July 06, 2004

By: Baisa Kang
Website: http://www.1st-in-kids.com

Eastern Mountain Sports Launches Stay Put, Stay Dry to Promote National Outdoor Safety for Kids

Eastern Mountain Sports is proud to announce its inaugural Stay Put, Stay Dry educational clinic across all 86 EMS store locations to promote child safety in the wilderness. This free program, founded to provide children 5 to 12 years-of-age and parents with simple, sensible information on what to do when lost in the woods, will be offered bi-annually.

The EMS Stay Put, Stay Dry program was conceived in 2003 following the tragic story of a 10-year-old Massachusetts boy who died of exposure after losing his way in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Rescuers determined the boy had wandered more than two miles and 1,400 feet in elevation from his family’s condominium.

Had the boy known to 'Stay Put' making it easier for rescuers to locate him, this tragedy might have been avoided. The program’s founders, EMS Climbing School Director Joe Lentini and EMS Climbing School Manager Charlie Townsend, are parents as well as seasoned outdoor athletes and educators.

Combined, Lentini and Townsend offer more than 50 years of experience as members of New Hampshire’s elite Mountain Rescue Service and have been involved in countless combined searches and rescues. In 2003, Lentini presented more than 40 clinics at various schools in New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts, addressing such issues as what to bring on a wilderness trip, as well as what to do if a young adventurer gets lost, how to stay warm and how to deal with animals.

We want the ‘Stay Put, Stay Dry’ message to be as familiar as ‘Buckle Up,’ said Joe Lentini, who is as passionate about safety as he is about outdoor adventure. The message is that simple.

In addition to bi-annual clinics at all 86 EMS stores, clinics may be scheduled with EMS on a per-event basis pending EMS staff availability. For more information, see store listings and contact information online at www.ems.com.

STAY PUT, STAY DRY TIPS FOR AVOIDING GETTING LOST:

• If you’re hiking, stay in group or at least buddy-up.

• Carry an emergency whistle.

• Count the number of people you started the hike with and keep track of them.

• Tell someone else where you are going and how long you’ll be gone.

• Bring emergency gear such as a blanket, raincoat or tarp.

STAY PUT, STAY DRY SAFETY TIPS FOR WHEN YOU ARE LOST:

• Tell yourself that you are lost and STAY PUT!

• Keep cold away. If you STAY DRY, you feel warmer.

• Make a ‘new friend’ out of a forest tree or rock to keep you company while you STAY PUT.

• Choose a tree or rock to keep you company. A tree and a rock don’t move; they stay put, just like you!

• Make noise – It’s easier to find you if you’re not polite and quiet.

• Don’t make fires.

• Don’t climb up on stuff.

• Don’t hide from rescuers. No one will be mad at you.

• Do not eat or drink anything you don’t bring with you.

• When lost in the woods, many people will be looking for you and likely will know your name. Don’t be afraid to talk to them.

• Don’t be afraid of animals, as there are not many animals out there that will hurt you.

• Carry a blanket, rain gear, tarp or trash bag to stay warm and dry.

• The most important tip is to stay put, stay dry.

About The Author:

Baisa Kang is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-kids.com.  Helping parents find kid-approved clothes, toys, games, books, activities and more.