Lost? S.T.O.P

The quickest killer of someone that has been lost is panic. They tell themselves that they can make it back to the trail, or that their car is just over the next hill. They refuse to accept the gravity of their situation. They fail to think about shelter or water, and never find their way back.

The word STOP is an acronym used in survival and it could save your life!

Stop and sit down. Keep a positive mental attitude. It probably could be worse. Probably.

Think about your surroundings. Could you find your way out, or are you going to spend the night? It's a simple question that must be asked. As soon as you know you are going to spend the knight, start looking for shelter.

Observe what is around you. Can you hear cars? Can you hear farm animals or farm machinery? Can you see radio towers or old logging roads? Can you smell smoke from a wood stove? Use your senses to find out where you are.

This is also pertinent if you have decided that you are going to spend the night. Look around you and see what you can use. Look for a place to make camp or use as shelter.

Plan what you will do. The time of day and the weather will influence how the plan will be set in motion and what you will do first. For example, your plan will include whether you will stay put or self rescue.

Be Smart and Thrive.