'Do not do this': Widely-shared post on what to do if lost while hiking is wrong, safety group says
A B.C. agency that provides outdoor safety training is concerned about a social media post that’s spreading misinformation.
A post on social media, which has been widely shared on social media recently, instructs people to change their voicemail greeting to include information on their coordinates should they be stranded and have very little battery life left in their phone.
But emergency experts say that’s not the way to go – and people should instead try to reach a 911 operator immediately.
“Every once in a while we see trends going around social media that we need to address, this was definitely one of those,” reads a statement from BC AdventureSmart, a search-and-rescue association.
“The latest is the idea about changing your voicemail if you’re lost,” it continues.
The viral, misleading post claims that changing your voicemail is the best thing to do particuarly if you don't have cell reception. But many people on social media have replied to the post and pointed out that you need reception to change your voicemail anyway.
And if you have any reception, BC AdvenureSmart wants you to call emergency responders.
“If your battery is low, and you are lost or need rescue, dial 911 and tell dispatchers where you are and ask for police.”
“This call will initiate the process to dispatch police and the local ground search and rescue,” the BC AdventureSmart statement reads.
The agency also recommends planning ahead and making contingency plans. Specifically, it recommends people follow the “3 Ts” of trip planning, training and taking the essentials.
“Every educated effort towards personal preparedness made by enthusiasts before their adventure and during an emergency will make a difference.”
BC AdventureSmart also details some of the finer points of cell phone use in an emergency situation.
“Conserve your cell battery, if your battery is low, remember that text messages take far less battery to transmit.”
It also says that search and rescue crews may try and connect with you by text if they know your phone battery is low. And, even if your phone battery isn’t low, it recommends not using your phone except to speak with rescue crews or police.
“Don’t call your friends and family while you’re waiting for rescue,” it says.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Lawsuit against Meta asks if Facebook users have right to control their feeds using external tools
Do social media users have the right to control what they see — or don't see — on their feeds?
BREAKING 15-year-old boy stabbed in Ottawa on Thursday dies
A 15-year old boy who was critically injured after a stabbing in Nepean on Thursday has died of his injuries, Ottawa's English public school board said Sunday.
Dash cam catches moment suspected drunk driver hits parked car, sends it careening into North Shore flower shop
Police say it’s fortunate no one was injured or killed in a collision at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford shopping centre Saturday evening that sent one vehicle careening into a flower shop and another into a set of concrete barriers outside a Winners store.
El Nino weakening doesn't mean cooler temperatures this summer, forecasters say
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Nylander defends Leafs' core after playoff exit, Toronto again picks up the pieces
The Maple Leafs battled back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Boston Bruins with consecutive 2-1 victories - including one that required extra time - in their first-round playoff series to push the club's Original Six rival to the limit before suffering a devastating Game 7 overtime loss.
Amid climate change warnings, Canadians lukewarm on electric vehicles
Amid scientists' warnings that nations need to transition away from fossil fuels to limit climate change, Canadians are still lukewarm on electric vehicles, according to a study conducted by Nanos Research for CTV News.
Three dead, two hospitalized, following collision in Fredericton: police
Three people have died and two have been hospitalized after a speeding car struck a tree and landed on another vehicle in Fredericton Sunday morning.
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
Madonna's biggest-ever concert transforms Rio's Copacabana beach into a massive dance floor
Madonna put on a free concert on Copacabana beach Saturday night, turning Rio de Janeiro's vast stretch of sand into an enormous dance floor teeming with a multitude of her fans.