American Search Dogs

Kids Page

What to do if you get lost...

 

1.  Don't Panic!

          Someone, in fact, a lot of someone's will be looking for you.  There is no punishment for being lost.  Mom and Dad as well as other family members are looking for you, and are going to be very happy to see you again, and know that they  will not punish you or be mad at  your for being lost.  There are many friendly strangers who are also looking for you and will help you when needed.  Some

of these people are sheriffs, fire fighters, Search and Rescue teams and search dogs.  You don't need to hide and don't be afraid of strangers in uniforms.          

 

2.  Stay Put!

          When a person first realizes they are lost, it is common for them to panic.  They increase their pace, some even run.  More often that not, you just get yourself more lost and disoriented.  Don't Wander around trying to find your way back.  STOP,  STAY IN ONE PLACE,  & WAIT.

        You must stay put and stay in one place.  Walk in circles if you need to, but stay where you are because help is on its way. 

        If you wander too far, it will be difficult for searchers to be able to catch up with you.  If you are running around and are unsure of your surroundings you may fall and get hurt. 

 

3.  Hug-Your-Tree

              You have heard the saying, but we want you to take it seriously.  Find a big tree with big branches that can protect you from the wind and rain.  Use the tree as a base when you feel like checking out the area.  Always know where that tree is.  You can use the branches (pine trees work best)  to cover you at night to help keep you warm and dry.  This tree can be your new best friend while you wait for the search teams to arrive.  If you are with a friend or dog, stay together, you will be able to cuddle up to stay warm.

 

4.  Make yourself Big, Big, Big!

             With your tree as a base, find an open area so the search planes can spot you.  When you hear a plane or helicopter flying above you, head to the open area.  Lie flat on your back and spread your arms and legs out.  Then pretend you are a snow angel by swinging your arms and legs.  You may even hold your coat, shirt or pack in your hands as you swing them.  This will make you appear larger from the air.

 

5.    Again, Remember Don't Panic, "I'll Find You."  

          Don't be afraid of the search dog, it will be wearing a bell and a vest so  that you know it is there to help you.  If it is night time the dog may even be wearing a bright light on its collar.  It might look scary at first, but you will find the dog to be just a safe, fury friend looking for you.

             Don't be afraid when the dog leaves you because the dog is going back to their handler to show him or her where you are.

 

 

 

What to do before you go...

 

1.  Tinfoil Shoe print

a.     Place a piece of tinfoil on a soft surface.

b.     Step onto the foil.

c.     Lean forward, then backward without lifting your feet.

d.     Step off

       (This will leave the pattern and size of your shoe print)

 

2.   Family Photo

          Family snapshots should be taken every six months as the family grows.  Keep the photo's in a special envelope and set aside.

 

 

3.  Leave a Note

        Stating:

a.     where you are going

b.     when you will be returning

c.     what you are wearing

d.     what your shoes look like.  (Don't forget your tinfoil shoe print)

 

4.  Scent Article

          This is an article of clothing you have recently worn that has not been washed.

          Examples:  Dirty sock, Pillow case, Shoe Hair Brush, or T-shirt.

             Place everything in a brown paper bag and leave with a family member.

 

 

What to take with you in a small fanny pack whenever you leave home.

1.  Food:  A high calorie food, trail mix, granola or power bar.  Pick something that you won't eat up while you are out and

     about because it won't be there when you need it.

2.  Water bottle

3.  Whistle  -  for calling for help when you are tired and cannot shout.  (three short blasts is an emergency signal)

4.  Plastic rain poncho or a large brightly colored garbage bag

5.  Handkerchief - brightly colored

6.  Light stick (this can be seen 360 degrees while a flashlight only can be seen from the front)

7. A reflector for sending signals to searchers. (use soft, flexible material)

 

Keep your fanny pack around your waist, don't take it off.  That way you will have it with you if you ever need it. 

Make it a habit to put it on if you go camping, fishing, hiking or doing other outdoor activities.

 

You should also carry:

1.  A sweatshirt with a hood or a jacket and hat (tie the jacket around your waist or have a

     small pack that a jacket can be stuffed into or tied onto).

2.  Wear brightly colored clothing

 

These items will help you survive the cool to cold nighttime temperatures and the midday heat.

The poncho or garbage bag (hole cut in the closed end) can be pulled over your head to keep you dry or to help keep you warm. 

Even if your child is expecting to play close to your home, he or she should carry these items.  A child can become disoriented

very easily.  Even if they are close to home, it may be many hours before someone realized they are lost and then found.

 

Other Tips...

     If you feel that you are warm enough, you can make big arrows in the ground for searchers to find you by writing "SOS" or "HELP" with rocks or making tracks in the snow.

     Do NOT eat any mushrooms, berries or anything else unless you are absolutely sure what they are.  You must have drinking water to survive, but be careful where you get it from.  If you do not have any more water to drink from your bottle, it is OK to drink out of a stream or shallow river.