Signal for survival
You’ve read numerous news stories about it but you never thought it would actually happen to you. Unfortunately, you zigged when you should have zagged and you’ve just realized you’ve walked by the same tree four or five times. Now what?
First and foremost, it is important to remain calm. You are far from the first person to find themselves in such a predicament. And the vast majority people who get lost on the trail make it home just fine. With a little common sense, as well as some careful preplanning, you’ll be okay.
Our focus here is going to be on tools and techniques that you can use to help rescuers locate you. Of course, that’s usually predicated upon someone knowing that they need to be out searching for you. What this means is that planning for your safe return home begins before you leave the house. Any time you are venturing out into the field, make sure someone knows where you’re going and when you should return. If they’ve not heard from you by then and are unable to reach you, they should notify the authorities.
Whistle
One of the easiest emergency signals to use is also one of the most powerful. The sound of a whistle blast is far louder and carries much further than the human voice, even at peak volume. Plus, blowing a whistle won’t give you a sore throat.
Repetitions of three is a universally recognized signal for help. Blow the whistle in a pattern. Three blasts, then pause, then three blasts again.
When you’re shopping for a whistle, look for ones that have no moving parts, including a pea rattling around inside. This means there’s less to get fouled up in the field. Metal whistles are also discouraged. Try using one in extreme cold weather and you might find out exactly what Flick felt like when he licked that flag pole in A Christmas Story.
Some of the best whistles on the market today are the models produced by Fox 40. They are inexpensive and very loud. Each member of your group should have a whistle around their neck on a breakaway lanyard.
Mirror
Whistles are great as long as someone is within earshot. But, how can you signal to a passing plane? Used properly, a signal mirror will reflect the sun’s rays toward a target. The idea isn’t to blind them, but to use the mirror to create a series of flashes that will catch their attention.
A signal mirror has a hole in the middle of it that is used to aim the reflected light. Hold one hand outstretched, with two fingers up in a V. With your other hand, hold the mirror up near your eye so you can see through the hole to other fingers. Move around a bit until you see the reflected sunlight hitting your hand near the V. Line up your target so you can see it through the mirror and the V, then wiggle the mirror a bit back and forth to send the reflected light to the target in a series of flashes.
In a pinch, you can use a compact disc in a very similar fashion. You might not have one in your pack, but if you end up stranded in a vehicle, there might be one available.
Glow Stick
It should go without saying that a signal mirror isn’t much good after sundown. Chemical lights have been used for many years as an alternative to battery powered area lighting in an emergency. They are small and lightweight, so it is easy to carry several of them in your pack.
To use as an emergency signal, you’ll need a length of cordage. A shoe or boot lace will work well if you don’t have a hank of paracord kicking around. Snap and shake the light to activate it, then tie it very securely to the boot lace. You want about 18-24 inches of cord between the glow stick and your hand. Spin it around in front of you, facing your target. It will create a large, brightly glowing circle that can be seen a long way off. It takes very little energy to keep this spinning for a while.
The very best glow sticks available are the Cyalume Snaplights. They are available in a range of colors. For signaling purposes, stick with green or yellow.
Signal Fire
So, you screwed up and left the house without any of these great signal devices. Now what? A fire can be used to get attention day or night. When the sun is out, you’ll want something that sends up a good plume of easy to see smoke. This means burning green leaves and branches, which can be difficult unless you have a good base fire going.
After dark has descended, you’ll want something large and bright so it can be seen from a distance. Keep a good-sized stack of dry wood ready to burn so you have it when needed.
Naturally, this means you’ll need to be able to get a fire going quickly, which takes practice. A disposable lighter as well as a ferrocerium rod are among the items you should have with you at all times.
Breadcrumbs
No, not literally, but leaving an easy to follow trail isn’t a bad idea at all. As a general rule, you should stay put until you’re found as it is infinitely more difficult to locate a moving target. But, if for any reason you feel it is critical to keep moving, then make the searching easier by leaving behind clues.
Flagging tape is available in a few bright colors, such as blaze orange. A roll of 300 feet weighs about six ounces. You can tear off pieces and tie them to trees here and there as you walk by. If you remember to toss a permanent marker in your kit, maybe in a plastic bag just in case of leaks, you can use it to leave notes on the strips of tape. One suggestion would be to leave the date and approximate time on one of them so searchers have an idea of how long it has been since you left the note.
This is a much better option than carving directional arrows in tree bark that may be missed and that will certainly injure the tree.
Electronics
Most of us probably have a cell phone with us when we hit the trail, if nothing else than to use as a camera when we find that beautiful vista view. But, all too often we find that the further off the road we go, the more difficult it is to find a signal, so calling or texting for help might not be feasible.
A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is a necessary investment if you plan to head into really remote areas. This is a satellite-synced device that, once activated, will send out an SOS signal to rescue agencies, along with your exact coordinates. There are no subscription fees involved, which is nice, but this is strictly a one-way form of communication. You press the button and hope for the best.
On the other hand, a satellite messenger, such as products under the SPOT brand, allow you to send and receive messages. This is great for occasions when you want to just check in with family and let them know you’re okay. There are subscription fees involved, so choose a plan according to your needs and budget.
It is always advisable to have with you multiple ways to achieve critical goals, which includes signaling for help. At an absolute minimum, a whistle, fire starter, and cell phone should be in your pockets every time you hit the trail.
About the author
Jim Cobb is a well known freelance author on survival and other topics.
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[This week’s installment is taken from an article that will appear in the summer issue of Prepper Survival Guide magazine, hitting stores in late June.]