Security rules and caution against mines and remnants of war
If you are in a country that is in a state of war or a country suffering from the remnants of a previous war, the following rules may help you avoid danger.
Never catch, touch, or approach landmines or UXO (unexploded ordnance), do not touch anything, especially UXO. Never go collect war souvenirs.
Landmine marks vary from region to region, make sure you know what signs are in the area where you are located. Never go to areas with signs, wires, or warning strips of mines. Report any incidents caused by landmines.
Before traveling to any place, always tell your colleagues or your family about your destination and the routes to be used- including when you are out of service or on weekends.
Do not travel to high-risk areas for reasons that are not inevitable. Make sure all passengers are properly trained and prepared.
Always try to stay within the coverage of the network to be able to ask for help, but keep in mind that it is not safe to use a wireless device, mobile phone, or satellite phone near mines, explosive traps, or unexploded ordnance, where radio signals may detonate them.
Make sure to carry a first aid kit when you are traveling. Make sure to check out some basics of First Aid Steps.
Travel with a local guide, if he is well versed in the area and the safe road where no mines and unexploded ordnances (UXO).
Use only roads and tracks recently used by others. Take only the approved roads and do not deviate from what is planned if possible. Leave plenty of time in the morning for local traffic to use the roads before you.
Carry a map showing the best available information about roads known to be mine free. Update this information by checking with the people of the region while traveling. Travel with someone who knows the way whenever possible.(Open Interactive Map)
Remember that mines can be planted recently, so be careful while you walk or drive in the well-used road as it can have new mines. Be careful of new bumps, they may hide mines.
Do not leave the road for any reason. Do not approach the checkpoints surrounding the former military sites. Do not leave the road ahead of anyone or avoid a block or turn to the other side and if the road is not wide enough, retreat so that the car can rotate safely.
Never walk across cultivated areas. Use pavement and stay on solid-surface roads whenever possible, even if you have increased travel time.
Watch out for interesting things laid out on the side of the road, always be aware of things that look "out of place"! Do not get close to suspicious things. Sometimes mines and explosive traps are hidden in attractive or fun objects such as toys, cigarette lighter, etc.
Be more careful when driving during or after heavy rainfall. Often mines move or are exposed due to rain.
Do not drive anything above the road, as a landmine may be hidden under a paper bag, cloth, wooden plank or new hole in the road.
Walk on a line when traveling through roads in areas where there may be mines. Allow 20 meters between each person. If a group or individual finds themselves inside a suspicious spot, they must retreat and return from the same path they entered if their footprints are still visible on the ground.
Do not enter the destroyed or abandoned buildings.
