2. Carry A Spot Locator
Carry a Spot locater with you if you can. Spot locators are emergency beacons that when activated will use a satellite to convey to local rescue squads where to come and find you. You can purchase the device and a yearly subscription plan for somewhere around $300. Or you can check one out, free of charge, here in Ketchikan. The Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad has made Spot devices available for use; you just need to fill out a trip plan. According to the Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad website, you can check-out these devices in one of three places: “Ketchikan Visitor’s Bureau (131 Front Street), Ketchikan Public Library (1110 Copper Ridge Ln), and Alaska State Troopers Ketchikan Post (7366 N Tongass Hwy).” If you do end up checking out one of these Spot locators, please consider that they accept donations in order to help continuing to loan these devices to the public for free.