1. Safety In The Woods Chapter 4.1

2. Preparation For The Woods Preparation & common sense are the keys to having an enjoyable outdoor activity and returning safely Preparation & common sense are the keys to having an enjoyable outdoor activity and returning safely  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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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…)

7. 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. 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

8. 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. know where you are and where you want to go. Have a means of maintaining and setting direction (compass/GPS) Have a means of maintaining and setting direction (compass/GPS) Have clothing suitable to stand up to any weather Have clothing suitable to stand up to any weather Have sufficient food, fuel and shelter that you can carry with you. Have sufficient food, fuel and shelter that you can carry with you.

9. Basic Survival Rules  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.

10. 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

11. 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.

12. Safety In The Woods