Winter Traveling: Know before you go
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The U.S. Coast Guard conducts a Search and Rescue mission coordinated by State Search and Rescue Coordinator Scott Lucas to rescue a man stranded in a vehicle during a 2019 winter storm in Lane County. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard)
A vehicle was stranded and the driver needed to be rescued after GPS led the driver astray on a dangerous route in Linn County this year, 2020. (Photo courtesy of Corvallis Mountain Rescue)
Winter weather is here, and Oregon Office of Emergency Management State Search Rescue Coordinator Scott Lucas says Oregon is seeing an uptick in lost or stranded travelers on foot and in vehicles. He is reminding Oregonians and visitors of ways to stay safe.
Lucas says the search and rescue community in Oregon stands ready to respond when needed, but that being safe and prepared should always be the priority. That means being having food, water, maps, and other items needed for comfort and safety in the event you get lost or stranded.
Knowing your route and weather conditions before you go is important, said Lucas.
“Technology should not replace sound planning when using GPS in your car, or for an adventure on foot like going out into the woods with your family this holiday season to look for a tree. Careless planning can result in discomfort, injury – or worse yet – loss of life,” Lucas reminds us.
Lucas adds, “It is a good idea to have an emergency kit in your car, and extra supplies when you travel on foot.”
Do not rely on a GPS alone, use resources like tripcheck.com or calling 511 for road conditions in Oregon.