WILDERNESS SAFETY

WILDERNESS TRIP PLAN

Trip planning is essential for search and rescue to have a greater chance of finding you, in case something goes wrong.
The following details are crucial for someone you trust to have available for SAR responders:

TIME OF DEPARTURE
ESTIMATED TIME OF RETURN
STARTING POINT (IDEALLY WITH GPS LOCATION)
DESTINATION
PLANNED ROUTE (WITH MAP DETAILS)
PEOPLE IN GROUP
CONTACT NUMBERS

COMPLETE YOUR TRIP PLAN

WANT A PRINTED VERSION OF YOUR TRIP PLAN? DOWNLOAD THE FOOTHILLS SAR VERSION BELOW:

Right-click the image, then select *Save Image As* or *Copy-and-Paste*

HOW TO STAY SAFE IN AN EMERGENCY

STAY PUT: The more a person moves in a wilderness emergency, the harder it is to find their location.
STOP, THINK, OBSERVE, PLAN: This helps a person calm, focus, and think through their next moves while trying to stay safe.
SHELTER, FIRE, 10 ESSENTIALS: Accessing the 10 Essentials in your pack, building a shelter, and building a (safe) fire, will help until Search and Rescue can arrive.
BE VISIBLE: Making yourself visible through bright clothing or equipment, a (safe) fire, noise blasts through a whistle, etc., will help us find you.

OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS

IMPORTANT ITEMS FOR EVERY WILDERNESS OUTING

Headlamp or Flashlight (DO NOT rely on a cellphone for lighting) – Carry Extra Batteries
Fire-making Kit – Lighter (preferred, as it is weather-resistant), Waterproof Matches, etc.
Signaling Devices – Whistle, Mirror, Orange Tarp, etc.
Extra Clothing – Rain/Wind Protection, Warmth Layers, Hat, Gloves for year-round protection (avoid cotton as it stays wet and cold)
Extra Food and Water (min. 1L per person)
Navigation – Hiking Map of Region, Compass
Communication – InReach Device, SPOT Device, ZOLEO Device, Cellphone, etc. (fully charged, with portable charger as backup)
First Aid Kit – Know How to Use It
Emergency Shelter – Orange Hiking Tarp, Group Shelter/Bothy Bag, Bivy Bag, etc. (brightly coloured for visibility)
Multitool and Repair Kit – Electrical or Duct Tape, Zip-ties, Buckles, Straps, etc.
Wildlife (Bear) Spray with Holster – Know How to Use It. Important Locally for a Year-Round Wildlife Deterrent.