BEND, OR -- So far this month, Deschutes County Search and Rescue teams have responded to twelve call-outs, for things like lost snowmobile riders, missing hikers, stuck climbers and injured motorcycle riders. The team also participated in 27 trainings and exercises, and three public events, including the Special Olympics kickoff in Redmond.

The Sheriff’s Office urges outdoor recreators to carry the 10 essentials for survival: 

• NAVIGATION: A USGS or equal topo map, a properly declinated (14 degrees east locally) base plate compass, along with the knowledge of how to use them together. A simple GPS can also be quite useful if you’re familiar with how to use it and the batteries aren’t dead. A watch and fully charged cell phone should also be carried.
• SUN PROTECTION: Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat (for hot OR cold, summer or winter weather)
• INSULATION: The MOST important consideration: NO cotton clothing! Carry synthetic or wool layers, waterproof/windproof rain jacket/ pants; extra gloves/hat, and extra socks as required. Wear layers of clothing to adjust insulation to activity level and current weather. Stay dry to decrease the risk of hypothermia (which can be life-threatening).
• ILLUMINATION: Headlamp or flashlight, with extra batteries.
• FIRST-AID SUPPLIES: Basic supplies such as Band-Aids, gauze pads, triangular and compression bandages, etc. Include any medications you may currently be taking and a bee sting kit if you are allergic.
• FIRE: Waterproof matches, butane lighter or candle stubs, plus fire-starting materials (paste, etc.). Do NOT depend on making a fire in bad weather!
• REPAIR KIT/TOOLS: Multi-tool (Gerber®, Leatherman®, Swiss Army knife, etc.), Duct tape. Don’t carry what you don’t need.
• NUTRITION: High energy, no-cook foods, such as high-carb energy bars. Carry at least 200 calories for every hour you will be out.
• HYDRATION: Extra water; take at least (1) liter for short outings and at least 2.5 liters for all-day excursions. Remember that extra water will be needed for hot or cold weather, drink continuously during your outing. Don’t wait until you are dehydrated!
• EMERGENCY SHELTER: A Space blanket or bright plastic tarp (9’ x 12’) and a few large plastic trash bags. Bring something to insulate you from the ground, regardless of the time of year. You cannot dig a snow cave without a shovel, and you should not sit/sleep on snow without an insulating pad.

And, remember cell service is limited in some areas. DCSO encourages people to carry an alternative satellite communication device in case of emergency in an area without cell service.