Viral posts about what to do if people get lost in the wilderness are wrong, according to local experts.
A post shared by many over the past week read, “If you get lost hiking, stuck in a broken down car, or find yourself with weak or no cell phone signal, follow these steps: Use our tips, save your life, change your phone’s voicemail to a message that tells you your approximate location, time and situation… the best part of this is that your phone breaks voicemail should work.”
The idea was that if someone called looking for a person, they would ask for details on how to find that person.
“This post went viral. At first glance, it looks like it could be useful,” says Jaime Manez, an avid hiker and founder of Hike Manitoba. “But when you think about changing your voicemail, you need a service, you need to be able to make calls and have access to your mobile operator. “
Mannes shares what his father used to say, “hope for the best, plan for the worst.”
in preparation
“The most important thing to know is that being proactive can help save lives. Please try to
This is the same motto taught in many self-defense courses. Manez works in an emergency room in Winnipeg, so she knows what she’s talking about.
“If you get lost, what you can do is text as much information as you can. It will be shortened.Battery power.”
Positive tips from Manness include:
- tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return
- Pay a courtesy visit to the person when you return
- Carry a GPS device, especially for backcountry hiking.
- Comfortable reading maps even if you can’t use the app on your phone
- Carry a first aid kit in your backpack
“The moment you step out of the car and put on your backpack, your perspective changes,” says Manes, who encourages people to enjoy the outdoors in every season.
sometimes, Hiking in Manitoba There are workshops for those who want to learn more about hiking in Manitoba. They will have winter workshops soon.