Nipigon OPP Outdoor Safety
Ensuring Outdoor Safety
Photo courtesy of OntarioNewsNorth.com
NIPIGON, ON
–On August 5, 2010 at approximately 4:50 p.m. Nipigon Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) with the assistance of the Emergency Response Team and Canine Unit, responded to a missing person complaint East of Nipigon. An 80 year old male of Thunder Bay, Ontario was reported missing when he failed to return to the location where he was blueberry picking with three other individuals. The male was lost for approximately one hour before safely finding his way back to the location of his party. The four Thunder Bay residents were blueberry picking approximately 20km East of Nipigon.
The OPP want to remind outdoor enthusiasts that plan to go hiking or blueberry picking to follow some safety tips to keep you and your family safe.
Always tell someone where you are going. When you are leaving, notify someone of the number of people in your party, direction of travel, and the estimated time of your return. If you are hiking off of a trail system, tell someone the location of where you are accessing the remote area. This is important if your party is overdue and police assistance is required, a starting point for the search can be determined.
Be prepared for unexpected weather and terrain conditions by dressing appropriately. Wear clothes and footwear to accommodate the environment. Remember, if you become lost you may be out longer than you had planned for, so be prepared for colder weather even if you are hiking on a warm day. Pack a hat and a garbage bag. A garbage bag is compact and can keep you warm and dry. A bright coloured garbage bag can help searchers see you in dense bush.
Everyone in your group should carry a whistle and know that three blasts on a whistle or three shouts are recognized as a distress call. Set boundaries for the members of your group so that no one wanders too far off into unknown areas. Make sure someone in your group has a compass and more importantly, knows how to use it. Other items to include in your survival pack should be a first aid kit, water, matches in a waterproof container, high energy snacks, pocket knife, insect repellent, and anything else you can think of that may be important if you have to spend the night in the bush.
When you are hiking, pay attention to your surroundings making note of landmarks, trees, streams, large rocks, or hills. This will assist you in the event you need to retrace your path.
If you do become lost remember to stay calm and stay in one place. Your chances of being found are much greater if you do not wander any further.
Being prepared for hiking and blueberry picking is crucial. No one ever plans on being in trouble while enjoying the outdoors, but be prepared and do your part to be safe.
