What Should You Do First If You Get Lost?

Assess Your Situation

If you get lost in the woods, your first priority is to assess your situation. Take a few deep breaths to calm down and think clearly. Look around you and take note of your surroundings, including the terrain, any landmarks, and the direction of the sun (if it’s daytime). Try to remember the last place you were sure of your location and work your way back from there.

Find or Create a Visible Landmark

To signal for help or find your way back, find or create a visible landmark. This can be a bright piece of cloth tied to a tree branch, a fire, or a reflective surface like a mirror or piece of glass. Aim to create a landmark that’s at least 10 feet off the ground and visible from at least 50 feet away. If you’re in a dense forest, create a makeshift flag by tying a brightly colored cloth to a long stick and securing it to a tree trunk.

Prioritize Shelter and Signaling

Once you have a visible landmark, prioritize finding or creating a shelter for the night. Look for natural shelters like caves, rock overhangs, or hollowed-out logs. If you can’t find a natural shelter, create a lean-to or debris hut using fallen branches and leaves. While you work on your shelter, signal for help by firing a whistle (3 short blasts) or shouting for assistance. If you have a mirror, use it to flash sunlight towards any aircraft or potential rescuers during the day.