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I once got lost in the woods for a few hours, and it was a pretty terrifying experience. When the sun started to set, I began to wonder if I would ever find my way out. When I (finally) returned to safety, I made it a priority to never allow this to happen again. Here are some pointers to help you out should you ever find yourself in a similar situation.
Stay Calm
If you happen to get lost in the woods, do not panic. The trees surrounding you can help you to survive in the wilderness. They offer the shelter, food and fuel that you can use to survive until you are rescued.
Find Your Position
Try to fix your position in the woods in relation to the sun, a large lake, river or high hill. If you still cannot determine your whereabouts then you should follow the slope of land downhill, as it may help you to find a body of water, which can help you to get back on the trail.
Prepare for Rescue
If you panic and begin wandering around aimlessly, you will only deplete your energy. You should avoid climbing trees or walking in the dark because you may injure yourself. During the daylight hours find a clearing in the trees and make a camp. You should select an elevated piece of land, where rainwater will not collect. Build a shelter out of green boughs and stay out in the open so you are visible to any planes or helicopters that are searching for you.
Tri-Try
One of the best ways to let rescuers know where you are is to keep a few fires going. Gather dead, dry wood and begin building three separate fires in a triangle. Three fires (or three of anything) is an indication that a person is in distress. Adding green boughs to the flames will create plenty of smoke that will fill the sky and alert rescuers to your whereabouts. Keep a good supply of dry wood in a sheltered area in case it begins to rain.
Fire Safety
When starting a fire, keep fire safety rules in mind. It is only safe to build a fire on sand, mineral soil or bare rock. You do not want to start a forest fire so keep fires away from grass, trees and other organic material. If you start a forest fire you could become trapped in the woods and succumb to the smoke, heat or flames.
Find Food Sources
Fresh game such as rabbits and squirrels may be close by and water sources may contain fish. You can use your shoelace to create a snare that will catch slow moving animals such as porcupines. You may be able to find frogs, snails or clams as well. Once you capture your meal, you can cook it over the open fire or on a flat piece of rock. Depending on where you are located, you may be able to find seeds in cones, berries or edible mushrooms.
CAUTION: Certain berries, fungi and plants are poisonous. If you are not certain whether the items you find are edible do not eat them. You should only eat the items that you know are safe to eat.
Do Not Leave Home Without Your Emergency Supplies!
Never go out into the woods without a compass, waterproof matches, dried food, water, snare wire, fishhooks, map, small First Aid kit and a sheath knife. If you get lost in the woods remember to stay calm. Ration your food portions and water, set up camp and search for new sources of food and water until help arrives.
Good luck and stay prepared!