Don’t waste time and battery!
The above image has been doing the rounds on Facebook for a while. It seems logical and a good idea but it’s not. It’s dangerous advice.
Why is it dangerous?
If you’re lost and/or injured in a remote location you want to get help as soon as you can. You will have limited battery power and potentially limited signal. If you have a signal why waste time changing a voicemail - call the emergency services who can lock onto your phone, get a location and give you advice.
If you don’t have a signal then you cannot update your voicemail anyway so why waste battery?
Here is a link to some articles that go into more detail -
https://www.advnture.com/news/change-voicemail-lost-hiking
https://www.upworthy.com/you-cant-change-your-voicemail-when-stranded-without-cell-service
Particularly if you’re going hiking, our advice is simple:
- Tell someone where you’re going (including the route) and what time you expect to return
- Give them a cut off time (If I haven’t called you by xx then call search and rescue)
- Make sure you take a map and a compass (and know how to use them) and do not rely on mobile phones for navigation
- Make sure you pack enough warm kit and food so that if you have to stop for a prolonged period you can stay warm
- If you have to stop and can choose where then choose somewhere near a track so people can find you (unless you need to shelter from the elements)
- Carry a couple of glow sticks so you can be found at night
- Consider carrying a tracker such as a Garmin InReach or sharing your route live via your watch if you have that function.
Enjoy hiking but remember it's much more fun when you're safe!