TrailNote: A Free Online Alert System For The Outdoors

Going hiking, climbing, camping, kayaking, or embarking on any other type of outdoor activity? Inform TrailNote when, where, and how long you will be traveling, and if you don't return by a specified time, this website will electronically inform your contacts of your absence. While GPS, cell phones, and other wireless devices can't always get through (or perhaps you aren't able to operate the device for some reason), TrailNote is another safety backup that you can take advantage of.

What you do is register (for free) on TrailNote.com, name your trip, provide a travel description, give a start time and end time, and mark your destination on a digital map. You also enter the email or text message addresses of people you would like to notify in case you do not return in time.

When you do return, you can use a computer or web-enabled cell phone to cancel your TrailNote. TrailNote.com will provide a warning if you forget. In the event you don't return, TrailNote will automatically message everyone that you selected. The message will contain a link to TrailNote.com and provide your contacts with the details of your trip--where you were going, the map information, and your contact information from your profile.

I asked the webmaster of TrailNote.com a few questions, and here's what he said:

Q: Can you tell me who started this site and why?   

A: The site was created by Richard Visokey and Brandon Price.  The original concept of TrailNote came after reading an article about Aron Ralston, who became famous in 2003 when he was forced to amputate his lower right arm with a dull knife to free himself after his arm became trapped by a boulder when he was mountaineering in Utah . One of the main reasons Aron's situation became so tragic was that he did not inform anyone where he was going and remained trapped for days.  Additionally, we were reminded of the concept every time we would hear a report about a missing hiker making the news, which happened quite frequently.

 

The connection between the majority of the missing person reports was that the hikers were not leaving notes or plans of their trips. No one knew where they were going. 

 

We both felt that there must be a better way to keep people informed when you go out, and TrailNote was the solution.

   

Q: I realize it's a free site for users, but people may be interested to know how you fund it. 

A: All expenses are paid by us with no plans to charge users a fee.

 

Q: Do you have any stories to share about users who've been rescued due to a TrailNote?

We don't, and that is the truly great thing about TrailNote. With the detailed notes that are created, when an adventurer does not return in time, people are usually able to locate the missing person on their own, usually with just a phone call, with the TrailNote information provided. This doesn't mean that people are putting themselves at risk wandering the wilderness looking for missing people, but it means that the information a TrailNote provides allows people to locate an individual quickly and safely.

 

This also means SAR teams, the authorities, and the Forest Service save resources and time by only being notified of a missing hiker when an individual is truly missing. Additionally, they are also handed the TrailNote, giving them the detailed information. Now rescue services have a far better understanding of what type of rescue they are dealing with. This results in a quicker response time, increased safety to everyone involved, and less cost per rescue.

 

Q: What about someone failing to report in when they've returned, even though they DID return? Any comments or stories about that type of situation? 

A: TrailNote has safeguards to help prevent false alerts, but it still happens.  However, unlike EPRB or other electronic systems, TrailNote has a human element behind it.  When an alert goes out to the user's contact list, it typically results in only a quick phone call or text message to determine if the user simply forgot to turn off the alert or if an emergency exists.

 

Q: Many of the SARStoriesNews readers are Search & Rescue professionals (volunteer and paid), so I'm sure they'll be interested to learn about this site. May they contact you if they have questions?

A: We are always eager to talk about TrailNote as we are very proud of the system we created. If any of your readers have additional questions, do not hesitate to direct them to us. We will always take the time to answer any question and take suggestions about the service.

For more information, visit About TrailNote.

 

And here's a story from the Phoenix East Valley Tribune about TrailNote: TrailNote.com Sends Out Emergency Alerts