Survivor tips-Northern Ontario

The Ontario Provincial Police have a few words of advice about how to be a survivor – Northern Ontario style.

Further information is included in the following news release issued this morning by the OPP:

(North Bay, ON) Living in Northern Ontario is fun and provides excellent entertainment with ice fishing and snowmobiling. It also can be fatally dangerous.

The first rule of surviving a night in Northern Ontario is letting someone know where you are going. Leave a map with detailed instructions as to where you are going, so you may be rescued that much faster.

Things that you need to prepare for your trip are a map and compass, high energy foods, large orange coloured plastic bags for emergency shelter, matches and a signalling device. You should be wearing wind and rain resistant clothes, Other things that you need to do are maintain your composure, remain optimistic, and practice energy conservation.

It is imperative that you avoid hypothermia. Wearing a floater suit and avoiding the use of alcohol are the two best ways to protect yourself. You also need build a shelter, and huddle with your partner to conserve heat.

Once your shelter has been built, you should STAY PUT! Blowing a whistle, lighting a fire and staying visible will help searchers find you. Searchers may use planes or helicopters - make yourself visible to them.

Remember that bad weather, early darkness or an unexpected injury can turn a pleasant day into a crisis!