Utah Search Dogs

GO PREPARED
Take a pack and warm clothes (jacket) even in the summer.

TELL SOMEONE WHERE YOU ARE GOING AND WHEN YOU WILL RETURN
Don’t change plans at the last minute without informing those same people.

PARENTS
Take an imprint of your child’s shoe by having them step on a piece of foil.

TAKE A FRIEND and STAY TOGETHER

• Never go alone.
• Do not separate, even if injured.
• Stay warm through body heat.

DRESS IN BRIGHT COLORED CLOTHING

BE AWARE OF WHERE YOU ARE GOING

• Look for landmarks to orient yourself.
• Look behind you as you hike, the path will look different behind you.

STAY IN ONE PLACE
Don’t wander, Hug-a-Tree.

FIND A WAITING PLACE NOT A HIDING PLACE

• Open area, out of the wind and rain, under a tree.
• Do not go inside logs, hollow trees, caves or holes.

KEEP WARM

• Cover all bare skin.
• Cover your head.

PUT OUT SOMETHING BRIGHT

• Handkerchief, strips of flagging.
• Use rocks, sticks or branches, draw an arrow as big as a classroom.
• Write your name or help in an open area.

LOOK BIGGER FOR SEARCHERS IN THE AIR & GROUND

• If you hear a helicopter or airplane – go to an open area and make yourself bigger by lying on the ground (make a snow angel) or try to signal it with your reflector.
• Wave your arms, BLOW YOUR WHISTLE 3 times then wait, then blow it again.
• If you hear people calling out your name – use your whistle or call back to them. For children – even though they are strangers, it’s okay to talk to them.

MAKE A SURVIVAL BED
If you are out overnight, the ground is cold. Make a survival bed with brush, branches, and leaves as thick as your mattress. Cover your self up with branches and leaves.

DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT SURE OF
No berries or stagnant water. It’s better to be hungry than sick.

STAY AWAY FROM LARGE RIVERS AND LAKES
The banks may give way and you could fall in.

ANIMALS
Animals are as afraid of you as you are of them – make noise – sing, dance, talk to the trees. Don’t try to follow wild animals.