The Ontario Provincial Police are crediting a popular mobile app for helping to save a pair of hikers who got lost on a trail in North Middlesex.
On September 1, just before 4 p.m., officers were called to a trail on Elm Tree Drive.
Using the What3Words app, police were able to locate and help guide the hikers from the trail back to their vehicle.
Police said the free app provides an easy way to describe any precise location with or without Wi-Fi.
The app divides the world into a grid of 3 metre squares, and each of them is given a unique address made from three random words.
The OPP remind hikers to take the following precautions to be prepared in the event of an emergency:
- Learn the difficulty of the terrain
- Know the distance
- Ensure your cell phone is fully charged
- Check the weather conditions and dress accordingly
- Let a loved one or a friend know where you are going and the anticipated time of the journey
- Pack a snack, water, a small survival kit and navigation tools
- Know your limits
The OPP can be reached anywhere in Ontario at 1-888-310-1122.