Preparing and packing essential items for your trip in the woods is incredibly important to keep yourself safe. But what should you do if, despite your best efforts, you become lost or injured while in the woods?
There is a simple, yet effective acronym you can remember—STOP:
• Sit Down: the first and most important steps are staying calm and staying put. Try not to panic. Panic leads to wasted time, poor decisions, and often, an unnecessary worsening of your predicament.
• Think: ask yourself, “How did I get here?” “When was the last time I knew where I was?” “What gear do I have with me?” “When will it get dark?”
• Observe: try to identify landmarks, such as mountains, that can help you orient your position. Listen for sounds, like traffic or running water, which can help you navigate your way back to safety. Look for places to gather firewood and make shelter.
• Plan: decide if you should try to make it out of the woods or stay put until morning. When making this decision, consider how gathering firewood is easier during daylight. People often underestimate the amount of firewood needed to keep their fire going throughout the night. The rule of thumb is to make a large pile of what you think will last the night, then make 10 more.
Taking precautions before entering the woods will make your trip safer and more enjoyable. For more tips on staying safe and preparing for your next adventure, visit https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hiking/lost
