Danbury FD Finds Lost Hikers, Offers Safety Tips

DANBURY, CT — The fire department was called upon to assist some lost hikers in Tarrywile Park on Monday night.

Fire officials took that opportunity to pass along some hiking safety tips to residents, on their Facebook page:

When you hike:

• Tell someone where you are going, and how long you should be.
• Wear good shoes for the weather.
• Carry a backpack with essential items: water, snack bars, a flashlight, sunscreen, insect repellent, and maybe an extra sweatshirt.
• Know how to locate your position on your cellphone or bring a map. Most cellphones have a "Where am I?" button; know how to use it, and how to send it to someone.

If you get lost or disoriented:

• Stay calm. Rescue is not very far away from anywhere in Danbury.
• Call 9-1-1, dispatchers will get your information, and plot your position on computer maps so that a rescue team can find you.
• Stay in one place. It is much more difficult for rescue teams to find you if you are moving.
• Conserve your cellphone. Switch to battery saver mode, do not make many phone calls, shut off apps. The fire department will call you and coordinate your rescue.

The picture above, supplied by the Danbury FD, shows their command vehicle from which such searches are coordinated in the field.

Tarrywile is a 722-acre park popular for both hiking and getting hitched. It is located about a mile from downtown Danbury.