YORKTON - One should always be prepared, especially if you are traveling, or camping.
“Failing to plan is planning to fail, so be prepared,” Yorkton Boy Scouts leader Kent Latimer told Yorkton Council in a presentation on preparedness at their April 11 meeting.
Being ready starts with some planning, explained Latimer, who was joined in his presentation by Scouts Sarah Latimer, Jacob Dobson and Daesyn Cook.
Being prepared means having the right items on-hand for whatever situations might pop up, having the skills to deal with any situation, and looking ahead.
The planning should include looking at the weather forecast, planning where you will stay, take proper food, have a plan should someone become injured, know local regulations, and be aware of what wildlife you might encounter.
It’s also good to have the proper tools along, a knife, axe, fishing line and hook, compass, flint and steel or lighter, flashlight and of course proper clothing for the conditions.
While not necessarily obvious, a tarp and rope can be used to erect a waterproof ‘tent’, or to cover food.
A whistle is also an essential because you can stay put and blow it as a beacon should you become lost.
It’s also a good idea to gain some skills, do some research on what you might have to do, and how to do it. Educational videos are available online and there are books that can help too.
It can be useful to create a list so you know what to take, make sure your clothing is weather appropriate, and learn as many skills as you can to be safe.
