It is very important to let family or friends know where you are going and when you can be expected to return. The Oregon terrain can be unforgiving when the elements and environment change. If you are overdue, let family or friends know to contact Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue immediately. In missing person cases, time is a critical resource that is lost because family members do not feel their case is important enough to ask for help. Often, by the time they realize the serious nature of the situation, precious hours or days are lost.
If you are traveling on the back roads and your vehicle breaks down, stay with your vehicle. Try calling for help from your cell phone. If there is no cell service, stay with your vehicle. Your vehicle is your shelter from the elements and is easier to spot from a plane or helicopter. If it is too hazardous to remain with your vehicle, don’t walk further than eyesight from it. When a person attempts to walk out, they often end up in more danger than if they had waited.
If you are lost or injured in the woods, stay near a trail and try to make yourself a shelter. If you can, prepare an area for a warming/signal fire. Keep in mind the time of the year and the conditions in the woods; we don’t want a forest fire. Staying dry and warm in cooler weather is very important as is staying hydrated in warm weather. Remain calm and be alert for searchers. Be prepared by having a whistle in your backpack. Listen for aircraft in the area and use a signal mirror or flashlight to be more visible. Most importantly, stay calm and conserve your energy. Some people panic and wander off from the area and become injured.
We hope you plan your trip according to these recommendations. You can never be too prepared. For more information and tips, visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and on Like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office — Oregon.
