Today we went to a Hug a Tree presentation. Kris Koeberle and “Pi” are a search and rescue team. Pi, her lovable, furry partner is a Newfoundland dog. Kris and Pi are members of Black Paws Search, Rescue and Avalanche Dogs. She has been involved in search and rescue since she was 16 years old.
The Hug-A-Tree and Survive program began as a result of a child who tragically lost his life due to not knowing what to do when lost in the woods. This presentation helps equip children with the knowledge they need to help make it possible for them to be found if they get lost in the woods.
Here are some of the things we learned today:
- Children should always tell an adult where they are going………. even if it’s just to look at a cool rock up that hill….
- Once you’ve decided you are lost, hug a nice tree with big branches and stay with it.
- Keeping warm and dry is important. So one of the two important things to have with you in the woods is a trash bag. After ripping a hole in the bag, you can use it to keep you warm and dry, like a jacket. **Warning, you must poke a hole, so you have a place for your face, and so you can breathe… important stuff, huh? There is a child inside the bag in the photo below… Don’t worry, he’s got a nice hole for his face, and he got quite warm while sitting there.
- The other important thing to have in the woods is a whistle. Three short, loud whistles is a signal to rescuers that someone needs help. You should use your whistle every 10-15 minutes.
- Lost children can help their searchers by answering their calls.
- This is the only time you should EVER talk to strangers. You don’t have to leave with them, but let them know that you are there… You can ask for a police man or your mom or dad.
- Do not hide… sometimes kids think they will get in trouble for getting lost.
- Make yourself BIG by lying down on the ground if a helicopter is flying overhead. It’s hard to see a child when they are standing up. Try to wear bright clothes and wave something around.
- If it is cool, and you are rested you can make crosses or X’s in the dirt with shrubbery, rocks, branches, or by dragging your foot in the dirt.
- Make a foot print. This helps the rescue dogs find you and it lets searchers know that they are following the right path. We made a mock foot print by placing aluminum foil on the carpet, walking on it, and then observing the impression that our foot made.
- Animals are just as afraid of you, as you are of them. So if an animal gets too close, just use your whistle and he’ll run away. Fear of animals can make a child run away from their safe spot. It is important to stay in one place to make it easier for rescuers to find you.
Pi was such a star! The kids loved all 155 pounds of her! And she really loved them back. A couple of them got some really wet, sloppy kisses!
And you knew this whole time that GB would not be able to keep his hand off Pi, right? He’s pretty predictable.
