Information for Volunteers on Search Day for Maisy Odjick and Shannon Alexander Saturday May 2, 2009 at 7:00am* The Kitigan Zibi Band and Police Department and the families of Maisy and Shannon have requested that Search and Rescue Global 1 (SAR Global 1) help conduct the search for Maisy Odjick and Shannon Alexander who disappeared from the Maniwaki area in September 2008. THANKS FOR COMING TO HELP! YOUR ASSISTANCE IS APPRECIATED! HOWEVER, PLEASE NOTE THAT SEARCHING CAN BE DANGEROUS AND YOU ARE DOING SO AT YOUR OWN RISK. We all hope that the girls will be found safe and sound. However, until that happens, we must search safely, thoroughly and effectively. Here are some things to keep in mind.Basic Requirements To participate, you MUST be 18 years of age or over. Please DO NOT BRING: o children not safe or appropriate; and would be distracting; o dogs; ATVs; firearms; alcohol, etc. Safety Your priorities are the safety of you, your team members and others. The slowest member of the team sets the pace. If you have any serious medical condition (e.g., allergic reactions to bees; knee problems; diabetes; conditions requiring medication, etc.) please talk to your team leader before starting. It will not help the search if you are injured and the team has to stop.What do you need to search? Sturdy boots or hiking shoes. Clothing appropriate to the weather conditions (hat; coat; rain coat; work gloves). Long sleeved shirt and pants. Eye protection is essential clear goggles or safety glasses are best. If possible, dress in layers so you can take off or add layers to keep comfortable. Start with a wicking base layer; then a fleece or warmth layer covered by an outer layer of windproof pants and jackets. Jeans and cotton t-shirts are definitely not a good idea. Please bring a small pack sack! Snacks and water (2 litres) are really important!!! Sunscreen, bug repellent; sun glasses; and spare socks. Broom handle, hockey stick handle or walking stick to move the bushes.How do we search? We work in teams under a Team Leader who is responsible for the team. It is very important that you do as asked by the Team Leader. Make sure you know the names of your team members. Your Team Leader will brief you on the information that is available, the area you will be asked to search, how the search will be conducted and safety issues (e.g., tripping; slipping; getting a stick in your eye; barbed wire fences, etc.). In particular, the Team Leader will tell you what to look for and how to search. The search methods we use have been developed by experts from across North America they have been proven to work. Most likely you will be away searching for 3-4 hours at a time walking though very rough ground with thick bush. So go to the washroom first and take everything you will need in a backpack. You can not search effectively if you are talking, smoking or not paying full attention. It is hard work. If you need a break, just ask your Team Leader. Expect to come back tired, sweaty and dirty with some scratches.What are we looking for? We are always looking for clues and, of course, the missing girls. Clues can be almost anything that looks out of place: o Clothing or shoes; o Personal items; o Bones; o Disturbed soil, mounds of dirt; o Depressions in the ground; o Broken branches; o Strange smells; o Signs of animal activity;What to do if you find something? Say stop and ask your team leader to come and investigate. DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING THAT MAY BE A CLUE.Questions??? If you have any questions during the day, please speak to your Team Leader. It is possible that media may be at the search. There will be designated spokespersons available. Please refer media back to the Command Post. Thanks again for helping! You are making a difference. Please be careful and remember you are searching at your own risk.* Only one group of 5 will leave at 7am and other groups will leave at various times after that so don't worry if your late. We will welcome any proper volunteer at any time.
