A viral post about what to do if people are lost in the wilderness is wrong, according to a local expert.

The post that many people shared in the past week says, "If you are ever lost hiking, get stranded with a broken-down car, and you notice your cell phone is low or has no signal, here is a tip that very well may save your life. Change the voicemail on your phone to a message that gives your approximate location, the time, your situation... the best part of this is that even if your cell phone dies, voicemail still works."

The idea was that if someone called a person to look for them, they would hear details on how to find them. 

"The post did go viral. At first glance, it looks like it might be helpful," says Jaime Manness is an avid hiker as well as the founder of Hike Manitoba. "But when you think about changing your voicemail, you have to have service. You have to call in and be able to access a cellular provider. It's a hot tip that doesn't work. Constantly trying to make calls actually drain your battery."

Manness shares that her dad used to say 'hope for the best, plan for the worst.' 

Preparing ahead

"What's most important to know is being proactive can help save a life. Instead of trying to figure out what to do when you're in a situation, try to prevent that situation from ever happening."

This is the same motto taught in many self-defence courses. Manness knows what she's talking about as she works at an Emergency Room in Winnipeg. 

"What you can do is, if you're lost, send a text message with as much info as you have. If your phone is in a spotty service zone, it'll keep trying to send it through and it takes a lot less battery power."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Jaime Manness | Hike Manitoba (@hikemanitoba)

A few pro-active tips from Manness include:

  • Telling someone where you're going and when you expect to be back
  • When you get back, give that person a courtesy call
  • Carry a GPS device with you, especially for backcountry hiking
  • Get comfortable reading maps in case you can't use an app on your phone
  • Carry a first-aid kit in your backpack

"As soon as I get out of the car and the pack is on my back, my perspective shifts," says Manness who encourages people to enjoy the outdoors during each season. 

From time to time, Hike Manitoba has workshops for people who want to learn more about hiking in Manitoba. They will be hosting a winter workshop shortly. 

Related Stories