One of the skills most needed when lost in the wilderness, signaling is a gesture, an action or a sound to solicit the attention of those who can offer aid, assistance or rescue to the one in need.

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So, let's backtrack in time. Prior to any trip in the forest or any wilderness area, someone (a friend or family member) should have been notified as to the traveler's whereabouts so if the individual came up missing, rescue crews would have an idea as to where to begin their search.

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Also, before embarking upon any trek in the woods, the traveler should have a backpack of essential items such as snacks and bottled water as well as navigational items such as a map and a compass. Adequate knowledge of maps and the use of a compass will minimize your chances of being completely lost.

 

Signaling items should be packed, as well and include a cell phone, a handheld satellite or locator device, a whistle, a flashlight, a flare gun, a fire starter, a personal siren, a portable radio, a compact mirror, a magnifying glass and tinfoil.

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Let's discuss the use of these items:

ELECTRONIC SIGNALING ITEMS:

- Cell phone

- Handheld satellite phone

- GPS or locator device

- Portable radio

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If you have a cell phone signal and if the device is still charged, your first attempts to being found could come from that. Even if you cannot place a call, the nearest cell phone tower could still "ping" your general location. Portable solar chargers will help greatly! A portable radio can inform about  any inclement weather approaching.

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VISUAL SIGNALING ITEMS:

- Flashlight

- Flare Gun

- Compact Mirror

- Magnifying Glass

- Tinfoil

- Fire Starter

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Use the sunlight to reflect shiny items such as a compact mirror, magnifying glass and tinfoil on a  mountaintop, beach or open meadow towards the direction of any helicopter or reconnaissance plane. Use Morse Code!

 

A flashlight can best be used at night and ought to be conserved as batteries could run out of power. A flare gun is very effective; however, it is very short lived and should only be used when you know an approaching copter or plane can see it!

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Use a fire starter to create a fire for signaling purposes, protection from wild animals, heat at night and cooking food. The smoke from a fire can be seen for quite a distance!

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AUDITORY SIGNALING ITEMS:

- Whistle

- Personal Siren

- Portable Radio

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An old-fashioned, simple whistle used for sport play is loud and clear when blown. A personal siren can run out of pressure if used too often. Spare its use selectively for an approaching wild animal and when searchers or a nearby hiking team can be seen in the distance. Music from a portable radio can go much farther than one may think. Just make sure it can be recharged with solar power!

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Other means of signaling require creativity. You can make an SOS on a sandy beach or tie brightly-colored sheets together that can be seen from afar, etc...