Be prepared for your chosen recreation - Being fit enough to go the distance takes physical preparation. Stick to your turnaround time. Take the proper equipment, have a trip plan and use reference and guide books.

Complete a Trip Plan and leave it with a friend - The trip plan explains your destination, the route you are taking, who is in the group and your return time. If you do not return as planned, the friend you left the trip plan with can give the form to the police to initiate a search.

Never hike alone - Hike with a group and keep together. Travel at the speed of the slowest person. If a person becomes separated by going ahead or falling behind, they are more likely to become lost.

Do not panic - Maintain a positive mental attitude if you become lost. Being lost is not dangerous if you are prepared.

Stay where you are - People who carry on after they become lost usually get further from the trail and further from people who are looking for them. Also, going downhill often leads to natural drainage

Use signaling devices - Blowing a whistle, lighting a fire and staying visible will help searchers find you. Help searchers find you even if you are embarrassed or afraid. Remember that animals will not be attracted to your signals. Searchers may also use planes or helicopters - make yourself visible to them.

Build or seek shelter - Protect yourself from the rain, wind and excessive sun. Be as comfortable as possible, but when it is daylight, make sure you are visible to searchers in helicopters or planes.

The most common mistake - An individual's belief that "it could never happen to me" is summed up as EGO. By being prepared, you can enjoy your trip outdoors regardless of what nature throws at you!