Signal and Light

Signaling devices let you scream for help without losing your voice. High decibel whistles and signal mirrors let others find your location and hopefully lead to your rescue.

A very loud whistle is much more effective in getting someone's attention than yelling at the top of your lungs! How long do you think your voice will hold out anyway? Even when you can't see or hear anyone, they will be able to hear you and know which way to go to get to you.

Stay informed with a hand crank radio that doesn't need batteries. You'll have AM, FM, and a Weather Band.

If you end up lost in the woods when hiking, camping, hunting, whatever, it will be much easier to find you if you have the foresight to signal for help. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this.

Every survival kit should be equipped with a signal mirror. If you don't have one, you can improvise with a CD, car mirror, even a polished cup. Hold two fingers up at arm’s length and aim the reflection through the V of your fingers, using the fingers like a rifle sight. Shine at planes or toward areas where there may be other people.

The sound of a whistle carries much further than the human voice. Plus, it won’t wear out your throat. Carry one on a lanyard around your neck so it can’t get lost.

The light from a signal fire works well at night and smoke will work during the day. Three fires arranged in a triangle or a line is a universal distress signal. Smoke can be seen for miles during the day. Burn tires (deflate them first) for thick, black smoke.

Use the environment around you to make a sign in a clearing. Use rocks, branches, logs, even dig trenches. Make your sign as large as possible. A large V is a universal distress signal. Use an X for a medical emergency.

When you’re lost, the more attention you can call to yourself, the better your chances of being found.