Signaling is one of the most important survival techniques that you need to consider whenever you get lost or stuck in a crisis situation. This is an effective way in order to get the attention of someone or rescuers. Depending on the area where you are lost or stuck, you can do different ways of signal. It is more effective if you can set it up in a different ways. When you are setting up your signals, the first thing you should think about is the place where it can be visibly noticed by rescuers.
In case you are planning to visit a place that is not familiar to you, it is important to be prepared in terms of safety precaution. Knowing the different signaling ways is one of the best safety precautions.
Using a mirror is the common way of signaling for help. Reflecting the sun’s light to far places can be efficient in getting the attention of rescuers especially those who are in helicopter or airplane. In case you are stuck in a mountain or a high-land area, you can use the mirror for signaling to far areas on the horizon. However, this method is best to use at a plain area which is in the far place rather than in the high-land places because the pilot can hardly see straight down. There are some mirrors that are specially made for signaling purposes. In case you don’t have a mirror, there are still alternative things that can be used like compasses, knife of blade, watch, belt buckle and anything that are shiny.
Smoke is another effective signaling for help method. This method is very accessible and simple to do. All you need to do is to gather woods in an open area and build a fire. You can also gather dry leaves, moss green, plastic bottle, oil, rubber, or anything that can be burned to create fire. Fire can easily be seen at night and during the day, the smoke can be seen. Build three fires in straight line or triangle with about 100 feet or 30 meters between the them. Three fires are internationally recognized as a distress signal.
You can also use high-tech gadgets like cellphones, but the drawback of this is having no signal in the place where you are stuck. Flashlights can also be effective to use at night, but make sure to conserve batteries when you use the flashlights.
Whistles are also helpful for calling the attention of the rescuers, but make sure you can whistle as loud as you can in order for people to hear it. Another good thing about whistling is that it can also scare wild animals like bears.
Depending on your situation and the materials you have available for use, and by knowing how to signal for help, can mean the difference between life and death.
