Tragedy throws light on survival Careful preparation of gear necessary before people become stranded

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In the wake of a family tragedy in Grants Pass, Ore., a sad tale that unfolded during the first few days of this month, I got to thinking about what I might have done in the same situation.

In that incident, four members of a San Francisco family got their family car stuck in snow on a woods road in an area described in news accounts as wilderness. The Kim family was returning to San Francisco on Nov. 25 and had taken a wrong turn down a logging road that is normally blocked by a gate. Vandals apparently had cut the lock on the gate, officials said.

For six days the family stayed with their vehicle. Then, the husband, 35-year-old James Kim, struck out on foot to seek help, police told news reporters. Two days later a search helicopter spotted 30-year-old Kati Kim waving an umbrella about 1:45 p.m. PST. Her daughters Penelope, 4, and Sabine, 7 months, were with her. They were airlifted to a hospital in Grants Pass where all three were reported to be in good condition.

James Kim’s body was found a couple of days later. He had walked more than 12 miles in search of help before he died of exposure in a mountain creek.

When they got stuck, James Kim, 35, his wife and their two daughters were about seven miles from a fishing lodge stocked with food.

In the days following the account, many of us have wondered what we’d have done in that instance or how we might prepare ourselves to survive such a stranding. Obviously, in this instance, staying with the vehicle proved to be the best option for being rescued, but few would argue that after nearly a week, striking out for help to save your family wouldn’t cross your mind.

Surviving a stranding

Outdoor Magazine’s December issue has several articles with suggestions on what you might consider packing in your vehicle to help you survive a stranding. Writer Rich Johnson describes what he calls a “72-hour grab-and-go kit and keep it close at hand. I keep mine in a backpack and throw it in the truck when I’m traveling. Here’s what it should contain.”

It’s rather extensive but pretty comprehensive.

Johnson suggests clothing include three sets of underwear, three pairs of socks, a change of pants, two T-shirts, a long-sleeved shirt, a waterproof windbreaker, and a cap. For food: pack energy bars, GORP, three MREs, utensils, a can opener, a small stove and fuel, and cooking vessels.

To stay hydrated, have a water purification system (water filters and/or tablets) and two liters in Nalgene bottles, he says. In the hygiene department, pack toilet paper, disposable towelettes, toothbrush and toothpaste, a bar of soap, liquid camp soap, shampoo, razor, towel and washcloth, deodorant, scissors, hairbrush, paper towels, and hand sanitizer.

I might trim that list by a few luxury items, but then again, you could use this for a get-away weekend anywhere, couldn’t you? Just remember to resupply your kit when you get back home.

Survival items

In the area of survival, a first-aid kit, bug repellent, sunscreen, a lightweight tent or space blanket, lightweight sleeping bag, Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad, and emergency poncho are highly recommended.

A windup flashlight and wearable LED lights (such as headlamps), fire starter, knife, rope, gloves, latrine trowel, and FRS radios come in handy. Throw in a pen and notepad, duct tape, spending money (including change), a bandana (good for multiple uses from straining water to keeping sweat from your eyes to keeping you cooled, etc.), and photo IDs and your kit is relatively complete.

Winter safety

For a basic winter safety kit, Johnson suggests you supplement the survival kit with a wool blanket, dry clothing, socks, boots, gloves, snacks and water, first-aid kit, flashlight with fresh batteries, flares, hand and/or foot warmers, windshield scraper/broom, extra windshield-washer fluid, jumper cables or portable jump-starter, kitty litter or sand for traction, a shovel, and a well-charged cell phone or CB radio.

A general rule of thumb for cold weather survival, according to one expert interviewed by a television reporter, is that you can survive three hours without shelter, three days without water, and three weeks without food. Getting out of the weather, then, should be at the top of your list.

Several years back I took my guide training course from Master Maine Guide Dick Parker. Finding or making a shelter was at the top of his list as well. Next was a source of heat – a fire. Strike-anywhere matches (waterproofed with wax and stored in a waterproof container) are good to have. There are several types and brands of mechanical fire starting devices as well. A good waterproof, windproof lighter with a full fuel tank is good.

Practice building fires in wet, cold conditions, Parker advised. Find cedar, spruce balls, birch bark, fir needles – they make good natural combustibles. A petroleum gauze pad found in first-aid kits is a very effective fire starter. If you build a fire, a tool, such as an emergency saw (a 10-inch folding type) will help make firewood gathering and preparation easier.

You’ll need a means of signaling others to let them know you’re in trouble. A fire is a great means of getting attention. Once your fire is burning well, green boughs placed on the fire will put up a good smoke plume. A mirror (say the one on your compass or a separate signal mirror) can redirect sunlight miles away. A Storm Whistle will help you put out audible signals far louder than your voice to attract rescuers.

Don’t plan on a cell phone getting you out of trouble. You may not be able to get a signal deep in the woods. It would never hurt to try, but we all know dead zones flourish in this part of the country.

Much of this will fit into an empty soup can that you could use to heat water and mix with an envelope of soup mix (also part of your kit). Cereal bars will help provide energy and jerky is light and easy to store.

Parker’s point was that survival is a state of mind. Stay level-headed and stay in one place. Chances are you’ll be found.

Of course a search would be started earlier if you had the presence of mind before you struck out to tell someone where you were headed and when you expected to return. If no one knows you’ve gone, no one’s going to be looking for you right away.

The best defense is a good offense, coaches often say, and going out into the woods shouldn’t be any different. Study a map of the area before you go and carry the map with you. Knowing how to use a compass and having one with you is a must. Even on marked trails in an unfamiliar area you can get turned around.

In summary the necessities are: shelter, communication, fire, drinking water, snacks, navigation, light, first aid, and a good knife.

Epic Sports 5K

Looking for a way to shed a couple of those holiday pounds you’ll accumulate and benefit a good cause? Epic Sports in Bangor is sponsoring a 5K road race on Dec. 31. Registration that day begins at 1 p.m. in Pickering Square and the race begins at 3 p.m.

Awards will be presented to the first and second finishers in the men’s and women’s classes and to the first and second finishers in the under-15 age class.

Registration is $10 in advance at Epic Sports, $15 the day of the race. Net proceeds will be given to the Bangor Land Trust. The first 50 to register will receive fluorescent running vests.

The course (roughly) will be from Pickering Square up State Street to EMMC and around Hancock Street, back to Washington Street and past the waterfront, and around to Pickering Square. The course will be marked.

Call Epic at 941-5670 for more information.

Jeff Strout’s column on outdoor recreation is published each Saturday. He can be reached at 990-8202 or by e-mail at jstrout@bangordailynews.net.