The interior Ministry recalled the safety rules when going to the forest

The interior Ministry reminded the rules of preparation for a trip to the forest, and gave recommendations on how to behave if lost. It's from sb.by. with reference to the MVD.

Almost daily in different regions of the country, police receive reports of mushroom pickers who went to the forest and did not return. Most of the lost are villagers over 70 years old. Such incidents endanger health and sometimes life. The Ministry of Internal Affairs pays special attention to organizational and practical measures to search for those lost in the forest. Effective interaction with the Emergencies Ministry units and the public has been established.

To protect yourself, you need to properly organize a trip to the forest, adhering to the rules.

“Inform relatives of the possible route and time of return. Be sure to bring a fully charged mobile phone, preferably with an extra battery. Better not go alone, but with a partner. Clothing should be bright and waterproof, shoes - durable and comfortable. Do not forget about water, food, if necessary - about medicines. A flashlight and whistle will be useful, as well as a knife, matches, a lighter and a watch, the Ministry of Internal Affairs noted, adding that when entering the forest, you need to pay attention to large landmarks nearby: power lines, a road or a clearing. It is also important not to shorten the path through unfamiliar terrain, especially the swamp, and also to exclude chaotic movements.

If you are lost, do not panic. Call your family and dial 101, 102 or 112. Stay where you are, build a fire and wait for help. It is best to sit in an open area. Periodically give sound signals in your voice or tap a stick on a tree. Listen yourself, trying to recognize the presence of a person (the noise of the railway or highway, the sound of the engine and signals of special equipment, the buzzing of the drone in the sky, the screams of rescuers). If you decide to go out on your own, don’t do it at night. Be sure to choose a target, draw straight lines visually and follow them.

If the friend did not return from the forest at the appointed time, you need to report the incident to the police as soon as possible. Do not try to look for it yourself, it is important not to postpone a call that can save lives, added the interior Ministry.