Mushroom Season: How Not to Get Lost in the Forest

Every year, dozens of Belarusians get lost this way. 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 woods. Elderly people most often have trouble with orientation. However, anyone can get lost.

It is not uncommon for people to dress for the forest as if they were going to partisan warfare. Camouflage effectively conceals a person, significantly complicating searches if they no longer have the strength to signal for help. Of course, clothing should be dense, but bright is better. A red cap, bandana, or any noticeable item would be helpful.

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 if you are in a group, you can use a whistle. Its sound can be heard from 2-3 kilometers away.

When going into the forest, pay attention to the weather conditions: it is better to postpone the trip in cloudy weather. If mushroom or berry picking is a decided matter, follow these recommendations:

- Do not go into the forest alone;
- Study the basic rules of forest orientation;
- Inform relatives or friends about your intended route and return time, and keep them updated if your plans change;
- Wear comfortable, waterproof clothing and footwear;
- Take a phone, water, medicine, 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, it should be on your left;

If you get lost in the forest, the first thing you need to do is orient yourself, determine where you can find water and fire to protect yourself from the cold and organize a place to stay.

If you have a mobile phone with you, dial the rescue service number and state which settlement and district you entered the forest from, and describe what you see around you.

If you find yourself in the 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 moving train from 10 km; head towards the sound.

Do not try to leave the forest at night: if it starts to get dark, it is better to prepare a place for overnight stay. A pit left by an uprooted tree is suitable for this. Make a shelter resembling a hut from branches and a bedding from available materials. By the way, about fighting the cold. A sheet of newspaper tucked under your clothes will reduce heat loss by half. The same effect is provided by foliage stuffed under clothing. When organising an overnight stay, ensure that those searching for you do not pass by – hang a cap, a handkerchief, or a sheet of paper on bushes, break off branches to attract attention.

Test your knowledge of what to do if you get lost in the forest in the MChS mobile application "Help Nearby".