Rod Carpenter

He was just going for an afternoon drive, and was almost to the lake when he came across a snowdrift in the road. In an attempt to bust through it, he stuck his car fast and had to walk 4 miles to cell service.

She was on a solo fishing trip, miles from help when she ran a fish hook so deep into her hand that she couldn’t get it out by herself.

He was all excited about the big bull he had just shot until he slipped and ran a tine through the palm of his hand.

By way of warning, I often tell my kids, “Be careful. Life can change really fast.”

What starts out as a lazy day of recreation can quickly turn into a major inconvenience or even a disaster. While it is impossible to prepare for every likely event, we can all do a little planning and preparation to get us out of most of the sticky messes we find ourselves in.

The first thing anyone should do before venturing into the outdoors is to let someone know where you are headed. People die every year because search and rescue teams focus their efforts on the wrong area.

Having satellite communication is a good idea if you spend lots of time in the back of beyond. Companies like Garmin and Zoleo have made it pretty easy.

A spare, jack, tire chains and a tow strap should be standard in any vehicle. If you’re out and about in the woods around here, a chain saw is a really good idea. You may get in just fine, but discovering that a tree fell across the road out can really put a dent in your day.

A basic medical kit should also go adventuring with you. I don’t carry much. Some bandages, floss (because I always eat jerky), pain and allergy meds, some antacids because I am prone to heartburn, and a suture kit I bought off Amazon. Although the only time I had to do any sewing was on a horse, and she didn’t like it much.

A lighter in your pocket and some matches in the glove box don’t take up much space, and being able to sit by a fire while you wait for help to arrive can be very comforting. Ask me how I know.

If things don’t go according to plan, a day trip may turn into a stargazing experience. A flashlight is alway a good thing to have around. I like headlamps so my hands are free.

Don’t rely on your phone. The battery will die just when you need it most. Been there, got the T-shirt.

Of course, you should have a knife of some kind on you anytime you’re awake. That is just good common sense.

Life truly is full of surprises, but if you do a little planning, you most likely will survive. It may not be fun, but that is how memories are made.

How do you prepare for the outdoors? Tell us about it at shootingthebreezebme@gmail.com.