Fun Family Adventure or Nightmare? A Fine Line
A family missing anytime of the year is a horrible notion; during the holiday season, when emotions are heightened, it has an additional layer of drama. I'd rather imagine kids singing carols by a warm fire, than huddled in a culvert trying to survive hypothermia.
So when I read the story about the father leading his three kids on a tree-cutting mission deep into the snowy woods, I had several reactions:
1. Why would any adult lead their kids on such a mission? Can't they just go buy a tree like everyone else?
2. If they're going to go foraging on their own for this tree, shouldn't they let someone know, just in case?
3. If they are used to this kind of adventure, then surely they packed an appropriate survival kit.
I live in New York City, so the most trying adventure concerning a Christmas tree in my life is braving the traffic at Rockefeller Center. And I wouldn't be making light of any of this, if the end of this story had been different. Thankfully, dad and kids are home and fine. But do yourself a favor--if you're going to go into the woods, whether in the snow or not, BE PREPARED for any emergency.
Any time you go into the woods, snow or not, bring these essential items. And make sure each person has their own--everything fits in a small backpack or fanny pack:
--something with which to make a fire
--a compass, or these days, a GPS
--a large garbage bag or some other fold-able, light material that can act as a temporary shelter
--a cell phone with a fully charged battery or a two-way radio; if you opt for the two-way, tell a friend or family member which channel you'll be using
--a bullion cube, or the season packet form Ramen noodles--salty is the key
--a First Aid kit--you can find these online at the Red Cross
And please, make sure someone knows EXACTLY where you're going.
Stay safe and warm, and have a happy holiday!
(c) Howard Sandler. Image from BigStockPhoto.com
So when I read the story about the father leading his three kids on a tree-cutting mission deep into the snowy woods, I had several reactions:1. Why would any adult lead their kids on such a mission? Can't they just go buy a tree like everyone else?
2. If they're going to go foraging on their own for this tree, shouldn't they let someone know, just in case?
3. If they are used to this kind of adventure, then surely they packed an appropriate survival kit.
I live in New York City, so the most trying adventure concerning a Christmas tree in my life is braving the traffic at Rockefeller Center. And I wouldn't be making light of any of this, if the end of this story had been different. Thankfully, dad and kids are home and fine. But do yourself a favor--if you're going to go into the woods, whether in the snow or not, BE PREPARED for any emergency.
Any time you go into the woods, snow or not, bring these essential items. And make sure each person has their own--everything fits in a small backpack or fanny pack:
--something with which to make a fire
--a compass, or these days, a GPS
--a large garbage bag or some other fold-able, light material that can act as a temporary shelter
--a cell phone with a fully charged battery or a two-way radio; if you opt for the two-way, tell a friend or family member which channel you'll be using
--a bullion cube, or the season packet form Ramen noodles--salty is the key
--a First Aid kit--you can find these online at the Red Cross
And please, make sure someone knows EXACTLY where you're going.
Stay safe and warm, and have a happy holiday!
(c) Howard Sandler. Image from BigStockPhoto.com
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