Important tips from Mountain Rescue Service for everyone heading to Serbia's mountains these days

Photo: Serbia's Mountain Rescue Service vehicle/Novi Pazar

A spell of nice weather, that we welcomed the New Year with, and which lasted until (Orthodox) Christmas, has come to an end. Colder weather, sleet and even snow are expected during the weekend in most parts of the country.

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"It is possible that low snow cover will form om Sunday in many lower-lying areas. However, forecasts regarding the snow are still uncertain, especially for the rest of te week, so there are possible changes regarding the current forecast," said meteorologist Djordje Djuric.

Due to the announced increase in the snow cover in mountainous areas, the Mountain Rescue Service of Serbia issued a statement with advice that mountaineers should follow.

First and foremost, they should inform themselves if the roads they plan to take on the way to their chosen mountain are passable.

Make sure you have enough fuel in the tank (preferably the tank will be full) which can be vital if you are heading to a mountainous area, but also have a charged battery in your mobile phone.

If a problem occurs, never panic. If you have phone service, call for help, don't try to go to out into the snowdrifts and get help yourself.

Bring enough food and water, blankets and extra clothes.

If you get stranded, stay in the car and wait. Help is on its way!

It's not a bad idea to, if you have the opportunity, bring a few small things that are sometimes very useful, like a shovel, battery cables, a ow cable, lubrication and defrosting liquids, candles, a lighter, a flashlight, etc.

The Mountain Rescue Service (GSS) numbers:

GSS Kopaonik

063 466 466

GSS Zlatibor

063 466 467

GSS Stara Mountain

063 466 461

GSS Divcibare

063 466 427

"Mountaineering in Serbia"; Photo illustration: Nikola Jovanovic

(Telegraf.rs)