SIGNALING FOR HELP
Trailblazer and explorer, Daniel Boone said,
Should you arrive at a similar state of confusion and require assistance, there are several ways to signal for help.
To signal for help you may use a variety of items such as radio beacons, colorful cloth, fires, flashlights, smoke, whistles or mirrors. The ability to calm yourself will enable you to creatively consider ways to alert rescuers to your location. Knowing how to accurately assess your options can save your life.
Leave a note at this location if you decide to move from it. Detail your intentions and the direction of your travel. As you move along your path, mark your way with piles of rocks, broken sticks or some other sign at even intervals. These markings will help search teams determine your location.
Battery operated signaling devices are of great value. However, over-dependence on them is unwise.
Individual Location Beacons (PLBs), satellite telephones, avalanche rescue beacons and other personal communication technology can are useful outside. Other emergency location devices are ELTs (Emergency Locator Transmitters), used by pilots, and EPIRBs (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons) used by sailors.
Keep in mind that battery-operated equipment can fail, even under ideal conditions. Rugged outdoors with uneven, hilly terrain can cause poor reception or none at all. Equipment wear, damage, weak batteries and user incapacitation could make it impossible to utilize these tools.
It is wise to carry additional survival supplies and equipment and lean heavily upon acquired skills and sound judgment for survival. Know realistically what your personal limits are and be familiar with the limits of your equipment in different conditions. These measures will limit the need for PLBs and emergency recovery efforts.
Whistles are little items that are not heavy to carry and are simple to use. Emergency whistles can alert others to your presence. The sound of a whistle can tell a human ear the direction from which it originates. Conversely, the sound of a human voice calling out can be muted and dispelled by leafy cover. The exertion of extended bouts of yelling or calling can leave you weak and winded. Instead, whistles can be used for an extended time by those who are weak or injured.
The worldwide signal for distress is a grouping of three bursts of sound. This is true whether you are using a whistle or a blast from a rifle. A grouping of two bursts of sound signals that all is well. The blast of an emergency whistle can be heard as much as five miles away.
In city settings, a personal whistle is valuable. It enables the wearer to attract help by alerting others of dangerous conditions. A signaling whistle can be worn on a string about the neck of a child.
The ResQ signal whistle (known as the ACR WW3) is a flat plastic whistle with a double chamber. It retails for less than $3.00 and was designed for use by the U.S. Navy. Lifeguards use plastic storm whistles. The decibel level of these whistles is so loud as to be heard under water. Storm whistles are priced around $5.00.
Emergency signal mirrors will make you visible to searchers, but this is dependent upon your ability to use them effectively. A well-aimed signal mirror cannot be ignored. Your position will be revealed to those 10+ miles away, even in a heavily forested area or in hilly terrain.
Mirrors produced for the purpose of signaling are often resistant to breakage, small, lightweight and produced with an eyelet hole for attaching it by a strap to the neck or waist. Another hole is located in the center of the glass for use in aiming the reflected beam of light. This hole is used by looking through it to direct the light towards specific locations along the ground or in the sky. When looking through the viewing hole, the user can determine the point of impact of the reflected beam and adjust it to catch the attention of emergency personnel.
Emergency mirrors are not required to use this method. Mirrors from a car, compass mirrors, a polished music CD, a makeup mirror, foil wrappers, shiny cans or any other polished flat metal can be used in this manner.
Stick aiming and the hand technique are two methods that will allow you to aim reflected sunlight.
The stick method uses a twig or limb that is equal to the height of your chest or head. Your position should be such that the top of the stick and your mirror are in line with the target. By positioning the mirror so that the light touches the top of the stick (while still in line with the target) you can alert rescuers.
To become proficient with a signal mirror, practice the skill before you need it in an emergency situation. View the video below for a demonstration on the use signal mirrors.
These symbols can be stamped out with your feet or formed using piles of rocks, branches, brush, or whatever materials you have on hand. If you are in a flat or sandy area, you may be able to scratch the symbol into the dirt. The corners of a triangle can be made more visible by setting fires or flares at each angled point.
An automobile should be made easier to spot by air search teams by clearing away brush, use fabric as a flag, or anything else you have on hand
