SURVIVAL SKILLS HANDBOOK

SIGNALLING
TIPS AND TRICKS TO SURWIVE IN THE WILD
 %? Bear
Grylls
SURUIVAL SKILLS HANDBOOK

SIGNALLING
44 Bear

This survival handbook has been specially put

together to help young adventurers just like you to
stay safe in the wild. When you are out exploring,
it’s vital to learn how to signal for help in case
of an emergency. If you are lost, injured, or the
weather takes a turn for the worse, knowing how
to use the resources around you to find help could
be a life-saving skill. Once you have
mastered these important skills, pel/
you’re ready to start adventuring!
 CONTENTS
Getting started A
Signalling equipment 6
Getting noticed 8
Distress signals 9
Hand signals 10
Using natural materials 12
Signalling with colour 14
Shapes and shadows 16
Semaphore 18
Trail signals 20
Morse code 22
Mirrors
Flashes and flares
Signal fire
Smoke signals
Ground to air code
Body signals
Signalling with sound
Make a wooden whistle
Using a radio
Mobile and satellite
Signalling by location
GETTING STARTED
Signals are communication methods. They may work at close
range or over quite long distances. Signalling is fun to learn and
practise, but it’s also a vital survival skill. In an emergency, it could
save your life.

Emergency signals
This book explores signals that are
used by explorers, survival experts,
and all who love the outdoors.
Knowledge of signals allows you to
call for help in an emergency. This
could be vital if you are injured, lost,
or trapped by bad weather, or survive
a disaster such as a plane crash.

Main types of signals

There are two main types of signals: visual signals that can be seen, and audio signals
that can be heard. These correspond to the main human senses: sight and hearing.
Visual signals include flashes, flags, hand and body signals, handwritten notes, and
mobile texts. Audio signals include whistle blasts, phone calls, and radio transmissions.

handwritten
note
 A Bear
Grylls

What to wear
Practise signalling outdoors in an open space. The right clothing and equipment
are important on all outdoor trips and expeditions. Wear or take several layers of
clothing so you can put on a layer if you are cold or take it off if hot. Take a cagoule
in case of rain.

gloves

sunscreen

food/drink

sun hat

warm hat
x
walking boots

BEAR SAYS
or shoes

Before all expeditions, tell an

adult where you are going and
what time you expect to get
back. If you are very late,
the adult can then raise
the alarm.
rucksack compass
SIGNALLING EQUIPMENT
You don’t need a lot of fancy kit to learn the basics of signalling.
Start with a few simple items and add more kit gradually as you
need it. Some items are high-tech, while others can be made or
improvised cheaply.

mobile phone pouch

Basic signalling kit

Many of these items are vital to
wilderness survival generally. Carry
them with you whenever you venture
into the wild.

notebook

waterproof bags marker pen

 A Gils
Advanced signalling kit
Specialist items of signalling kit are
also available.

survey tape can

be used to mark
trails

flint and steel can be

used to light fires

flare (see page

heliograph - a 26-27)
specialist signalling
mirror

fluorescent marker panel

can be used to send
ground to air signals

radio transmitter (see

page 40-41)

personal locator
beacon (see page
40-41)

satellite phones can be

used to communicate from
inoculars are useful ;
binocu most locations
for reading signals at
a distance
GETTING NOTICED
Signalling is about getting noticed — sending messages that stand
out in your environment. Distress signals are used in emergencies
to alert rescuers that you need help.

Attracting attention
The key to getting noticed is:
Bigger, Brighter, Different.

Bigger — Humans are very small

compared to the great outdoors.
Make your signals large if you
want to be noticed!

Brighter — Brightly coloured clothing,

flashes, flares, fires, and loud
sounds stand out in nature.

Different — Clothing and man-made

objects with straight lines look out
of place in nature. Anything that
looks wrong, such as an upside-
down flag or raised car boot, will
also attract attention.
DISTRESS SIGNALS
Distress signals are used to call for help in an emergency.
Rescuers will risk their own lives to answer distress calls. These
signals are taken very seriously, so should never be misused.

SOS

SOS
SOS is an internationally recognized
distress call. The letters stand for “Save
Our Souls”. Traditionally used by ships’
captains, it is now used anywhere. SOS can
BBR Wea@ &2A8 be written as letters or sent as Morse code
(see pages 22-23).

Mayday
This distress call was originally used by
airmen in trouble. Traditionally sent by
radio, it comes from the French “m/’aidez”,
meaning “help me”. It is said three times.

Three for danger

Any signal repeated three times is an
internationally recognized distress
call. This includes three blasts of a

“BEAR SAYS
~~
whistle, three light flashes, or three “ot
fires, arranged ina line or triangle. a

If your distress call is not answered

immediately, don’t panic. It
may take some time to attract
& attention. Wait about a minute i%
between sending distress J
~~ signals in a set x
ge

~ Pa
~ of three. Pa 2
“Se, ,
= ~~ A FA
HAND SIGNALS
Hand signals are used by soldiers on manoeuvres. They are fun
to use if you want to communicate silently with friends outdoors.
Use them to move through a wood or open space without
attracting attention.

