Cyprus forestry officials issue safety rules for mushroom pickers and hunters
The Forestry Department has published a set of precautions for anyone heading into the woods, from charging your phone to wearing high-visibility gear on hunting days.
As autumn draws people into the woods, the Forestry Department has published safety guidance for mushroom collectors, hunters and other forest visitors, as reported by Cyprus Mail. The advice is meant to prevent accidents and cases of people losing their way in forested areas.
Walkers are told to keep near their vehicle and stay on routes they know, and to save the parking spot's coordinates on their phone. Cliffs, ravines and steep or slippery trails should be avoided, and anyone setting out should share their plans with family or friends rather than go into the forest alone.
Hunters are reminded to wear bright, clearly visible clothing and a high-visibility vest on hunting days, while mushroom pickers should take only specimens they can identify as edible with complete certainty. In an emergency, the department advises staying calm, not wandering and calling 112 or 1407 with the most precise location details possible.
What it means for residents
With mushroom season overlapping the hunting calendar, the island's forests get busy, and a large share of rescues here start with someone who left the trail or lost track of their car. A little preparation before setting out is what separates a good day out from a call to the emergency line.
- Phone and power. A charged handset with your car's location saved is the single most useful thing you can carry, so pack a power bank too.
- Dress to be seen. Bright colours and a high-visibility vest matter on hunting days, and grippy footwear matters on limestone and wet pine needles.
- Know the numbers. Save 112 and 1407 in advance, and if you do get lost, stay put and give rescuers the clearest description of where you are.
This text is written from the source article and is not a translation of it.
