September is a time when many people head into the forests to pick mushrooms. However, with the start of the season, police also receive reports concerning people who lose their bearings while looking for mushrooms and are unable to return on their own.
Such an incident occurred on Thursday in Bolesławiec County. Two women from Legnica came to the forest to pick mushrooms. At one point, the women lost their bearings and did not know how to get out of the forest.
The mushroom pickers did not try to find their way back on their own. They called the emergency number 112 and asked for help. A community police officer from the Police Station in Kruszyn was sent to the scene.
Thanks to his excellent knowledge of the area and very good familiarity with the surroundings, the police officer quickly located the women. He then helped them leave the forest safely.
This is another recent report concerning people who lost their bearings while mushroom picking. Police remind us that this can happen even to people who know the forest well, so it is worth preparing properly before setting out.
Above all, you should tell your loved ones exactly where you are going to pick mushrooms and, if possible, outline your planned route. It is also worth remembering distinctive landmarks and checking where you left your car.
You should take a charged mobile phone with you when going mushroom picking. Apps that help determine your current location may also be useful. It is a good idea to save emergency numbers in your phone.
Police also recommend taking a flashlight and a reflective item, as well as wearing appropriate clothing and footwear. Older people in particular, along with those who have difficulty orienting themselves, should not go into the forest alone.
If, despite taking precautions, we lose our way, we should not continue blindly. The safest course is to stop in one place, find safe shelter and contact the emergency number 112.
A few simple rules can help ensure that mushroom picking remains an enjoyable outing rather than ending with the need to search for a way back with the assistance of emergency services.