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Show Page 4 The OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Volume II, Issue VI March 2000 Winter Survival The Weber County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Units respond to an average of 20 calls per year. More than half of these calls are winter call outs. More and more people are traveling into the backcountry in the winter, either by snowmobiles, skis or snowshoes. This increased activity keeps Search and Rescue (SAR) busy. Many of our snowmobile rescues occur during the first of the winter season, usually during or shortly after the first major snowstorm. People can avoid dangerous winter situations if they just use common sense. Recently Weber County SAR responded to five different calls for missing or overdue snowmobilers. Thirteen people, in these groups, spent the night out in the snow and all were rescued the following day. They all survived the frigid nights and were quickly found, but could they have survived a second, third or fourth night—if they were prepared, yes; if not, no. Here is a list of do’s and don’ts, and how to avoid becoming lost. Before you travel out: 1. Check the weather conditions. Weather can drastically change and be different depending on location and altitude. If you have any doubts, it is better to plan for another day. 2. Tell someone what area you’ll be traveling in and when you will be back. Plan and mark your route on a map, and leave a second map behind in case of an emergency. 3. Never go out alone. Take at least one person with you. 4. Be familiar with the area you’re going to. If not, stick to the main trails and roads. 5. Avalanches can occur more frequently after a new, heavy snowfall. Call the Avalanche Forecast Center to see what avalanche conditions are. A personal avalanche search beacon may be a life saver. 6. Wear proper winter clothing— don’t skimp. Buy the best. Get good Gore-Tex and wear wool, it keeps you warm even when it gets wet. You can survive days without a fire if you wear good winter clothing. 7. Carry survival gear: something to start a fire with, road flares are the best—a fire can improve your survival chances; flash light; signaling device, i.e. mirror, whistle; small tarp; knife; first aid kit; extra medication, if you are dependent on any; candle; food—high energy bars; water. All of these items can be condensed down to fit in a fanny pack or daypack. Additional items may include a snow shovel, rope, extra clothing and a tent or tarp than can be used as a windbreak or shelter. 8. A cell phone is good but does not work everywhere, especially down in deep canyons, where people usually get stuck. If you get in trouble, do: Stay by your snowmobile. STAY PUT. It is very difficult to hike in the snow. Your snowmobile can provide a windbreak, and it is often the first thing seen by rescuers, since they are large and their color often contrasts with the snow. Get a large fire going. Stay calm. Know that the gas from your snowmobile can be used to start a fire. Build a shelter, with snow or tree branches. If you hear a helicopter, get into the open, wave your arms, and to try to signal. Don’t: Get wet—hypothermia will occur. Cotton kills when wet. It doesn’t hold warmth. Don’t try to walk out. Don’t exhaust yourself trying to get unstuck. Don’t go to sleep. If you are very cold, move in place. These are just a few basic ideas that can help you survive if you get lost. More information can be obtained by reading material o the subject, or by calling the Weber County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Division. ADVENTURE TRAVEL Full Service Travel Agency Specialist in Hawaii, Mexico, Disney, Cruises, Golf Package. Open daily, weekends & evenings Call Jane Olson 745-2807 Contributed by Weber County Sheriffs Dept. Serving America’s families since 1972 Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. Legal expense plans Jack & Darlene Robbins Independent Associates 3880 East 4100 North Liberty, UT 84310 PRE-PAID LEGAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (801 745-0551 Toll Free (888) 489-0111 Fax (801) 745-3661 |