When going into the forest for mushrooms and berries, or simply for a walk, people often get so carried away that they lose familiar landmarks unnoticed and are unable to find their way out of the forest on their own.
Since the beginning of the year, 16 people, including 4 children, have gone missing in the forests of the Vitebsk region. Sometimes lost people find their way home on their own, but more often than not, the assistance of rescuers, police officers, and volunteers is indispensable.
What should be remembered when going into the forest?
1. First and foremost, it is necessary to check the weather forecast and consider the time of day. It is no secret that it gets dark very quickly in the forest, so plan your trip for the first half of the day.
2. For gathering mushrooms and berries, or simply for walks, choose familiar places and stick to the boundaries of the area you know in the forest.
3. Be sure to inform relatives, friends, or acquaintances about your trip to the forest, your intended route, and your expected return time. Warn them if your plans or routes change.
4. The choice of clothing should be taken seriously: wear comfortable, waterproof clothing and footwear, preferring items in bright colours.
5. Be sure to take a charged mobile phone, water, a small supply of food, medicine, a knife, and matches with you.
If you do get lost in the forest, calm down, do not panic, and try to orient yourself. Listen to sounds – barking dogs, the sound of car and train traffic, sirens – these are all very important landmarks. The main thing for you is to reach people, so power lines, clearings, and paths are also important beacons. If you find any of these, walk along them, and you will definitely find people. Dial the rescue service number "101" or "112" and report which settlement you set off from, in which direction you were moving, and describe what you see around you, sending your coordinates if possible.