Hug-A-Tree and Survive

A Recap:

1. ALWAYS TELL SOMEONE WHERE YOU'RE GOING so that the searchers will know where to begin their search.
   
2. ALWAYS CARRY A GARBAGE BAG AND WHISTLE on a picnic, hike or camping trip. If lost make a hole in the bag for your face and put it on over your head; it will keep you dry and warm. A bright coloured bag (orange) is preferable. The noice from a whistl will carry further than your voice and requires less energy.
   
3. ADMIT IT TO YOURSELF WHEN YOU BECOME LOST. It can happen to anyone, even adults. When you become lost, admit it, and take actions to be comfortable and maintain a positive outlook until the searchers arrive. Use your head. It is your best survival tool!
   
4. HUG-A-TREE once you know you are lost. One of the greatest fears a person of any age can have is of being alone. Hugging a tree, sitting by a tree, and even talking to it, will calm you down and prevent panic. By staying in one place, you will be found far more quickly and won't be injured trying to find your own way out.
   
5. YOUR PARENTS WON'T BE ANGRY WITH YOU. Time and again, children have avoided searchers because they were ashamed of getting lost, or afraid of punishment. Please assure your children that both you and the searchers will be happy to find them. If children know a happy reunion filled with love is awaiting, they will be less frightened, less prone to panic, and will work hard to be found.
   
6. HELP THE SEARCHERS TO FIND YOU. Listen for their yells and whistles, and respond. Children need to know that searchers are friends and volunteers who do it because they care and want to return them to their parents, safe and sound. They need to know that searchers are not strangers who want to hurt them. Children who have not been taught this fact may actualy hide from searchers. Children need to understand that if they stay in one spot, it's easier for searchers to find them.
   
7. MAKE YOURSELF BIG. From helicopters, people are hard to see when they are standing up, especially when they are in a group of trees, or waring dark and drab clothing. Find your tree to hug near a small clearing if possible. If you are rested, make crosses or other signs with broken shrubbery, rocks, or by dragging your foot in the dirt. Remember to wave your orange bag when you hear the searchers.
   
8. THERE ARE NO ANIMALS OUT THERE THAT WANT TO HURT YOU. If you hear a noise at night, yell at it, or blow your whistle. If it is an animal, it will run away. If it is a searcher, you will be found. Fears of the dark and of "lions and tigers and bears" are a big factor in panicking children into running. They need strong reassurance to stay put to be safe.

Obtained from the Ontario Provincial Police, Kemptville office.
tel: 1-888-310-1122.