An outdoor activity plan is a safety tool that provides Clallam County Search and Rescue (SAR) authorities with the information needed to help hikers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts who get lost or injured and are prevented from getting out of the woods on their own. The activity plan is a vital aspect of every survival kit and should be utilized by both the expert and novice alike. Leaving your plan with a responsible person who will notify authorities if you do not return when planned will provide an extra margin of safety should anything go wrong in the wilderness. An accurately completed plan will help guide resources and personnel to your aid.

Filling Out an Outdoor Activity Plan

Outdoor activity plans contain basic information to aid locating you in the event that an accident or injury should prevent you from returning home on time. You should provide detailed information on the location of your camp or parking spot and information on your trail, route, and destination. You should also describe the vehicle that you drive and provide the time you expect to return from your trip. Leave the activity plan with a responsible person and explain what to do if you do not return as scheduled.

Contacting Search and Rescue

If an outdoor enthusiast has not returned by the indicated time and date on their activity plan, you should contact the Clallam County Sheriff’s Department by dialing 911. Inform the dispatcher that you are reporting an overdue person and that you have an Outdoor Activity Plan. Answer all the questions that are asked of you and make sure that you leave your contact number for the dispatcher. The dispatcher will then activate the emergency procedures for locating a missing or injured person.

The 10 Essentials

1. Map/Compass
2. Emergency Shelter
3. Matches/Fire Starter Kit
4. Water
5. Food
6. Flashlight
7. Whistle/Signaling Device
8. Extra Clothing
9. Knife
10. First Aid Kit

Survival Tools

1. Attitude
2. Air
3. Shelter
4. Rest
5. Signals
6. Water
7. Food