Spending time in the great outdoors is as American as baseball and apple pie, and many people enjoy a variety of outdoor activities that include hiking, camping, boating, and exploring our country’s many beautiful parks and forests. Most people wouldn’t expect to find themselves completely lost on one of these outings, but it can definitely happen. There are several ways that those lost in the outdoors can signal for help.
1. Fire a Gun
If you happen to be a hunter and find yourself lost while attempting to hunt in unfamiliar territory, your weapon is your best friend. Those hunting with a gun may fire three shots in rapid succession into the air to signal that they are lost. If you aren’t outdoors hunting, make sure to bring a flare gun or flare and give it a crack. As a result of cracking the flare, colored sparks will shoot out of the end, like a sparkler, only 100 times brighter
2. Make Noise
Outdoorsman who become lost in the woods should stop and stay in one place whenever possible. Although a little tiresome, yelling for help may be all it takes to be found. If the lost person has a radio or whistle, then he or she should also utilize those things in between calling for help. Those lost in a boat without the use of a radio should use the air horn to call for help.
Related article: What Should Go Into Your 72 Hour Survival Kit
3. Be Seen
During the day, a mirror can be used to reflect sunlight to help rescuers find a lost person. At night, blinking a flashlight on and off could send help on the way. Another option is to start a fire, but only if it is safe to do so, without starting a forest fire. Extinguishing a campfire will create a large amount of smoke, for a brief time, so only use this method if you are positive help is close.
4. Bright Colors
Those who are fortunate enough to be wearing brightly colored clothing or have brightly colored outdoor gear may use these to signal for help. It is necessary to locate an open area, and make a triangle as large as possible out of these items. Remember, wearing bright colors creates the possibility of being seen by a search plane or party.
5. Flash Cameras
Many people go into the wilderness to take photos, however, many people fail to realize the emergency use cases. In the case you’re lost, the flash of a camera can be used as a distress signal. Even if you don’t have film, repeatedly flashing your camera is a sure fire way to be noticed! Solar powered cameras are a great way to make sure you’re always pre
For more tips on what to do if you’re lost in the outdoors, check out: Find Your Way: How to Deal with Getting Lost!
Featured Image from Matthieu Joannon/Unsplash
