TRAVEL
If you do become lost, stay where you are. Build a fire
and carefully assess the situation. Do not use precious energy by wandering aimlessly.
During the winter months use game trails which will help you avoid walking
in the deep snow. Frozen streams and rivers are also easy to follow but watch
for weak ice.
When measuring distance the most effective method is the tally and pace system:
1 pace = 75 cm (29.25 in)
1 double pace = 150 cm or 1.5 m (58.5 in)
66 double paces = 99 m (107.9 yards) = 1 tally (tie a knot in a string for each
tally)
10 tallies = 1000 m or 1 km (0.62 mi)
FINDING DIRECTION
Using a Compass - (Note: When using a compass in coastal British Columbia,
it will read 22 degrees east of true north. More time must be allowed to read
a bearing during the winter months as it takes longer for the needle to finish
swinging.)
A magnetic-Sylva type compass is a lost hiker's best friend. First, decide
which direction you want to follow then aim over the centre of your compass to
the bearing you want to follow and find a landmark on this sighting. After arriving
at this landmark repeat the process. Using this pattern you will follow a relatively
straight line.
Using the Stars - For those unfortunate
enough to not have a compass, using
the pole star for direction will suffice. Simply located the pole star and you
will be facing north. To find this star use the Big Dipper constellation. The
pole star will be located off of the top of the "dipper", on the opposite
side of the handle.
Using the Sun - You may also use your watch
and the sun to determine direction.
Point the hour hand directly at the sun and then bisect the angle between the
hour hand and twelve o'clock. This imaginary line will run north/south.
METHODS OF NAVIGATION
There are three common methods of navigation:
1. Map reading is a common method used, particularly in developed areas.
Maps and aerial photos may be used when landmarks are clear.
2. Using a compass in conjunction with maps and aerial photos is wise
in areas without good landmarks.
3. Navigation by dead reckoning is common in areas where landmarks
are non-existent or inadequate. This method combines plotting and recording of
a series of courses, measured by distance and direction from a starting point.
* It is important to stay alert and observe all unusual landmarks.
Difficulties in navigation may occur for several reasons. Some of these include
WHEN YOU'RE LOST
The most important thing to remember if you find yourself in this situation
is not to panic. First, treat any injuries within your party. Next, establish
that your basic needs are met. These include heat, shelter, water and food. Then
consult your map and compass and try to recognize or remember landmarks you may
have passed.
To determine how many hours of daylight are left, face the sun and extend your
arm towards it. Bend your wrist inwards and place your fingers just below the
sun. Disregarding your thumb, count how many fingers separate the sun from the
horizon. Each finger will represent fifteen minutes.
If it is nearing dark, build a shelter and fire that is on high ground and
out of the wind. Have a snack and a hot drink and get some rest. Don't waste precious
energy by trying to find your way in the dark.
During daylight hours it is important to find a way to signal to others. A
fire is best. Be sure to find a means with which to carry water. If you must move
be sure to leave markers that searchers can follow.
SIGNALS
A fire is the safest method to use when signaling for help. The smoke is easily
spotted during the day and the flames by night. Three signal fires laid 100 feet (30m)
apart and lit when a aircraft passes is a good way to indicate your distress.
The Morse Code emergency signal is S...O...S... and may be sent with a flashlight
and consists of three dots followed by three dashes followed by three dots. The
dashes should be twice as long as the dots. Messages or signal letters may be
drawn in the snow. A signal mirror is also a very effective method used. Flash
the mirror along the horizon regardless of whether a plane is in view.
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