How To Escape a Minefield

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Step 1  

Avoid minefields, mined areas, and areas with unexploded ordnance (UXO). UXO is a term used to denote any kind of explosive weapons, such as bombs, grenades, and artillery shells, that have been used but have not yet exploded--"duds," in other words--and that retain the potential to detonate. Landmines are sometimes considered a type of UXO, and while mines receive the most media attention, all UXOs are dangerous. In some parts of the world, UXO other than mines present the greatest hazard.  

• Learn about the history of an area. Obviously, most places are free of mines or other UXOs. Anytime that you are traveling to an unfamiliar area, however, it's wise to learn about the history of that area to determine if there is a landmine risk. Areas that are experiencing armed conflict are clearly high-risk, but landmines and UXOs remain dangerous long after the cessation of hostilities. In Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, for example, millions of mines and dud bombs remain, and even in Belgium, long combat-free, crews have removed hundreds of tons of UXO, left over from WWI and WWII, in the past few years.
• Heed warning signs. While you can't always count on minefields being marked, you should definitely stay away from those that are. Internationally recognized symbols for minefields include a skull-and-crossbones and a red triangle. Signs are often, but not always, red, and they frequently say "MINES" or "DANGER." Where signs are not present, improvised warnings are often used, such as painted rocks (red usually indicates the boundary of the minefield, and white indicates a safe path through it), piles of stones, flags in the ground, tied grass, or ribbons cordoning off an area. The presence of any type of warning sign, however, is far from certain.
• Inquire locally. Mine warnings often don't last long. Over time, plants, weather, animals and people dismantle or conceal signs. In very poor areas, metal signs are a valuable building material, and it's not uncommon to see a mine warning used, for example, to patch a metal roof. What's more, in many places, warnings are never installed. Local people, however, often know the general locations of mines and UXO, so your best bet when traveling in potentially dangerous territory is to ask the locals whether an area is safe, or better yet, get a guide.
• Don't stray off established paths. Except in active combat situations, if people regularly use a path you can be sure it is not mined. Just off the path, however, danger may be lurking.

Step 2  

Learn what mines in the area look like. There are a wide array of different mines, and these mines are often employed in ingenious ways. Learn what to look for by asking locals or representatives of the military, the U.N. or NGOs who conduct mine awareness training. If you know you will be in potentially dangerous situations, seek out a full mine awareness and safety course.

Step 3  

Avoid picking up anything. Booby traps using mines frequently employ bait that an unsuspecting or curious person might pick up. Just about any object can be used as bait. Combat-related objects, such as helmets, radios, and guns are frequently used as bait, but other things, such as toys and even food are also common. If you didn't drop it, don't pick it up.

Step 4  

Look out for mines or detonation devices. Most mines, of course, are hidden, but if you know what to look for you'll have a better chance of avoiding them. Don't let your guard down even for a moment if you are in a mined area. Constantly be on the lookout for the following signs (excerpted from U.S. Army Field Manual 20-32):  

• Trip wires. Don't expect these to be obvious. Wires are usually concealed and thin enough to be almost invisible.
• Signs of road repair (such as new fill or paving, road patches, ditching, culvert work).
• Signs placed on trees, posts, or stakes. The forces that place the mines may mark the minefields to protect their own soldiers.
• Dead animals. Cattle and other animals frequently detonate mines.
• Damaged vehicles.
• Suspicious objects in trees and bushes. Not all mines are buried, and not all UXO land on the ground.
• Disturbances in previous tire tracks or tracks that stop unexplainably.
• Wires leading away from the side of the road. They may be firing wires that are partially buried.
• Odd features in the ground or patterns that are not present in nature. Plant growth may wilt or change color, rain may wash away some of the cover, the cover may sink or crack around the edges, or the material covering the mines may look like mounds of dirt.
• Civilians staying away from certain places or out of certain buildings. Locals often know where mines or UXO are located. Question civilians to determine the exact locations.
• Pieces of wood or other debris on a road. They may be indicative of pressure or pressure-release FDs. These devices may be on the surface or partially buried.

Step 5  

Call out a warning to companions if you suspect you are in the presence of mines or UXO. As soon as you think you are in danger, make sure everyone knows so they can stop moving before someone detonates an explosive.

Step 6  

Stop immediately. The moment you realize you may be in danger, freeze. Look down at your feet to assess your immediate situation.

