Never go alone. A party of two is minimum, four is better. With four, if someone is injured and can't be moved, two persons can go for help and one can stay.
Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return. (For those who do hike alone, this may be crucial to your survival.) Then, if trouble arises, help will be on its way in a relatively short time. It's also important to let people know when you've returned. Otherwise, someone may be out searching for you when you are safely home in bed.
Take a safe minimum of equipment. Sudden weather changes will make a hat, fleece jacket, gloves, raingear, and sturdy boots mighty welcome. A map and compass, whistle, space blanket, plastic garbage bag (wind and rain protection), matches and candle, a knife, water, empty can, tea bags, bouillion, and high-energy foods (candy, nuts, fruit, etc.) make survival easier. A walking stick or trekking poles save the knees on steep downhills and make stream crossing easier.
Make sure young children know what to do if they are separated from the group. (Hug a tree and stay put!) Children can cover a surprising distance in an hour and help may be much longer than that in coming. They may be frightened or think they have done something wrong; assure them that help will be coming if they do get lost.
Your head is the best survival tool. If the unforseen does happen--you are lost or injured--don't panic. If you can hike out safely, plan your route beforehand. Otherwise, save your strength by staying put to decrease the chance of injury or hypothermia. This makes the job of finding you easier. Hiking out at night is not advised; steep trails and loose rock are risky even in daylight. Try to find or create shelter using tree branches or whatever is handy. Clear the ground and build a fire pit in an open area for warmth and signaling.
If someone in your party is lost, determine and mark the point last seen. (This helps searchers and dogs make a quicker find.) Make a hasty search for the missing person; if unsuccessful, send for help, before dark, if possible. Call 911.
