Plan and Prepare,
S.T.O.P. and Take Care
Planning and Preparation doesn’t have to be involved, but keep these key points in mind before going out:
Know where you are going, including where to find help (should it needed)
Tell another, trusted family member or friend your plans and when you expect to return
Take the 10 essentials with you and know how to use them
Develop a contingency plan of what to do if lost or hurt
If you should get lost or hurt while outdoors, S.T.O.P.:
STAY where you are
TAKE deep breaths, to calm yourself and start gathering your thoughts, as you
OBSERVE the situation, your surroundings, your physical and mental state,
then
PROCEED with the contingency plan, based on your assessed conditions.
Remember to be more careful in lost or injured situations, as increased stress
can lead to poor decisions.
For Children and Elders, Plan/Prepare and S.T.O.P./Take Care is adjusted
to their specific needs and capabilities.