AK
BEAR SAYS
Practise the signals with your friend first,
to make sure both of you understand the
gestures and how to give them clearly. You
could also develop your own signs. Hand signals are useful when
stalking wildlife to avoid
frightening animals. Here you
should give signals slowly - any
sudden movements will
Movement hand signals
spook wildlife.

come here obstacle

meet here wait

 A Bear
Grylls

Actions hand signals

look | don't understand

cover this area lunderstand peer

Numbers

one two three four five

seven eight nine ten

Six
USING NATURAL MATERIALS
@eeeeeeeeneneeeeeeseee20200282820802320880008080808200800080808080808088888
888

Natural materials such as rocks, pebbles, and branches can be

used to spell words and make visual signals.
You can also draw
letters in snow, mud, and sand.

Choose your location

Picking the right location for your signal is oe EERE
important. It depends whether you want 2 ‘
the signal to be seen from the air or from Good locations include:
the ground. 1. A hilltop or ridge with an all-round
view can be seen from the
air and from all sides.
2. A signal on steeply sloping ground
can be seen from below.
3. A clearing in a wood or forest is
visible from the air.
4. An open grassy space can be
seen from the air or higher ground.

ae

Gather materials
Decide on the materials to
use, depending on what’s
to hand in the environment.
You could use largish stones,
branches, logs, or seaweed
or pebbles on a beach.
Carry materials to the
chosen location.
 AK Bear
eT

Prepare the ground

Clear the ground of debris such as stones

BEAR SAYS
that could distract attention or confuse
the viewer.

If you move away from your

Scaling up signal location, leave an arrow
Make letters as large as possible, and at
to mark which way you
least three times as tall as they are wide.
have gone.
Letters should be at least 10 m tall, 3m
wide, and 3 m apart to be seen from the air.

choose a patch of level

or gently sloping ground

Writing letters
You can trace letters with a stick in damp
sand, mud, or snow. You can also tramp
down snow with your feet, or shovel it
away to expose dark soil beneath. Ona
beach, write a message above the high tide
mark if you don’t want it to wash away.
SIGNALLING WITH COLOUR
Bright colours are great for attracting notice. In an emergency, a
bright flag or garment can alert rescue services or even someone
just passing by.

Make a flag
You can improvise a flag from brightly
coloured clothing, a space blanket, bivvy bag,
or life jacket tied to a stick. Wave the flag
above your head if help is in sight.

a = “a
&
vere a scarecrow
Mako cross of sticks and
-pulla T-shirt over it lik
Be cares w. Remember:
Bigger, Brighte Diffe
See will really .
staid out;
¥
Tinsel tree
Shred a space blanket and tie
the strips to a tree to signal in an
emergency.

Once the emergency is over, be

sure to erase all distress signals.
Remember that rescuers will
put their own lives in danger to
save yours.

Survey tape
Strips of survey tape can be tied to
trees or bushes to attract attention or
mark your route. You can write on this
tape with marker pen.

Dye marker
Some survival kits contain packets of dye marker. This coloured
powder creates a clear signal if spread on water, and is also effective
on snow and sand.
SHAPES AND SHADOWS
Shapes, shadows, and silhouettes can be used to send visual
symbols. Remember that straight lines and sharp angles stand
out well in natural surroundings.

Creating shadows
Shadows can be used to spell
out letters when it’s sunny.
Create shadows by piling snow,
sand, or earth into walls to form
letters. The walls should be at
least 0.3 m high, and will stand
out even better if you diga
trench to make the wall.

You can also pile up branches

or stones to form letters, but
the letters will need to be very
well defined for the shadows to
be legible.

Message cairns
Cairns can also be used to leave written
messages. Place the note in a plastic bag,
and leave it under the top stone of the cairn.
 A Bear
Grylls

Inuit cairns
In the Arctic, the Inuit traditionally build
human-shaped cairns called inuksuit

BEAR SAYS
(singular: inuksuk) to mark trails and
herd caribou.

Your knowledge of distress calls

could save someone's else’s
Silhouettes
An unusual outline silhouetted ona ridge life if you notice an emergency
will attract attention. Build a cairn of stones signal no one else has seen.
to attract notice or mark your route.

