Dozens of Belarusians get lost this way every year. Some find their way home on their own after wandering for 2-3 hours. However, others require a large-scale search: rescuers, police, forest rangers, and residents of nearby villages comb the forest. Most often, elderly people experience difficulties with orientation. However, anyone can get lost.
Dozens of Belarusians get lost this way every year. Some find their way home on their own after wandering for 2-3 hours. However, others require a large-scale search: rescuers, police, forest rangers, and residents of nearby villages comb the forest. Most often, elderly people experience difficulties with orientation. However, anyone can get lost.
People often dress for the forest as if they were going to partisan warfare. Camouflage effectively conceals a person, which significantly complicates searches if they no longer have the strength to signal for help. Of course, clothing should be durable, but bright colours are preferable. A red cap, bandana, or any easily visible item would be beneficial.
Before heading into the forest, study a map of the area, arm yourself with a phone with a navigator, and a basic first-aid kit. To avoid getting lost when in a group, you can use a whistle. Its sound can be heard from 2-3 kilometres away.
When going into the forest, pay attention to the weather conditions: it is better to postpone the trip in overcast weather. If your trip for mushrooms or berries is a decided matter, follow these recommendations:
- do not go into the forest alone;
- learn the basic rules of forest orientation;
- inform relatives or friends about your intended route and expected return time, and keep them updated if your plans change;
- wear comfortable, waterproof clothing and footwear;
- take a phone, water, medication, a knife, and matches with you.
Before venturing deep into the forest, note the position of the sun and remember which side it is on. If the sun is on your right, then when exiting the forest in the same direction, the sun should be on your left;
If you get lost in the forest, the first thing you need to do is orient yourself in the area, determine where you can find water and fire to protect yourself from the cold and organise a place to stay overnight.
If you have a mobile phone with you, dial the emergency services number and state which settlement and district you entered the forest from, and describe what you see around you.
If you find yourself in a forest without a phone and cannot determine your location even approximately, stop and calm down. Drink water if possible and move towards your goal.
The main thing for you is to reach people, so power lines, clearings, and paths will be important landmarks. If you find any of these, follow along them, and you will definitely find people.
If you encounter a stream or river on your way, follow it downstream – it will always lead to people. Listen carefully: the sound of a tractor can be heard from 3-4 km away, a dog barking from 2-3 km, a train from 10 km; head towards the sound.
Do not try to get out of the forest at night: if it starts to get dark, it is better to set up a place for the night. A pit from an uprooted tree will be suitable for this. Make a shelter like a hut