you absolutely have to.
• Congratulations, you will soon be found!! Don’t panic and try not to be scared. Don’t hide, and remember, no one will be angry at you, just very happy to see you!

Note to Parents:  

• Try not to let your children get lost, but remember that if they do it’s probably not your fault. It’s easy to get lost and distracted on the trail. Teaching them to stay on the trail will help keep them from getting lost as will establishing a prominent landmark such as a hill, or the direction of the sun that will help them from getting disoriented.
• When your child has gotten lost it’s important to realize and admit this. Stay calm. Call the local sheriff and rangers immediately and a search will be arranged. Teach your child to stay in one place if they’re lost so that help can find them faster. Fast response is crucial as bad weather can wipe out the track your child might have left behind, and exposure and hypothermia are a very real threat to your child.
• Be open, accurate, and honest with the rangers and sheriff. Personal information will be kept confidential, and what you tell them may bring your child home sooner.  

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