What to Do If You Get Lost in the Woods?

You would be surprised when you hear how many people get lost in the woods every year. Statistics show that in the US, over 500,000 people get lost in the woods every year. Spring has come. And it is time to enjoy the great outdoors. But do you know what to do if you get lost in the woods?

Probably you do not. Because if you are not prepared for this incident, you might freak out and not survive. To secure yourself in the forest, we prepared essential tips you can use when lost in the woods.

Safety Tips in Case of Lost

Getting lost in a forest is a frightening experience. However, if you are prepared and know what to do if you get lost in the woods, you can make a difference. Unexperienced situations can arise anytime. Therefore, this guide offers essential safety tips and practical advice on how to survive lost in a forest.

Stay Calm

Once you realize that you are stranded in the woods, you should, firstly, stay calm and avoid wandering aimlessly. Because panic can lead to poor decisions and make it harder for rescuers to locate you.

To stay calm and stay put, you can take deep breaths, sit down, and assess your situation. Once you are calmer, check your location. If you are safe, just stay there. Because moving without a plan can increase your risk of injury or further disorientation.

Signal for Help

So, you become lost, and started feeling calmer. The next step is to find a way to send a signal for help. You can use a whistle, mirror, or flashlight to attract attention, especially from aircraft or distant search parties.

For example, three short bursts of sound or flashes can be recognized as a distress signal. But if you do not have any tools, you can create large, visible patterns using rocks, branches, or bright clothing. You can also create smoke from a controlled fire so that you can be recognized from afar.

Tell Someone Your Plans

Escaping from real life is mesmerizing. But getting lost is really scary. Therefore, one of the smartest things you can do before getting lost is to tell someone your itinerary. While this might seem like something you do before your adventure, it directly relates to what to do if you get lost in the woods.

Remember that if people know where you were going and when to expect you back, search teams will know where to begin looking. You can leave details like the route, expected return time, emergency contacts, etc.

Carry Essential Supplies

How do you survive in the woods if you get lost? To survive, you need to pack the right gear before taking off. You should always carry essentials like a map, compass, whistle, flashlight, fire starter, knife, and a first-aid kit to improve your survival chances.

Even if you plan a short trip, you should bring high-calorie snacks and a water purification method, just in case. In addition, you can carry a compact emergency blanket and extra clothing to protect yourself from cold nights. These items may seem unnecessary. But if you get lost in the woods, you will need them. Therefore, you should think of your backpack as your lifeline.

Stay Visible

When you are figuring out what to do if you get lost in the woods, you should prioritize your visibility. For example, bright colors, reflective materials, and movement all make you easier to spot from the air or ground.

In addition, you should avoid hiding under dense foliage or blending into your surroundings. You can lay out clothing or gear in open areas to catch attention. If possible, you should make your camp near a clearing or trail. You should keep in mind that rescuers are trained to spot unusual patterns and colors in the environment. So, you should help them help you by making yourself stand out as much as possible.

Follow Waterways

If you are lost in a forest, you should rely on nature. Because streams and rivers can lead you to a civilization, as many towns and camps are located near water resources. In addition, moving water can guide you downhill, which might bring you to roads or inhabited areas.

However, you should follow waterways cautiously and during daylight. Because these ways can be slippery and dangerous. So, you should stay on the bank rather than in the stream to avoid injury or hypothermia.

Stay Hydrated and Rest

When deciding what to do if you become lost in the woods, you should keep your body functioning. Do you know how to do that? Keep in mind that dehydration and exhaustion can set in quickly, especially under stress. You should drink water regularly, but only from clean sources or use purification tablets.

In addition, you should avoid eating wild plants unless you are absolutely certain they are safe. You should rest in shaded areas to conserve energy and prevent overheating or fatigue. Lastly, short and frequent rests are better than pushing yourself until collapse. Remember that your goal is to survive long enough to be found!

Use Landmarks

If you are thinking through what to do in case of lost in the forest, you can also use natural landmarks to orient yourself. For example, mountains, rivers, rock formations, or unique trees can serve as guideposts. You can mark your path with sticks or rocks if you decide to move so you do not walk in circles.

Additionally, you should avoid deep forest areas that look identical in every direction. If you have a compass or GPS, you can use landmarks to triangulate your location.

Stay Vocal

We know that maintaining a positive mindset can be tricky in the woods. But fear can cloud your judgment and lead you to rash decisions. Therefore, you should try to stay mentally active. For example, you can sing, talk to yourself, or pray—anything to keep your spirits up.

In addition, yelling intermittently can help draw attention if someone is nearby. In order not to waste your energy and dry your throat, do not scream constantly.