A Few Tips

• Always check the weather forecast for Thunderstorms, Heat Warnings, Cold Snaps—dress and equip yourself for the anticipated weather.
• Know and stay within your skill level in the boat, on the off-road vehicle or on the trail.
• Take and drink plenty of water
• Don’t overdue the booze—know when to say when.
• Leave family or friends detailed information on your camping, hiking or boating location, including an expected time of return and a description of your vehicles and boat. If you change your plans, let them know.
• If you get in trouble and cannot call 9-1-1 (due to weak signal), try texting a relative.
• Learn how to use your cell phone features that can help us locate you:
  • Applications that give coordinates (GoogleEarth, Spyglass, Geocaching, GPS Coordinates, Walking GPS, etc.)

Hiking Plan —Download and fill this out and leave it with your family or friends whenever you go out hiking–if you become lost this can drastically cut down the time SAR spends figuring out where to look for you!

A Few Things

Learn How to use and always have these:

1. Fanny pack or small day pack
2. Couple Bottles of Water
3. Flashlight
4. Light stick
5. Roll of Bright Colored Flagging
6. 2 Old CDs to use for Reflection
7. Whistle
8. Small First Aid Kit (with at least 1 day prescription medicines)
9. Large Durable Trash Bag
10. Hat or Cap Suitable for the Weather
11. High Energy Snack Foods
12. Bandana
13. Map
14. Compass

Adults should have something to start fires with and a multi-tool or Swiss army knife.

Other items to consider include:

•  Sunglasses
• Sun Block
• Extra Eye Glasses
• Insect Repellant
• Small Roll of Duct Tape
• Persons recreating in the woods or on waterways are recommended to wear bright colored clothing that contrasts with the area they are in, such as orange, lime green or royal blue to increase their visibility.

REMEMBER

If you get lost:

S—Stop

T—Think

O—Organize

P—Plan

If you cannot easily re-orient, please stay in one place–you are easier to find if you are not adding area for us to search.

Franklin County Recreational Site Links

Ozark Highland Trail in May near Cherry Bend