Education

What to do if you become lost in the woods:

Stay Calm and Stay Put

The moment you realize you’re lost, STOP moving. The best course of action is often to stay put. Panic and wandering can make it harder for search teams to locate you.

Signal for Help

Use items such as whistles, mirrors, bright clothing, or a flashlight to attract attention. Three short whistle blasts, flashlight beams (flicking flashlight on and off), or other signals repeated in a series of three represent the universal distress signal. 

  • You may build a fire to signal rescuers, but only if it is absolutely safe to do so.

Tell Someone Your Plans

Always inform a friend or family member about your planned route and estimated return time. This information can greatly assist search teams in locating you if needed. 

  • Make sure to include where you’ll park your vehicle, especially when going hunting.

Carry Essential Supplies

Pack a small survival kit containing water, food, flashlights (more than one), a first aid kit, a multi-tool, an emergency or space blanket, and a whistle. An added survival supply is a filtration straw which allows you to drink water more safely from creeks or streams in an emergency. These items can support you until help arrives. 

  • Include medications vital to your health, including epi-pens, asthma inhalers, diabetes supplies, etc. 
  • Remember, a cell phone does not replace survival items like a map or flashlight. Always carry items in your survival kit in case you are in an area with no coverage, or you can’t charge your phone.

Stay Visible

If you need to move to find help, stay in open areas and make yourself visible. Avoid dense vegetation or steep terrain that might hinder your movement.

  • If it is safe to do so, build a fire. This can help keep you warm and help rescuers find you. 

Follow Waterways

If you’re in an unfamiliar area, following a river or stream can often lead you to civilization. People tend to settle near water sources.

Stay Hydrated and Rest

Conserve energy by staying hydrated and resting when needed. Overexertion can lead to exhaustion and disorientation.

Use Landmarks

If you have a map and can identify landmarks, you might be able to navigate yourself back to safety. Always carry a map and compass when venturing into unfamiliar territory.

Stay Warm

Hypothermia can set in quickly, even in mild weather. Dress in layers and use your survival kit to stay warm. 

  • Carrying an emergency blanket can keep you warm and help you signal for help.

What to do if someone you know becomes lost:

The First 72 Hours Are Crucial

Do not wait as time is extremely important:

  • Contact local law enforcement ASAP.
  • Gather and track any information.
  • Preserve any evidence if you have.
  • Call in help from family, friends, community and victim service advocates.

Contact Law Enforcement

  • File missing persons’ report:
    • Full name of person including any nicknames or aliases.
    • Date of birth.
    • Description of person, i.e. height, weight, eye and hair color.
    • Tattoos, birthmarks, scars, physical disability, etc.
    • Description of clothing.
    • Any medical conditions they may have, i.e. diabetes, mental health disability, etc.
    • Any prior incidents of stalking or harassment.
    • Any suspicion of Facebook, Twitter (X) or other social media activities.
  • Get the officer’s name, badge ID, phone number and police report number.
  • Inform law enforcement of 1 or 2 designated points of contact.

Gather Additional Information

  • Notify the police if you have additional information:
    • Where person was last seen.
    • Were they with someone or supposed to meet with someone?
    • Who saw them last, note their name, address if possible and phone number.
    • Person’s vehicle description, color, make, model, license number.
    • Items they left behind, i.e. phone, wallet, ID.
    • Is it possible person may want to be missing?
    • Do you suspect any foul play in person’s disappearance and why?
    • Any history of domestic violence, threats, harassment, did they fear anyone or were they a witness to a crime?
    • Does person take medications regularly for either medical or mental condition?
    • Is person a danger to self or others?
    • Any unusual behavior outside of their normal, i.e. not picking up the children, missing work or appointments.
    • Person’s usual places they go, i.e. work, school, bar, restaurants, etc.
    • People they normally see or call regularly.

Preserve Any Important Evidence

  • Do:
    • Take pictures of the area, if possible.
    • Make note of everything you can remember prior to person missing.
    • Limit access to the area where they were seen last.
    • Give law enforcement bank & phone records and social media account numbers.
  • Don’t:
    • Touch or move anything.
    • Clean up their home, vehicle or area they were last seen.
    • Throw anything away.
    • Delete or alter anything on their phone or social media accounts, etc.

Enlist Help From Others

  • Call other family, friends or co-workers.
  • Ask for help with tasks such as:
    • Call hospitals, jails, shelters, or churches.
    • Make flyers with identifying information, photo, date missing, location and number to call with any information.
    • Post flyers, especially in areas where there’s a lot of traffic or activities.
    • Contact news stations and media outlets.
    • Create social media page if possible.