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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2006-01-25, Page 20• I.. The Huron Expositor • January 25, 2006 Page 20 1.•4 Anstett and Hildebrand recognized for years of service with Seaforth Fire Department Susan Hundertmark GIMIEMIND After 20 years on the Seaforth Fire Department, Doug Anstett says he's not as keen as he once was to run into burning buildings. But, as a pumper operator, he's still one of the first at the firehall • during every fire call. "The younger guys want to get in there and attack the fire," he says. "But, the pumper is normally the first piece of equipment we take out - getting water to the fire is an important part." His fellow 20 -year award recipi- SURVIVAL PRIORITIES by Craig Nicholson (©2005 by Craig Nicholson. All rights reserved.) Most snowmobilers head off into the backcountry with lit- tle thought about what could go wrong. We trust to luck, fate, our companions and even our sleds to get us back safely. But what if the worst happens? Are you prepared to spend a night in the bush? At a survival course, I learned that a few basics make a night in the cold more survivable. Good thing, because like most snowmobilers, I don't want to be burdened like a soldier off to war. In fact, most of my essential survival gear will fit in a fanny — which should be attached to the body. In order of importance, the five key survival priorities are: shelter, fire, water, signal and food. Shelter is first, because it is your main line of defense against hypothermia. Shelter also takes the most thought and is the longest to prepare. That's. why in an emergency, an early decision to stop and build a shelter is of utmost importance. Once in place, it can signifi- cantly increase your survival odds. Carry string, duct tape, a plastic tarp or drop sheet and a multi -tool knife. Then use branches, boughs, bark and moss to build a space large enough to curl up in. An A -frame or lean-to is easiest. Make a thick floor of evergreen boughs so contact with the snow won't make you wet. Fire is next most important, and more effective once a shel- ter adds protection and heat retention. Just don't burn it down! • Place the fire outside the entrance and if you can find it, put a large rock on the far side to help deflect heat back to you. Get your fire started easily by carrying a 35 mm film container stuffed with Vaseline -soaked cotton balls. A lighter may or may not function in the cold, but my pocket sized StrikeForce Fire Starter device (survivalinc.com) works every time. Be sure to have lots of dead wood to keep those flames burning all night. Start collecting it from farther away and work in towards your shelter, so fuel is closer in the dark. Water is the third priority. A human can last ,up to three weeks without food, but dehydration can kill in only a few days. So now I always carry a small bottle of water, which doubles as a container. However, it's also a good idea to have a small metal cup to melt snow faster or brew up a hot drink. Now that your immediate situation is stabilized, think about signaling for help. When someone misses you (You left a trip plan at home, right?), and weather permitting, search parties will commence. So think big and smoky. Learn about signal fire configurations and ingredients that put out dense black smoke, visible for miles. Carry a couple of signal flares. Don't light anything until you hear or see searchers. After all these preparations, you may be hungry. Carry a' couple of power bars, a bag of trail mix, beef jerky and soup mix in your pack. Survival takes knowledge, foresight and practice. The more I've thought about being prepared to survive, the more I'm convinced a satellite phone is also a good idea. The opinions expressed are solely those of the author Your Mak CAT° Sledquarters Snowmobiles & ATV's Sales & Service Parts & Accessories ARCM CAT SHARE OUR PASSION. JIM HAULR TIRE !elm_ K 11 S BATTERY BRODMAGEN 345.2248 tif BliEtkPA0113. *SALES *SERVICE *ACCESSORIES A ‘;1 1 1 / North4iAis7if2o SedfO r th USE TRAIL AT YOUR OWN 111S YOU must know and obey the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act (Orli) YOU must use caution al all times Emergency and cell phone service may not be available ent, Paul Hildebrand, says he's just as keen as he was when he joined the Seaforth fire department's auxiliary 25 years ago. "This is the greatest old love of my life," says Hildebrand, of firefighting. Anstett and Hildebrand were recognized recently for their 20 years of ser- vice as Seaforth firefighters with a ring and a medal from the federal govern- ment. Susan Hundertmark photo Perth County Warden Barb Maclean and Huron East Fire Chief Marty Bedard stand with award recipients for their 20 years of service with the Seaforth Fire Department, Doug Anstett (left) and Paul Hildebrand (right). With the recog- nition, they join four other Seaforth firefighters on the department who have reached the milestone. "It's quite an achievement," says Seaforth District Chief Tom Phillips. "We are a volunteer service and to carry on with the job, called out any time of the day or night shows dedication both to the com- munity and to the fire department." "They've both put in a lot of time and effort," says Phillips. Hildebrand grew up chasing firetrucks. "I didn't want anything else for Christmas as a kid but firetrucks. It's in the blood - I like the adrena- line, he says. He still loves attacking a fire and "knocking 'er down" and Hildebrand says the big fires, such as the down- town fire in 1996 and several large barn fires, stay vivid in his memory. "I was in the bucket truck steady for seven hours in '96," he says. But, the traffic accidents, espe- cially those involving kids, have been tough. Hildebrand says he still visits the graves of a few children who died either in car accidents or drownings. Anstett, who works in the Public Works department for the munici- pality of Huron East, says his expe- rience with machinery and town equipment has helpedwhenextrica- tion from vehi- cles is involved at accident scenes. But, while the mechanical side came easily, Anstett agrees that attending accidents has never been easy. "That part gets tough. It's hard to see peo- ple you know in accidents," he says, adding that the camaraderie with fellow fire- fighters helps. "We. go back to the hall and talk about it. That helps you get over stuff," he says. "ARE'YOUR DENTURES OVER 4 YEARS.OLO? COME IN FOR A FREE CHECK-UP"' 1 ERT STREET DENTURE CLINIC Denture Specialist Dean R. McTaggart •Complete and Partial Dentures *Denture Repairs with same day service *Relines • Additions 482-1195 50 Albert Street, Clinton •