Requirement 2 of 10

Emergency Signaling

Explain the importance of signaling in emergencies and discuss distress signals used to attract airborne search-and-rescue or summon help.

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Checklist

Emergency and distress signaling examples

Use illustrations, photos, or drawings to explain distress signals that could be used outdoors or during a disaster.

Why signaling matters

  • In an emergency, a good signal can help rescuers find you faster, understand that you need help, and know where to focus their search.
  • Signals are most effective when they are clear, repeated, visible from far away, and different from the natural surroundings.

Examples to discuss

  • Signal fires or smoke used safely and legally in the right situation.
  • Ground-to-air symbols made with rocks, logs, or contrasting materials.
  • Mirrors or reflective devices used to flash sunlight toward aircraft.
  • Bright cloth, panels, or shapes that stand out from the environment.
  • Whistles, horns, or repeated sound patterns to alert searchers.

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Requirement 1

Importance and History

Open requirement

Requirement 2

Emergency Signaling

Current requirement

Requirement 3

Morse Code and ASL

Open requirement

Requirement 4

Semaphore and Flags

Open requirement

Requirement 5

Braille

Open requirement

Requirement 6

Sound and Silent Signals

Open requirement

Requirement 7

Trail Signs and Markers

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Requirement 8

Specialized Signal Activities

Open requirement

Requirement 9

Symbols and Signs

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Requirement 10

Secret Codes and Cryptography

Open requirement