Lost in the wilderness: the right way to signal

[Jdemonto@Airpark Jeep Sales]

I found this great video and write up on 12news.com

12news video (http://www.azcentral.com/12news/news/articles/2008/07/02/20080702losthiker07022008-CR.html)

Authorities says the Lane 2 fire was started by hikers who thought they were lost. The fire, burning near Crown King, has charred about 7200 acres. Three homes have burned, 4 out buildings. Fire officials say the Lane 2 fire is now 5% contained.

So the question now becomes what is the best way to find help when you're lost in the wilderness? John Young is a Law Enforcement Ranger for the Bureau of Land Management, he says, bring a mirror, light and cell phone. Never start a fire since it can put you and others in danger, especially during this time of year. A flare is no better, since you never know where it will end up.

FInding your way out of a lost situation should ideally start way before you leave. Start with a pre-plan. Young tells 12 News you should know where you're going and tell someone else. If you don't come back by a certain time have them alert authorities. Also, pack appropriately. Plan for overnight just in case, bring enough water and food because it could save your life. Also, if you are lost the first thing you should do is sit tight. Assess the situation and find a reference point. If you chose to move (which authorities say could turn out to be a fatal mistake), provide clues for yourself or others looking for you.

Finally, know that if you do start a fire when lost in the wilderness you could be charged with a crime or in some cases, be responsible for a fine or restitution.

[Tirith]

And in the outside chance you did not do ANY of the simple, common-sense things recommended above, invest in one of these:

http://www.findmespot.com

Not that this device is a ticket to be stupid, but in this case, it would have saved a forest. :whip: :banghead:

[azshtr]

I can't believe the numb nuts who get themselves in this situation. Worst case should be sit your butt down because those that expect you will send help... you did tell someone where you were going right! Idiots! I have years and years of outdoors experience and have never put myself in a situation of empty headed BS situation like this. I say charge them!

[Jdemonto@Airpark Jeep Sales]

I have seens this for years, People getting lost or dying and $100 Gps could have saved them...Unbelievable!

Jason

[Henthorn]

Or people getting lost and dying with water still in their canteens! Yes it happens...

Please remember....HYDRATE...HYDRATE...HYDRATE.. If you are thirsty then it is too late, drink plenty and store more in you stomach than in your canteen.

I will mention: If you pack in beer bottles etc... make sure you take them out with you... anything glass or clear plastic for that matter.. It can create a lense and start a fire.

Echoed from many other posts: Make damn sure you tell someone where you are going, and when you expect to return. Carry a way of communication; CB, FRS hell even though its not guarenteed to work carry a cell phone! Of course turn that crap off when you dont need it because most people dont want to hear you gabbin on the trail when they are trying to hunt/fish/relax.

Remember the three shot rule: Three shots in quick succession means distress. If you are shooting and manage to pop off three rounds.. I dont even care if its a 22. then make sure you shoot another a couple of seconds after to avoid a search party being sent out for you. If of course you need help fire three... then wait about thirty seconds or so and fire three more. Keep in mind that firing a round into the air is illegal and dangerous... even though there is a small chance of it actually injuring someone.. the chance is still there.

Plan out your trip to the fullest extent and carry a topo map with you and a compass---make sure you know how to orient yourself with the two. Sounds simple but even experts get lost... Remember that GPS should NEVER be relied upon as a sole souce of navigation... its electronic and will fail... its just a question of when(even pilots that use it do not count on it alone, ask me how I know)

also remember that just because a trail is clear and navigable one day does NOT mean it is the next. All it takes is a slide/strong or even sometimes a light downpour to cut of your means of escape, especially in boxed canyons. Antelope Canyon and other instances have proven that just because the sky is clear and its 110 does not mean you cannot be killed by a flash flood. Sometimes you have only seconds so make damn sure you know a way to higher ground if you are in a canyon. NEVER stay in your JEEP in a flash flood.

[Hunter]

I have seens this for years, People getting lost or dying and $100 Gps could have saved them...Unbelievable!

Jason


Well, anyone who has attended one of my classes knows I am big fan of a 5.99 compass. No batteries required.

I hope those morons get cited for this.

[arczech]

Well, anyone who has attended one of my classes knows I am big fan of a 5.99 compass. No batteries required.

I hope those morons get cited for this.

A compass is as good as the person who knows how to use it though

[Henthorn]

Same could be said for GPS

[04jeeptj]

FYI: Fox 10 is taking a poll on their web site today:

Lost hikers may have set fires to signal for help. Should they face charges?

Yes, they should have known better 83.90%
No, they felt their lives were in danger 16.10%


goto: http://www.myfoxphoenix.com

[Jdemonto@Airpark Jeep Sales]

You guys are right, a $5.99 compass is better than nothing!

Jason

[Henthorn]

They also said they created a Warming fire....


Temps only get down to 50 degrees... WTF.... warming fire at 50 degrees.... yeah thats life threatening..