Three hours after a 57-year-old Wahnipitae man called police because he had become lost on back roads near Highway 537, officers located him in good health, said Greater Sudbury Police Service.

Police received a call on Sept. 18 around 8:45 p.m. by a man on his cellphone who said he was lost on back roads off of Highway 537. He had been driving, had almost run out of gas and his cellphone battery was dying (he had no charger with him). He said he was unfamiliar with the roads he was travelling.

Officers managed to find him three hours later after he was able to make his way back to Highway 537 on his own. He was in good health.

At this time of year with people still camping, hunting and other outdoor enthusiast, it is important to know where you are at all times when you get off the beaten path, said police in a news release. Furthermore, everyone should maintain an emergency kit in their vehicle. The kit should include some bottled water, food (granola bars, etc), a blanket, flashlight, matches, sand and/or cat litter (for icy spots you may get stuck in) and keep the charger for your phone in the vehicle so you may be able to talk longer to direct help to your location.

A candle has enough heat to maintain a survival temperature in a vehicle because cars and trucks are well insulated. In remote areas, it is best to remain with the vehicle so you don’t become lost further. The vehicle provides safety and shelter and can be seen from the air.