Tips to Signal for Rescue
If you do much hiking in the wilderness, the chance of needing to be rescued at some point is high.Following are some essential survival tips.
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. These mirrors also have an aiming hole in the center. Employing this targeting hole, the viewer is able to aim the mirror in the direction of emergency personnel along the ground or in the sky. The hole helps the user ascertain where the light beam is being reflected, devising adjustments to maneuver the beam more precisely.
If no emergency mirror is accessible, another mirror-like object can be employed. A side view mirror off of an automobile, a magnetic compass mirror, a polished compact disc, a mirror from a compact, tin foil, metallic cans, or any other burnished metallic surface will suffice.
Stick aiming and the hand technique are two methods that will allow you to aim reflected sunlight.
To use the hand method, extend your hand and form a “V” with two fingers. Look between the two digits and move your hand so that your target (possibly an aircraft) is visible in its center. Tilt the mirror slightly to move the reflected light beam across your hand towards the center of the “V.” Your reflected light will make contact with your target.
The stick method uses a twig or limb that is equal to the height of your chest or head. Position yourself in order that the top of your stick and the mirror are lined up with your target that you wish to signal. Move the mirror so that the reflected light hits the top of the stick.
Using your signal mirror, cast reflected light over the horizon regularly. While you may not see search teams, they might catch sight of your signal. Once you are sure you have been seen, do not continue to signal. The flash of the signaling mirror is so brilliant as to prove blinding.
The time to practice aiming your mirror is before you ever need to use it.
There are many signs that can signal a need for help. These are able to be positioned on level or perpendicular surfaces in order to be viewed at a distance by rescue workers. Three sides of a triangle will signal searchers of your need for rescue and your location. Remember, three is a universal signal for distress. Spell the word “HELP” in large, all capital letters. The letter “V” lets rescuers know you need immediate assistance. The letters “SOS” are a call for help. The letter “X” means that you need immediate medical assistance.
You’ll be able to stomp these symbolic representations out or utilize tree branches, stones, foliage or thickets to make the sign more obvious. 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.
If you have a vehicle, make it more visible from the air and from a distance by clearing vegetation, using a cloth for a flag, or use some other creative solution. Use oil and fuel to begin signal fires and feed it with stuff from the auto that produces smoke. Position a lot of symbols around your area in order to make your location most obvious.
Once rescuers are seen, wave. Be sure to wave with two arms extended, hands crossing over your head. This alerts searchers to distress. Waving with one arm indicates all is well. It is best NOT to get these confused.
Whenever you feel that the opportunity for a fast rescue is eminent and it requires little vigor for you to alert rescuers, then signaling rescuers is best placed high up on your list of priorities.
Learn specific signal steps and more survival tips by reading the Survival Scoop.
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