Signaling in wilderness

傻瓜

http://www.dansdepot.com/blog/signaling/  (Written by Craig Caudill)

Signaling is the use of gear gear or other surroundings to bring attention to a position.  In a survival or crisis event this becomes incredibly helpful when you want someone to find you.  In the most recent event of Hurricane Sandy, people that needed attention were hanging sheets from windows to indicate that they were in need of assistance.  That was a good choice because the gear or device you are using needs to be in sharp contrast to its surroundingss.  Quite frankly signaling is that simple. If you are in a high rise made of glass or concrete, anything of color that contrasts with the building you are in, would bring some one’s attention to that location.

Obviously things of bright flourescent coloring is the best choice for such signaling.  Here is a quick video to help you in a wilderness survival situation.  Please continue to read after the video below, to get some more ideas.

Beyond colored signaling please consider the following as well:

• Brightness – most people know of signaling mirrors that are sold.  You can also do this with the bottom of an aluminum can, the mirror on a compass, aluminum reflective tarp, or other reflective material.
• Smoke – smoke is a very nice way to signal in a wilderness survival situation.  It is easy to see as well as easy to smell for those on a search team.  Both are good indicators to help someone find you.
• Sound – as we indicated in the video, we personally like carrying a whistle with us.  We do not allow kids into any of our classes without having a whistle with them at all times.  They are too easy to use to help find lost children and adults.
  

Those are some good ideas to help you in regards to signaling.  I say good because you can carry some lightweight gear, or improvise with materials around you if the need arose.  Just keep in mind to CONTRAST what your signaling device is with its immediate surroundings.  You have heard of us talk of this in tracking and nature observation, it is as true here as it is there.  We certainly hope this helps.

Until next time, I hope to see you on, or off, the trail.