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Safety In The Woods
Chapter 4.1
Preparation For The Woods
Preparation & common sense are the keys to having an
enjoyable outdoor activity and returning safely
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Always tell someone where you are going
Use the Buddy system …never go alone
Check equipment before you leave
Choose proper clothing and footwear
Footprint all members of your party. Place a sheet of
tinfoil on soft material such as a towel and have each
person step on it to make an impression, with shoes on.
Preparation For The Woods
Bring along a garbage bag for each member. Can be
used to keep you dry and helps conserve body heat in
cool weather. An orange or yellow bag is preferred as
this would make you easier to spot if you become lost.
A garbage bag may protect you from hypothermia.
Safety Tips
Wool vs Cotton. In warm dry conditions cotton clothes
are fine but wool is best for cool wet conditions.
Fires. Build fires on sand, earth or gravel. Never leave it
unattended and be sure it is extinguished when you are
finished
Set Boundaries. For such things as hiking, swimming, &
camping wet boundaries for children and clearly let them
know how far they are permitted to go.
Whistle. Everyone should carry a whistle. Make each
member of your party aware that three blasts is the
standard distress call.
Safety Tips
Poisonous Plants. Depending upon your location all
members of the group should be aware of poisonous
plants located in your area such as poison ivy. Also is a
good idea to be aware of the proper first aid in the event
of exposure. (wash infected area with strong soap &
water and then clean with rubbing alcohol)
Wildlife. All wild animals should be avoided
Bears
Never store food in tents
Do not cook, eat in or near
tent. Change clothes after
cooking… food smells can
attract
Store and carry food in air tight
containers
Do not bury garbage
Hang food packs & toothpaste
out of reach of bears
Stay way from bears, make
noise as you walk, avoid
scented cosmetics
Recognize bear signs (tracks,
scat, digging…)
Basic Survival Rules
Hypothermia means that the body loses heat faster than it can
produce it. This can happen when a person is exposed to rain, wind
and cold weather without adequate clothes and shelter.
If you become lost you must guard against hypothermia.
Don’t Panic – Fear is a natural reaction, but it must be controlled.
You must accept the reality of your situation and make the best of it.
Your main job it to put yourself in a better situation by making
positive decisions.
Avoid Fatigue – slow down and do not over exert yourself. Exertion
will use us valuable calories and create perspiration… when this
happens you become susceptible to hypothermia
Basic Survival Rules
Stay where you are – Don’t try and walk to safety
unless you:
know where you are and where you want to go.
Have a means of maintaining and setting direction
(compass/GPS)
Have clothing suitable to stand up to any weather
Have sufficient food, fuel and shelter that you can
carry with you.
Basic Survival Rules
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Shelter can be found in caves and fallen trees. Tree
branches can be used to give warmth and shelter. If
possible stay visible so a searcher can find you.
Water is more important than food for survival.
Dehydration can cause fatigue and hypothermia.
Sources of water are lakes, streams, plants, and melted
snow or ice.
Fire is one of the best survival tools. Keeps you warm,
dries clothes and signals for help. Matches should be
kept in a waterproof container. Fires can be started with
a bottle bottom, non-plastic eyeglasses or a camera
lens.
Basic Survival First Aid Kit
Matches in waterproof
container
Plastic food bags
Orange/yellow garbage
bag
High energy snack
Whistle
Pocket knife
Compass/GPS
Light weight space
blanket
Reflector/hand mirror for
signaling
Insect repellent
Antibiotic ointment
Plastic bandage strip
Survival Tips For Children
Stay in one place (near a tree or in a clearing will
increase chances of being found)
Yell at scary noises to scare animals and help searchers
Look Big – Lie down in a clearing, wearing a bright
coloured garbage bag or jacket
No Punishment – Reassure children that no one will
punish them if they get lost. Sometimes children hide
from searchers if they are afraid.
Safety In The Woods