Emergency orientation without GPS
🧭 Why find your way without GPS?
– In an emergency evacuation situation, injuries or discomfort can occur. Precise knowledge of first aid is essential to ensure the safety and survival of you and your family, while waiting for professional help to arrive.
– Don’t hesitate to take part in first aid training sessions, and if we can raise your awareness of this subject, let us tell you two related things:
– Out of 10 emergency situations, 9 will involve a member of your family or someone close to you.
– In a context of poor access to care, tell yourself one thing: while you’re waiting for help, you’re the help!
1. Orientation by the sun
– The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
– Solar noon (sun at its highest point) is generally south in the northern hemisphere.
– Plant a stick vertically on the ground. The first shadow point (marked in the morning) points west.
2. Night orientation: finding north with the stars
Identify the North Star: Find the Big Dipper, then extend the distance between the two stars at the end of the “carriage” upwards five times to locate the North Star.
3. Observe vegetation and natural elements
– Trees often have more moss or moisture on their north face (less exposed to the sun).
– Flowers or leaves generally open towards the south or east to capture maximum sunlight.
4. Orientation with an analog watch
– Point the small hand of your watch at the sun.
– South is approximately halfway between the small needle and noon (if you’re in the northern hemisphere).
5. Prepare your evacuation in advance
– Study physical maps or download offline maps before an emergency.
– Plan ahead to find points of interest that are easy to identify (mountains, waterways, infrastructure).
6. Stay vigilant and rational
– Regularly check your direction using a combination of orientation methods to increase accuracy.
– Avoid night-time travel unless absolutely necessary, to reduce the risk of error.
Common mistakes to avoid
– Rely solely on technology for guidance.
– Ignoring or misinterpreting obvious natural signals.
– Underestimate the importance of planning your itinerary in advance.
IN SUMMARY:
In an emergency, orient yourself naturally, using the sun, stars, vegetation and surrounding natural elements. Plan your route, check your direction regularly and stay alert to natural signs to reach a safe place quickly.
Your autonomy in orienteering is crucial to your safety.
