Although it is quite unlikely for someone living a city life, surrounded by comforts and technology to get lost in the wild, there is a remote possibility it may happen while you are camping with your friends. Here are some tips to survive in the wild.
Stop, think and try to retrace your steps
Don’t panic; stop, think, observe and plan your moves. The best thing is to try to retrace your steps and go back to the place where you came from. Direction is critical when you are stuck in a dense forest, try using your analog watch to show you the direction. Hold the watch so that the hour hand is facing the Sun; the middle point of the angle between hour hand direction and 12 o’clock mark is South!
Leave your mark as you move ahead
You don’t want to move in circles, neither you want to get lost within a dense forest. When you start leaving a mark while you move in the forest, you don’t risk getting lost and also don’t need a compass and phone to give you directions
Try to max the use of your smartphone
You would most likely have no mobile connection while you are lost. But as smartphones are potential lifesavers in the wilderness, try to climb up or find a potential spot where you may catch the network. Try conserving phone battery for basics such as direction or torch.
Identify water source(s)
As the human body can’t survive for more than 3 to 4 days without water, finding water in the wilderness should be your first priority besides getting out. Look out for water sources such as lakes, rivers, springs. Ideally, you should boil the water before consuming it to avoid any water-born contamination.
Start a fire to cook, boil and stay warm
Try starting a small fire using the rubbing technique. Grab some dry leaves and a wooden stick; even a thread from your sock may help you in starting a fire using the rubbing technique.
Find a safe shelter
This has to be done during the daytime after you carefully sanitize the area for wild animals and other potential threats. Treetop, cave, ‘lean-to’ shelter, anything that makes you safe against the wilderness is essential. Also, take some pine needles to crush and rub on your skin as it’s an effective repellent against poisonous insects.
And lastly, find a food source that’s edible and nutritious; be it fruits, birds, animals, or insects. Most important, don’t forget to be rescued as soon as possible.
