Your satellite phone is dead. Your GPS is broken. How do you tell the Search and Rescue (SAR) aircraft overhead that you are alive and need help? Signaling is the art of making yourself big, loud, and visible.
Visual Signals: Contrast and Movement
The human eye (and SAR pilots) is drawn to things that look "wrong" in nature: perfect geometric shapes, unnatural colors, and movement.
- Groups of Three: Three fires, three rock piles, or three blasts on a whistle are the universal distress signal.
- Signal Mirror: A small glass mirror can reflect sunlight for miles. It is one of the most effective lightweight signaling tools available.
- Ground-to-Air Signals: Use logs, stones, or stamped snow to create a massive 'X' (Unable to Proceed) or 'V' (Require Assistance) in a clearing.
Signal Fires
A signal fire is different from a warming fire. You want smoke.
- White Smoke: Throw green vegetation, moss, or damp leaves onto a hot fire. Visible against dark forests.
- Black Smoke: Burn rubber or plastic (if available in wreckage) or oil-soaked rags. Visible against snow or light sky.
Audio Signaling
A whistle cuts through wind and engine noise far better than a human scream. Three blasts, pause, repeat. It takes much less energy than shouting.