Quick Answer
Use a whistle to signal your location to rescuers, then create a visible signal fire or use flares to attract attention, and finally, create a recognizable pattern with sticks and stones to point to your shelter location.
Signaling Rescues
When stranded, signaling rescuers is crucial to getting the help you need. A whistle is a simple, effective tool for this purpose. The international distress signal is three short blasts on a whistle, repeated every 10 seconds. Use this signal to attract the attention of rescuers in the air or on the ground.
Creating a Visible Signal Fire
A signal fire can be a powerful way to signal your location to rescuers. To create a visible fire, gather dry tinder and kindling, and use a fire starter or matches to get the fire going. Once the fire is burning well, use green leaves or wet wood to create a large plume of smoke that can be seen from a distance.
Marking Your Shelter Location
Once you have signaled your location to rescuers, you can create a visible marker to point them in the right direction. Use sticks and stones to create a recognizable pattern, such as an arrow or a triangle, that points to your shelter location. This can be especially useful if you are stranded in a dense forest or other area with limited visibility.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.