The main distress signals in emergency situations
🚨 Why master distress signals?
In an emergency, your ability to effectively communicate your need for help can dramatically speed up the arrival of emergency services, and ensure the safety of you and your family.
📢 1. Sound signals
– Three regularly repeated sounds: use your EVAKIT’s emergency whistle, horn or strike a metal object. (international emergency signal)
– Regular, spaced-out shouts to attract attention without exhausting your voice too quickly.
– Use your EVAKIT radio’s alarm (a long press on the light button will trigger a powerful audible alarm).
🔥 2. Visual signals by fire or smoke
– Visible lights: Use three lights spaced about 30 meters apart, in a row or triangle, to be clearly identified as being in distress.
– Smoke signals: create thick smoke by burning green or wet materials to be visible from a distance.
🔦 3. Light signals
– Use the flashlight built into your EVAKIT radio (press the light button to switch on your flashlight. Two successive short presses activate your flashlight’s SOS mode).
– By day, use a mirror or reflective surface to attract attention by reflecting the sun’s rays.
🖐️ 4. Body signals
– Stand with your arms raised in a “Y” shape to make it clear that you need help.
– Make wide, repetitive gestures with your arms to attract the attention of helpers or passers-by.
🆘 5. Written and visible signs
– Write “SOS” in giant letters on the ground, using stones, branches or any other object that contrasts sharply with the surroundings.
– Prefer open spaces where the signal can be seen from the sky or the surrounding area.
🚩 6. Improvised signals
– Hang colorful or reflective fabrics in visible places.
– Use mirrors or reflective surfaces to attract attention with light reflections directed towards helpers.
📡 7. Communicate your situation effectively (if possible)
Clearly indicate your location, the nature of the emergency and the number of people involved as soon as you can reach the emergency services by cell phone or any other means of communication at your disposal.
Common mistakes to avoid
– Triggering a distress signal unnecessarily.
– Choosing signals that are too small, inconspicuous or poorly placed.
– Rapidly exhausting your energy or physical resources by making ineffective signals.
IN SUMMARY:
Knowing and mastering several distress signals (audible, luminous, visual or improvised) will enable you to be quickly located and rescued. Your Evakit already contains essential tools (flashlight, radio). Use them wisely to ensure a rapid rescue response.
Your ability to send distress signals effectively can be crucial to your survival.
