S.T.O.P.: Stop, Think, Observe, Plan

Planning and preparation should keep you from having an outdoor emergency. If an emergency does occur, you should remember and follow the S.T.O.P. principle: Stop, Think, Observe, and Plan.

Stop: Remain calm, and analyze the situation.

Think: Decide what you need to do to survive.

Observe: Survey the terrain, and look for familiar landmarks.

Plan: Figure out the next best course of action. Don’t wait until dark to plan!