Memorize Basic Points For Survival In The Woods

Survival makes a great game, especially if you play before it’s a life-or-death situation.

During the next trip to the ski hill or snowmobile trails, be a hero by striking up a conversation on how to survive an unexpected night in the woods.

Following are the basic points to cover.

Prevention: Tell reliable people where you are going and when you expect to return. Never go out alone.

Clothing: Avoid cotton. Wear fast-drying polyester underwear, plus insulating layers of fleece or wool, which provide warmth when wet. Top with a wind-proof, water-resistant shell.

Gear: Make a habit of stuffing one jacket pocket with a zipper-type plastic bag holding a snack, candle, waterproof matches, toilet paper, several plastic shopping bags, small knife and whistle. The snack and toilet paper simply give you an excuse to carry the important stuff.

Stay dry: Should you become lost, don’t panic. Ventilate clothing and move at a pace that prevents sweating. Wetness quickly leads to hypothermia.

Shelter: Get out of the wind and reduce heat loss. Dig a snow trench or shallow cave and cover with tree boughs. Scoop snow on bough roof for insulation. Pile boughs under your feet and seat to insulate from cold snow. Wear a plastic bag like a hat to conserve body heat. Pat yourself on the back if you brought the knife, matches, tissue and candle to build a fire. Huddle with your buddy and blow the whistle. Some survivors have danced or run in place occasionally to maintain circulation.

Snow cave: In extreme weather, building a snow cave could be necessary, although extreme care must be taken to avoid getting wet. Use skis or snowboard to dig horizontally into a slope. Then angle upward and start scooping out enough room for you and your partner to sit above the entry. Cave walls must be about 18 inches thick for support. Form a bench so you can sit comfortably, and use tree bows for insulation behind your back and under your seat and feet. Mark the cave entry with skis. Remember that, from within the cave, you may not hear searchers. Poke a small vent hole with a stick or ski pole. Use snowboards, tree boughs or snow blocks to cover the entry. Light a candle for warmth and encouragement. Tell jokes and stay positive.

Signaling: Stomp a V in a clearing to alert aircraft. Indicate direction of travel with an arrow.