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closeReliance on modern high-tech personal communications equipment alone to alert authorities or summon assistance in case of an emergency at sea or in the backcountry is not advisable. It is best to include back-up signaling devices in all backcountry or at-sea emergency kits. Since no one type of device is considered universally effective, it is recommended to carry all of the following when space allows:
1. Reflecting devices
Mirrors are among the first items on a list of signaling devices recommended for emergency kits especially in desert, high elevation and at-sea circumstances. Purpose-built glass or plastic signaling mirrors will have an aiming hole, are buoyant and have a cover or treatment that prevents the reflective surface from scratching or dulling. They don’t have to be big, either. When buying personal flota-tion devices consider getting ones with radar and light reflective patches already sewn on. Survival experts advise against using make-shift reflectors, such as CDs.
2. Lights
Considered the optimal nighttime signaling device, there are several types suitable for signaling purposes. Since they rely on battery power and light intensity, bigger can be better. Regular flashlights can do double duty as camp aids and signaling tools — ones with focusable beams are best. Also consider timed strobes that can be set out prominently and left to work independently. Survival strobes for marine applications should float. Also have extra batteries in all emergency kits and coordinate equipment so you only need one size of battery.
3. Pyrotechnic flares
Light- or smoke-producing pyrotechnic devices or flares, either hand-held or aerial, have applications in emergency situations, but they are not a sure thing. Most experts say they are best suited for at-sea situations, but it is still crucial to know how and when to acti-vate a burning flare to maximize effectiveness in attracting attention. Also, flares set on land can start wildfires, which will get noticed, but you could get the bill for putting them out. Aerial flares have applications in mountainous terrain where visibility is obstructed by trees or steep slopes, but wildfire is again a concern.
Other signaling devices include passive bright colored panels with straight edges that can be laid out on the ground or buoyant streamers that will float on the surface next to a person in the water. Sea dyes (bright green or orange) are useful but can be short lived in their effectiveness. Whistles should also be included in all emergency kits. While federal regulations require most boats and aircraft to be equipped with a variety signaling devices, it’s advisable to have multiple sets of small emergency signaling gear kits that can be car-ried by passengers or at least distributed quickly in case of emergency.
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