Step 7  

Backtrack your way out of a mined area. Should you suspect that you have entered a minefield or mined area, either because you see warning signs, you see a mine or potential mine, or because a detonation occurs, remain calm and carefully back out of danger by stepping in your footsteps. If possible, do not turn around. Look behind you as you walk, and slowly place your feet exactly where they were before. Continue until you are sure you are out of danger, such as when you reach a road or other frequently traveled area.

Step 8  

Get help if you are unable to clearly see your footprints. If you're not absolutely sure where you stepped before, don't risk moving. Inches can be the difference between life and death. If people nearby can get help, have them do so. If you are alone and can use a cell phone, call for help. Do not use two-way radios unless absolutely necessary, however (see Warnings section below). If you have no way of reaching anyone, wait. Do not try to "make a run for it" and do not attempt to probe your way out unless you know what you are doing.

Step 9  

Pay attention for signs that a detonation may occur. When exiting a minefield be alert for signs that a mine may detonate. Listen for unusual noises. You may notice a faint click if a pressure plate has been depressed or a tilt rod has been moved, or, more likely, you may hear the pop of the exploding cap. Pay attention to what you can feel, as well. If you are very alert and proceed slowly you may be able to feel the tension of a trip wire, for example.

Step 10  

Drop to the ground immediately if you think a detonation has been initiated. If you notice any of the signs from the last step, or if someone nearby cries out a warning that they have detonated a mine, drop to the ground as quickly as possible. You may have as little as a second before the mine explodes, but if you use that second wisely you may be able to escape serious injury or death. If possible, fall backward in order to shield your upper body from shrapnel as much as possible. While it's certainly possible to fall onto another mine, the area right behind you is the safest place to fall, because you were just walking there. Do not try to outrun the explosion; projectiles will fly out from the mine at thousands of feet per second, and the casualty radius--the distance from the mine in which you can expect to be injured--can be up to 100 feet or more.

Step 11  

Mark the hazard, and report its location to the proper authorities. Help make sure that other people avoid a mine or UXO by marking it. Use internationally recognized symbols or signs if possible, or use the customary local warning. Make sure you are in safe territory before attempting to erect a warning. Note the location of the danger, and report it to police, the military, or local deminers.

Tips

• While most people are familiar with pressure-detonated mines, which are triggered by a person stepping on them or a vehicle going over them, there are many other different types of mines and detonation methods. Some are triggered by the release of pressure (as when someone picks up an object above the mine); others use tripwires, the presence of vibrations, or magnetic triggering devices.
• Landmines are found either in minefields or mined areas. Minefields are areas with clear boundaries--these boundaries are not always visible, however--where mines were placed, often in high densities, generally to achieve defensive goals. Mined areas, however, have no clear boundaries and thus typically cover more area than minefields. Mined areas have low densities of mines (a mine here and there) and are typical of guerilla warfare situations.
• When in doubt, stick to paved roads, as mines can't be buried in pavement. Keep in mind, however, that (mostly in active combat zones), mines may be placed in potholes, or tripwires may be drawn across a road to trigger mines on the roadside.
• Mines can be made of metal, plastic, or wood, so a metal detector won't necessarily warn you of danger.

Warnings

• Never assume a recently "cleared" area is safe. Mine removal is a difficult and tricky process, and it's not unusual for landmines to remain in an area that has officially been cleared. One of the primary reasons for this is that mines that have been in the ground for a long time may sink substantially. In the course of the yearly freeze-thaw cycle, however, frost heaves sometimes push these deeply buried mines to the surface.
• Do not use two-way radios when you are in a minefield. The signal from the radio may cause certain types of mines or UXO to accidentally detonate. If others are in a minefield, get at least 300 meters away before attempting to radio for help. The signal from cell phones may also have the capability to accidentally detonate explosive devices (insurgents and terrorists have frequently used cell phones to remotely detonate explosive devices, but these detonations required a signal).
• Never enter a minefield or mined area on purpose unless you are a trained and properly-equipped de-miner.
• Don't throw rocks at, or attempt to shoot a mine or UXO. If other mines are present, the detonation of one mine may set off a chain reaction of detonations.
• Do not tamper with mines or UXO, and do not attempt to destroy them unless you are properly trained and equipped.
• Make sure not to drop anything or drag anything along the ground while you are backtracking.
• If you are walking in an area with any sort of thing that might signal there are mines there, and you hear a clicking sound, STOP. Mines detonate when pressure put on the mine is released. Call for help, or use a cell phone, but DON'T MOVE.