10 Tips for Survival when Lost on Mountain, Follow them to be Safe
Illustration of climbing a mountain. (Rachmat Ariadi/detikcom)
HOLIDAY NEWS - Nowadays, quite a few young people climb to the top of mountains to enjoy the panorama or just as a hobby. But before the journey begins, there are a series of survival tips that need to be considered.
A number of these tips will be useful when a traveler is separated from the group or gets lost on the mountain. These tips can help detikers survive until help arrives or help them find their way back to a safe place. Check out the tips below.
Tips for Survival when Lost on a Mountain
Reporting from the West Virginia DNR website, here are a series of survival tips if you get lost on a mountain while climbing:
1. Keep Calm and Stop in Place
Once you realize that you are lost, you should immediately stop moving and stay where you are. Please be calm, don't panic, and avoid wandering here and there.
After calming down, detikers can think, observe their surroundings, and plan how to return.
2. Give a Help Signal
You can use your luggage or objects around you to signal for help. For example, a whistle, a mirror, brightly colored clothing, or a flashlight to attract attention. Blow a whistle or turn a flashlight on and off repeatedly to signal help.
You can also make a campfire and use it to symbolize danger. However, this method can only be done if your surrounding environment is truly safe, such as not being in a dry location that could trigger a fire.
3. Tell Others about the Trip
Make sure you tell those closest to you, such as family or friends, about your travel plans and route. Also tell us the estimated return time so that it can be used as a reference when detikers have not yet returned home. This information will really help the SAR team to find you when an unexpected incident occurs.
4. Bring Important Equipment
Make sure you bring essential survival equipment and know how to use it. The equipment here includes shelter, food and water, first aid kits, flashlights, maps and compasses, blankets, multipurpose tools, fire making tools, and signaling devices such as whistles.
Also prepare important medicines if you have certain health problems. Prioritize bringing these items during the climb because they can help you survive until help arrives.
5. Stay in an open area
If you go looking for help, stay in an open area so you can be seen. Avoid passing through areas of dense trees or plants and steep terrain because they can hinder the movement of detikers.
6. Follow the Water Flow
If you are in an unfamiliar area, moving along a stream or river can help. Because it is possible that there will be people living or settlements found near water sources. That way, detikers can ask for their help.
7. Stay Hydrated and Rest
When seeking help, be sure to conserve energy and stay hydrated. Rest when you can and find a safe place. Excessive movement can make you tired.
8. Go to Landmarks
Mountain areas generally have points or places that are main landmarks. If you have a map or know the way, go to that place because detikers can find the way home.
9. Warm the Body
It is important to always keep your body warm or not cold. Hypothermia is prone to occur, especially in the mountains, even if the weather is not extreme.
Therefore, make sure to wear layers. When needed, luggage can be used to keep body temperature warm.
10. Always think positively
If you get lost on a mountain, make sure to continue thinking positively and avoid negative thoughts that can make the situation worse. Keep talking to yourself with positive words to strengthen your mentality to survive.
So, those are some tips for surviving when lost in the mountains during a climbing expedition. The tips above are useful when undesirable events occur. On the other hand, detikers must always prioritize safety and follow the safe instructions given by officers before climbing.