An online app helped Orillia OPP officers safely locate two people who had become lost in Copeland Forest on Saturday evening.
The hikers called 911 at around 6 p.m. to say they had become lost in the Oro-Medonte woods, said the Orillia OPP in news release.
"Numerous officers, including the Central Region emergency response team (ERT) and canine unit began heading to the location of the park while the Provincial Communications Centre (PCC) continued communicating with the lost hikers," noted the release.
The hikers used their cellphone to activate "what3words," an online application which provided the OPP with a precise location in the forest.
"This information was provided to first responders who were able to quickly and accurately locate the parties and transport them back to their vehicle, where they were assessed by Simcoe County paramedics," noted the media release.
No injuries were reported by either person.
The online ap, what3words, is a free tool emergency services are using to help in situations like these. It has divided the world into a grid of 10-foot squares and given each square a unique combination of three random words: a what3words address. For example, ///tattoos.tomorrows.regime will take you to the Orillia OPP detachment.
The app is free to download and works offline, making it useful for areas with limited data connection.
"All persons who enjoy engaging in winter activities should consider utilizing what3words for their next adventure," suggests the OPP.
