1.  CALL 911 or your local law enforcement agency immediately!   With each passing minute the size of the area to be searched is increasing as the missing person is wandering further away.  Assuming the person is moving at 4 mph, in 2 hours time there will be an 8 mile radius to be searched from the place he/she was last seen.  It is important to confine the search area as soon as possible.

2.  Keep untrained foot searchers including friends and family out of the area!  They will unknowingly destroy foot prints and clues making it difficult if not impossible for trained searchers to follow the missing person's tracks.  They will also contaminate the area with their scent making the Search and Rescue K9's job more difficult.

3.  Obtain photographs and description of the missing person.  This will save time when help arrives.

4.  Verify where the person was last seen.

5.  Please do not handle the missing person's things/articles of clothing.  An uncontaminated scent article (something that has ONLY the missing person's scent on it) will be crucial for the Search Dogs.  It is recommended that you close the door to the person's bedroom until after the scent articles have been collected.

6.  Turn off all automobile engines in the area.  Again, the exhaust fumes may interfere with the search and rescue dog's ability to follow the missing person's scent.

If You Get Lost:

      Don't Panic!  Find a safe place and STAY PUT!!

The more you wander around, the longer it will
 take and the harder it will be to find you. 
 You will also be needlessly expending your energy and resources.

Whenever you go into the woods, it is recommended that:

1.   You always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

2.  Always carry an adequate supply of water, even in cold weather.  Dehydration is a common and life threatening condition of many lost persons.

3.   Carry a large plastic garbage bag which will fit easily into your pocket.  A garbage bag can be used as an  emergency shelter keeping you dry and it will retain your body heat.  Pull the bag over your head and tuck into it .....tear a small hole by your face to breath through.

4.  Have your cell phone with you and charged.

5.  Carry a whistle.  Blasts on a whistle can be heard at great distances and will not deplete your energy.

6.  Don't Panic!!  Stay put and wait for help to arrive.