DO NOT ENTER
KNOWN MINED AREAS

Photo by: Margot Grant
Do not enter known mined areas,
Such as an area in this photograph taken in Cambodia. Weathering has exposed the landmines that were embedded in weed.

Do not enter any known mined areas (unless you absolutely must). IF you must go into known dangerous areas, you must first check with the local people to find out exactly where the mined areas are. And more importantly - the known safe paths/routes. Even if you told there is only one landmine in an area, you should not believe this, instead you must assume there are potentially other mines. Soldiers usually lay mines in groups and rarely by themselves.

Because of my work I needed to enter known mined areas on a regular basis. But I always made sure we had a local guide and never went far into areas without stopping to ask locals. In hindsight there were a few occasions where I put myself at risk by following people who didn't know the area well, and I suppose we were lucky.
 

CAMBODIAN MINE AWARENESS TEACHERS CURRICULUM
      Part 14

      AREAS THAT ARE MOST LIKELY TO BE MINED

      MAIN POINTS
      - Mines can be found buried on the land you want to work; to build your house; to cut the wood and where you collect water. 
      - Potentially, mines can be found anywhere but some areas are more likely to be mined. 
      - Particularly avoid strategic military areas, abandoned places and overgrown fields. 
      - In areas contested by soldiers mines are also planted around water sources and shady rest areas. 

      XVII