These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Call for help
Call 911. Search and rescue in Grant County is sent through 911.
Grant County Search and Rescue
Lost, missing or stranded person in the wilderness - call 911
911
Silver City · 24/7 via 911
Tell them where you are: trail name, landmarks, and what you can see. Most phones can share your location from the map app.
If there is no signal, try a text to 911, or climb a little higher to a clear spot. Keep the phone on low power.
2Stay put
Once you know you are lost, stop and stay in one place. It's much easier to find someone who stays put.
Stay near an open area where you can be seen from above. Lay out bright clothing.
Three of anything (whistles, shouts, flashes) is a call for help.
Find shelter from wind, rain and sun. Put something between you and the cold ground.
Drink water if you have it. Don't eat snow; it chills you.
3Someone hasn't come back
You can ask"Where were they going, when did they leave, and when should they have been back?"
If they are overdue, especially in bad weather, call 911. Don't wait until morning.
Give the trailhead, the car, and what they were wearing and carrying.
If the missing person is not in the wilderness, use the guide "A loved one is missing".
4Cold, heat and injuries
For cold, use the guide "Stuck outside in freezing cold or snow (hypothermia or frostbite)".
For heat, use the guide "Someone is overheating: heat exhaustion or heat stroke".
For a fall, use the guide "Someone fell, hit their head, or may have a broken bone".
5Before going out
Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back. Carry water, a light, warm layers, a whistle and a charged phone.
NM Fire Info (interagency)
Wildfire updates, fire restrictions and closures
· Online 24/7
More help like this
No heat, or it's dangerously cold or hotUse when someone has no heat at home, is outside in freezing weather or extreme heat, or can't pay for heating.Lost their home or belongings in a fire, flood or disasterUse after a house fire, flood, storm or evacuation when someone has lost their home, clothes or papers.Stuck outside in freezing cold or snow (hypothermia or frostbite)Use when someone is outside or stranded in freezing weather or a snowstorm, is shivering hard, confused or very sleepy from cold, or has numb, white or gray skin.Someone is sleeping outside in dangerous cold or heatUse when you see someone sleeping or staying outside during freezing nights, snow, or extreme heat, and you are worried they may get sick or die.A fire is burning in a home, building or camp right nowUse when a fire has started in a home, apartment, building, car, tent or camp and people need to get out and stay safe.Smells gas, or a carbon monoxide alarm is going offUse when someone smells gas (rotten eggs), hears hissing from a gas line, or a carbon monoxide alarm goes off, or people feel sick from a heater, stove or generator.
See all guides in Emergency and first aid →
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
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If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.