When lost or injured in the wilderness, your ability to signal for help can determine your survival. Learn these internationally recognized distress signals and communication methods that work when cell phones don’t.
Universal Distress Signals
The Rule of Three
Any signal repeated three times indicates distress:
- Three whistle blasts
- Three gunshots
- Three fires in a triangle
- Three piles of rocks
- Three flashes of light
SOS Signal
The international Morse code distress signal:
- Pattern: ••• — ••• (short-short-short, long-long-long, short-short-short)
- Use with: flashlight, mirror, whistle, or radio
- Repeat continuously with brief pauses
Visual Signaling Methods
Signal Mirrors
Most effective on sunny days – visible up to 100 miles.
How to use:
- Hold mirror close to face
- Extend other hand and form V with fingers
- Sight target between V
- Reflect sunlight through V onto target
- Flash repeatedly in groups of three
Fire and Smoke Signals
- Three fires in triangle formation (100 feet apart)
- During day: Create white smoke with green vegetation
- At night: Bright flames using dry materials
- International distress: Black smoke (use rubber/oil if available)
Ground-to-Air Signals
Create large symbols visible from aircraft:
Key symbols (minimum 10 feet):
- X = Need medical assistance
- V = Need assistance
- → = Going this direction
- I = Need doctor
- F = Need food and water
- LL = All is well
Use contrasting materials: rocks, logs, clothing, disturbed snow
Audible Signals
Whistle Protocols
- Three sharp blasts = Help needed
- Two blasts = Response/acknowledgment
- One long blast = Where are you?
- Repeat every 5 minutes
Voice Projection
- Cup hands around mouth
- Face downwind
- Use sharp, single syllable: "HELP!"
- Conserve energy between attempts
Electronic Signals
Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)
- Sends GPS coordinates to rescue services
- Battery life: 24-48 hours minimum
- Register before trip
- Test monthly
Cell Phone Emergency Tips
- Text uses less battery than calling
- Try 911 even without service
- Change locations for signal
- Conserve battery: airplane mode between attempts
- Use flashlight sparingly
Emergency Radio Frequencies
- VHF Channel 16: Marine emergency
- 121.5 MHz: Aviation emergency
- 2182 kHz: Maritime distress
- FRS/GMRS Channel 1: Often monitored
Improvised Signaling Tools
Reflective Materials
- Space blanket
- CD/DVD
- Phone screen
- Watch face
- Aluminum foil
- Water bottle
Marker Signals
- Bright clothing arranged in open areas
- Disturbed vegetation spelling SOS
- Snow angels or trampled patterns
- Beach sand messages above high tide
- Cairns (rock piles) with directional indicators
Night Signaling
Flashlight Techniques
- SOS pattern with any light source
- Strobe setting if available
- Point at aircraft/search parties
- Flash at regular intervals
- Colored filters: Red preserves night vision
Chemical Light Sticks
- Long duration (8-12 hours)
- Visible from distance
- Attach to stick and wave in circles
- Save for confirmed rescue approach
Search and Rescue Cooperation
When You Hear/See Rescuers:
- Stay in place unless directed
- Make yourself visible
- Continue signaling
- Prepare for evacuation
- Have medical info ready
Helicopter Signals
- Yes/Need help: Both arms up in Y
- No/Don’t need help: One arm up, one down
- Land here: Arms horizontal, waving
- Do not land: Arms crossed overhead
Prevention and Preparation
Before Your Trip:
- File trip plan with trusted contact
- Carry multiple signaling devices
- Know local emergency frequencies
- Test all devices
- Learn basic Morse code
Essential Signal Kit:
- Whistle (pealess design)
- Signal mirror
- Flashlight with strobe
- Emergency blanket
- Bright marking tape
- Waterproof matches
Energy Conservation
Balance signaling with survival needs:
- Signal at peak times (dawn, dusk, during aircraft passes)
- Conserve energy between attempts
- Maintain shelter and water priorities
- Create passive signals requiring no energy
- Rest between active signaling
Remember: Rescuers are looking for anomalies in nature. Anything that appears human-made or unusual will attract attention. Stay calm, signal smart, and never give up hope.