B.C. outdoor organization warns against ‘viral’ voicemail advice

A North Shore Rescue helicopter is seen in this image from the organization's Facebook page.

Bad advice about what to do if you’re lost, stranded or injured outdoors is circulating online, prompting a warning from a B.C. organization.

BC AdventureSmart took to social media Monday to address what it calls a “viral trend” telling people what to do if they need emergency assistance and their cellphone has a low battery or little-to-no signal.

“Here’s the claim: If you’re lost and have no signal, change your voicemail to say where you are,” the post says, before refuting the advice.

“Nope. Doesn’t work that way. You need a cell signal to change your voicemail in the first place. No signal (equals) no voicemail update.”

Regardless of battery or signal level, BC AdventureSmart says the best course of action is always to call 911 and ask for police, who can trigger a search and rescue response.

“Even if your signal is weak, your phone will try to connect to any available network to make that emergency call,” the organization says.

Additional tips on how to prepare before venturing outdoors and what to do in an emergency are available on the BC AdventureSmart website.