Having multiple effective ways to signal for help can make all the difference in a survival situation where outside help is warranted. Distress signals can take many forms, from high-tech modern electronics to the primitive techniques and materials that our ancestors would have used. Signaling is one of the most under-practiced and under-emphasized skill sets in our survival arsenal, and it’s about time we took it more seriously. Follow my lead and learn how to assist in your own rescue with our roundup of signaling methods and essential gear.
Perhaps the greatest signal tool for everyday emergencies, the cell phone in your pocket can be your ticket to rescue—providing you have signal. In areas where service is available, your call for help can be made to the exact right people and vast amounts of information can be conveyed. In areas with a weaker signal, try sending out a text message. SMS transmissions require only a moment of weak connectivity to a nearby tower. If you’ll be spending time in an area without cell service, consider buying (or renting) a satellite phone, which will allow you to make a call from anywhere on earth.
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The humble whistle is a fine piece of signal gear for short-range audible signaling. Three blasts of a whistle are generally interpreted as a universal signal for distress. Select brightly colored whistles, which are easy to spot if dropped. Also, select whistles that are attached to lanyards, rings or clips, to prevent loss. Pea-less whistles (no moving parts) are the best choice for sub-freezing weather, as your spit can freeze the little cork ball in place, rendering it temporarily useless. This takes your whistle out of commission until it is warmed up or dried out completely.
Whistles are the perfect signal device to give to your kids on outings since they’re easy to operate and most kids like making noise anyway. Instruct them to blow the whistle in blasts of three and to stay in one spot until help arrives, should they get separated from you in the outdoors.
A signal mirror is one of the furthest reaching, non-electronic signal methods. Properly aimed, a signal mirror can shine a beam of daylight up to 10 miles, creating a flash of light that can catch the attention of distant aircraft, watercraft, vehicles, or persons on foot. Purchase a mirror with a sighting lens, and practice using it with a friend in a large open area. If you both have mirrors, you could even make a game of your practice time. Something like “Who can blind the other guy the most?” will provide immediate feedback that your aim is true.
If you get caught with a mirror that doesn’t have a sighting lens, hold the mirror under your eye, direct the beam of light onto the tip of an outstretched finger, and then place that illuminated finger just below your target. Sweep the mirror VERY slowly right to left and up and down. This should sweep the beam across your target and hopefully get someone’s attention.
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