Signaling & Communication
Being seen or heard by rescuers is often your best path to survival.
Universal Distress Signal
Morse Encoder
Convert text to Morse code signals
Most effective daylight signal
Add green vegetation for white smoke
Contrast against background
Use contrasting materials
Effective at night
Signal Mirror Technique
Hold mirror close to eye, sight target through aiming hole
Extend other hand toward target, making V with fingers
Catch sun reflection on extended hand
Move mirror to flash reflection at target through V
Sweep the reflection across the target repeatedly
Pro Tip
Signal Fire Protocol
Build 3 fires in a triangle (international distress signal)
Space fires 100 feet apart if possible
Prepare dry kindling and fuel at each site
Keep ignition source ready
Prepare green vegetation for smoke
Light all three when rescue aircraft spotted
Add green material for thick white smoke
Maintain fires as long as aircraft is visible
White Smoke
Add green vegetation — best against dark backgrounds
Black Smoke
Add rubber, oil, plastic — best against light backgrounds
Universal SOS Signal
• • • — — — • • •
3 short, 3 long, 3 short (with light, sound, or signals)
🔦
Flash pattern
📢
Whistle blasts
🪵
Bang on objects
Pro Tip
Pro Tip