Local Search and Rescue group gives survival tips

from WCSO Search and Rescue

Hunting season is upon us and many of us will be heading out to the backwoods over the next several months. Below are a few tips from the Wahkiakum County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Team for staying safe.

Always file a trip plan -- Your plan should cover where you are going to hunt and when you will return. In the event that you do become lost, searchers will know the general area in which to concentrate their efforts. Stop by the Sheriff's office and pick up a complimentary pre-printed plan to fill out prior to your hunt.

Always carry the Ten Essentials -- These are critical and essential items which belong in your pack as insurance against the unexpected. Although you may not use all the ten essentials every trip, they can be life savers in an emergency. When heading out into the woods always carry these items: water, map, compass, first aid kit, knife, light, fire-starting materials, extra food, extra clothing, sun protection. Additional items that can save your life include a whistle, mirror or other signaling device and a space blanket or lightweight tube tent that can be used as a make-shift shelter to provide protection from the wind and rain.

Know your limits and when it is time to turn back or stop to rest -- common sense is a very important tool. Most often, it's not a person's equipment that saves them in a survival situation. It's their experience, know-how and good judgment.

If you do get lost or find yourself in a survival situation -- stay calm and maintain a positive attitude. Do not attempt to travel at night. Make yourself as comfortable as possible, protecting yourself from rain and wind, and wait for daylight before trying to find your way out of the backwoods.

Our next SAR meeting/training is October 28, from 7-9 p.m. at the River Street Building. On October 31, there will be a Halloween Barn Dance at 520 SR 409 on Puget Island from 6:30-10 p.m. with a costume contest, prizes, a bake sale, and music by Glen of Joey's Karaoke. The event, sponsored in part by Wahkiakum Community Network is open to all ages and is alcohol free, with all proceeds going to benefit Wahkiakum County Search and Rescue.