Signalling for Help with your Flashlight

No matter how much of a professional you are, the wilderness is unpredictable and it can turn your simple hiking trip into a fight to survive.

Injuries, weather changes, wild animals or simply getting lost can end in you needing to summon help immediately.

A flashlight could mean the difference between life and death, so you need to learn how to use your torch to signal for help when times get tough.

STEP ONE

When you are trying to signal for help, it is vital that your torch is powerful enough to be seen from a distance away, on the ground and in the air. This is why it is better to purchase a powerful LED tactical torch than a regular cheap torch that will only provide a weak beam of light. LED flashlight’s can be seen from far distances – visit the Klarus website and take a look at the range of LED tactical torches. The Klarus G20 and the Klarus XT12 GT are recommended choices.

If your backpack is spacious, it is also a great idea to bring along a LED lantern. Why? Because they are bright and offer longer battery life as well as emergency strobe settings that’ll help rescuers find you easily.

Yes, it is important not to wander off as you may get more lost, however it is a smart idea to try and find a high point or a large clearing where you can send out your signal to heighten your chances of being spotted. BUT only do this if you are not injured and you can see the location from where you are standing – never wander off without knowing where you are going!

STEP TWO

It is tempting to leave your flashlight on in case someone happens to see it, however it is important to make sure your batteries last a long time – you don’t know how long you’re going to be searching for help! Use your torch as sparingly as you can to preserve battery life, even if your torch has long-lasting LED technology.

Signal for help in brief blasts of light by turning your flashlight on and off instead. Here’s how:

  n  Three flashes in a row signal that you are in need of help.

  n  The Morse code signal for help is: three short flashes, three long flashes and three more short flashes.

If there is a helicopter in the distance your torch can be used to signal it for help, so always keep your eyes and ears open for any lights, sounds and other signs that people might be nearby. This is why it is so important to preserve your batteries, so you can signal over help when necessary.

STEP THREE

If you manage to signal help you may be tempted to move from your position and head towards your rescuers, however this is the worst mistake you can make! You can signal for help at your current position, so the last thing you want to do is move from that position and not be there when people arrive to help you.

Rather keep calm and wait for them to come to you instead, while signalling to help them find where you are located.

Planning on taking a hiking trip? Always remember your trusty flashlight is not just for lighting up the dark, but it can also save your life in times of need!

How to signal for help with a flashlight

No matter how experienced you are, the unpredictability of the wilderness can turn a simple pleasure outing into a fight for survival. An injury, sudden changes in the weather, an encounter with an aggressive animal or a simple navigational miscalculation can drop you squarely into an emergency situation.

More than one lost or stranded hiker has been saved because of a simple piece of technology: a flashlight. By knowing how to use your flashlight to signal for help, you can increase your chances of being found before the situation becomes dire.

STEP 1: Be seen.

When attempting to signal for a rescue, it’s important that your light is powerful enough to penetrate the darkness and be seen from the air as well as from afar. For this reason, it’s better to bring an LED flashlight than a traditional incandescent one. LED flashlights provide a high-powered beam that can be spotted from several miles away. Get yourself a grade-A LED flashlight from Klarus Light today!

If you have space in your pack, an emergency LED lantern can also help rescuers find you more easily. Today’s LED lanterns can offer up to 100 hours of battery life and provide helpful area illumination as well as an emergency strobe for getting attention. Some lanterns even offer a red emergency light.

While it’s important to stay put and not wander around while you’re waiting to be rescued, it may be worthwhile to find a high point or a clearing from which to send your signal to increase its chances of being seen. Do this only if you are uninjured and can see a better location from where you are standing.

STEP 2: Signal for help.

While it may be tempting to leave the light on at all times, especially if you are alone at night, it’s important to use your flashlight sparingly to preserve the batteries – even if you have a long-lasting LED flashlight.

Instead, send brief blasts of light by turning your flashlight on and off. Three flashes in a row will generally indicate to any onlooker that you’re in need of help. You can also use the Morse code signal for distress, which is three short blasts, three long blasts and three more short ones.

An LED flashlight can be used to signal a helicopter or a search party in the distance, so remain alert for lights, sounds or other signs that a rescue party may be in range. Preserve your batteries as much as possible so you’ll be prepared for this moment when it comes.

STEP 3: Wait for help.

Once spotted, you may be tempted to head toward your rescuers, but this can be a huge mistake. The last thing you want is to signal where you are and then not be there when help arrives. Plus, wandering around in the dark can increase your chances of becoming injured.

Instead, keep your cool and wait for them to come to you. Continue signalling with your flashlight periodically to help guide them toward you.

If you plan on hiking off the beaten path this summer, remember that your basic survival kit should include a means for signalling for help. By telling someone your plans, packing emergency LED flashlights or an LED lantern and keeping your cool in an emergency, you can vastly increase your chances of being found before the situation becomes dire.