SAR Prevention

Help us, to help you.

Despite good planning, mistakes and accidents can happen.

Here are some outdoor tips to help you avoid a SAR situation…

SignalMirror1

BEFORE YOU LEAVE

Complete a trip plan outlining destination, name of each member of the group, route, expected return time. Include contingency plans. Leave it with someone - make sure they know the steps to take, in the event you are overdue. Call them with updates and also when you return.
Consider purchasing or renting a GPS/satellite based communication/tracking device (inReach, SPOT, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)).
Check weather forecast for your time away. Also, what will the weather be if you are delayed?
It's safer to travel with someone, stay together if possible. But sometimes, solo travel is part of the goal - so contact a friend at regular planned intervals.
Navigation. Learn to use a compass and a topographical map of the area. Carry GPS/communication device that is compatible with activities.
Pack additional warm protective clothing, extra socks, rain gear (seasonal).
Wear sensible closed-in shoes, i.e. runners, hiking boots, not flip flops or sandals.
Have extra food (trail mix, nuts) and water.
Bring extra medication.
Be aware of possible wildlife encounters and know how to react if you cross their path.

ESSENTIALS

Folding knife with locking blade.
Signaling devices such as whistle, mirror, orange garbage bag or tarp, flashlight or cell phone strobe, or personal locator beacon (PLB).
Fire starter kit including windproof matches or lighter, candles.
Extra batteries or charger.
First aid kit and personal items - sunscreen, insect protection, toilet paper, feminine products.
Emergency blanket, tarp, notebook, pencil.
550 Para-cord or sturdy twine, colored flagging tape.

SURVIVAL SEQUENCE

FIRST AID — Look after injuries.
FIRE — Gather wood before dark and build a fire.
SHELTER — Lean-to, quinzhee.
SIGNAL — Create ground-to-air symbols in open area using branches, rocks, clothes etc.
FOOD & WATER – Ration in case you are there for a day or two.
IN AN EMERGENCY OR IF YOU GET LOST:
- STOP - stay calm. Compose and collect your thoughts.
- THINK - about what you have and what you can do to help yourself.
- OBSERVE - your surroundings for situations that might help you (shelter, water, visibility, and potential danger such as terrain, animals).
- PLAN - a reasonable approach to maintain your health, safety and comfort until help arrives.
- Stay where you are to reduce time and search area and stay warm and dry.
- Use your signaling devices, i.e. 3 whistle blasts, 3 fires, bright color cloth.
- Build a fire. Collect lots of wood during daytime hours. Be fire safe.

SIGNAL FOR HELP

Create a ground-to-air symbol. About 15M tall. Needs to stand out when viewed from search altitude (typically at least 500-1000' above ground). Things that seem big and obvious at ground level, are TINY from altitude.
Symbols can be made with branches, rock piles, clothes, big imprints in snow or sand, signal fires.
SOS, or groups of 3 means “HELP!”.
Signal with mirror, strobe or reflective item when aircraft appears.
If you have a personal locator beacon (PLB) TURN IT ON AND LEAVE IT ON.
Have your signals ready. It's a big country. It can take some time for search crews to get launched and travel to a search location. You need to be ready for them, but also be prepared to flag down anyone passing by incidentally - planes, boats, anyone else.
From a crash location, people are often surprised when an aircraft arrives overhead (didn't hear it coming, or until the last minute), and how quickly it passes over. So again, have your signals ready.

THESE ARE NOT COMPLETE LISTS

CONSIDER TAKING A COURSE

KNOW AND STAY WITHIN YOUR LIMITS

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