=&
walking in this
direction
need
equipment

Marker panels IN y | 2
Some survival kits contain a marker panel. need medical need first
This is a large square of cloth or canvas attention aid supplies
with different colours on the front and back.
The regular, man-made shape stands out
in nature. Fold the cloth to send different
signals as shown.

land here do not

land here

Improvised marker panel colour code

You may be able to improvise a marker panel
using a tent and groundsheet or a bivwvy bag
and space blanket.
SEMAPHORE
HEHEEE
CHOKSHSSHSHOHSHSHHSHSSHHSSHHSSHHHEHSHSHHSHSHHHSHEHHHHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEEHE

Semaphore is a system of signalling using flags to spell letters

and words. Semaphore was widely used by sailors in past
centuries and is still used today.

improvise flags
Improvise flags with brightly coloured cloths
or clothing. If you tie or sew the cloth to
sticks, your signals will be clearer. Red and
yellow stand out well at sea. Blue and white
flags are clearly visible on land.

Sending semaphore messages

Practise semaphore with a friend in an
open space. Hold each position for at last
six seconds. Count seconds by saying “one
thousand and one, one thousand and two...”
slowly. Then move to the next position,
making the change obvious.

|
 A Bear
Grylls

Receiving messages
Binoculars can help you read signals over
a distance. When receiving messages, draw
the arm positions. Work out the letters and
words after the signaller has stopped sending.

Hold a flag in each hand with

your arms out straight. There
are eight possible positions for
each arm.

numbers
cancel follow
TRAIL SIGNS
Trail signs are used by scouts to mark routes and communicate
with others following. In an emergency, trail signs show rescuers
which way you headed if you moved on.

Practise trail marking

Hone your survival skills with
friends by taking turns to lay a
trail and follow it. You can also
develop your own signs, known
only to your group.

BEAR SAYS
Marking the trail is very useful
if you are hiking in unfamiliar
territory. On the way back, or if
you lose your way, simply follow
the markers to retrace
your steps.
 A Bear.
Grylls

Laying a trail
Each sign can be made using sticks, stones,
or tufts of grass. You can also scratch signs
in mud or sand. Leave trail markings at
regular intervals, and at all Junctions where
followers will be unsure which way to go.

this way

h
et aa turn left/right

OSs “ee
£44416-
go straight on message hidden (10)
paces this way

-& -¥.
not this way

message this way group

water thisi way message
g (over cbetacls) Ales
this way
OYA oe Se A >
LAA
ARR Pe ee Pt - oeeo, ° cam
a” P| WS
MORSE CODE
Morse code is an international code made up of short signals, or
“dots”, and longer signals, or “dashes”. Developed in the 1830s, it
is named after American inventor Samuel Morse, who invented
the telegraph.
whistle

How Morse code works

Different combinations of dots and
dashes represent numbers and
letters of the alphabet. String
letters together to make words
and sentences.

Morse code messages can be sent

using visual signals such as smoke,
flags, and light flashes. Or you can
use audio signals such as whistle
blasts or beeps ona radio.

pS Se eae

Sending Morse code

Practise sending and receiving
Morse code messages with
a friend. When sending, keep
messages short and simple.
Write down the message and
look up the code.
Send slowly, making signals as
clear as possible. Pause slightly
between each letter, with longer
pauses between words.

Ce
Gy)
ee
TT)
©)
Se)
 AK Bear
Grylls

MeL.
Receiving
When receiving, write down the
code for each letter. Work out the
BEAR SAYS
SOS in Morse code is three
message when the signal stops. dots, three dashes, and three
more dots. Memorise this
simple signal - in an emergency
it could save your life.

Morse code in flags

You can signal in Morse code
using a flag or cloth tied to a stick.
Hold the flag upright. Move it to
the right for dots and to the left
for dashes. Make dashes slightly
longer than dots. To signal overa
distance, move the flag in figures
of eight to the right or left. Overa
short distance these exaggerated
movements aren't necessary.
MIRRORS
Mirrors reflect sunlight.
You can use this to send light flashes
that can be seen from a great distance. You can also use a mirror
to signal in Morse code.

Improvised mirrors
A hand mirror can be used to send a signal. If you don’t
have a mirror, many shiny objects will also reflect light.

tin cup
or plate

Practise sending and receiving

Morse code messages witha
friend using a hand mirror. It’s
not easy but, with practice, your
technique will improve.

~~
 A Bear.
Grylls

Signalling aircraft
In an emergency you can signal an aircraft using a mirror. This
method takes little effort but only works when it’s sunny.
1. Hold the mirror at shoulder height and point towards the sun.
2. Stretch your other arm out with two fingers up and palm facing
inwards. Sight the aircraft (or another target) between your fingers.
3. Angle the mirror so a spot of reflected light hits your fingers.
4. Lower your outstretched hand while keeping the mirror at the
same angle to direct the flash at the plane.

Heliograph
A heliograph is a special signalling
mirror with a hole punched through
it. The hole makes it easier to aim
light at a target.

Using a heliograph
Hold the mirror up to your face and
sight the aircraft through the hole. Your
reflection shows a spot of light falling
on your face. Tilt the mirror so the light
spot disappears through the hole while
you are looking at the aircraft.
FLASHES AND FLARES
The signals described so far in this book mainly work in daylight.
Torches can be used to signal in darkness, while flares can be
seen by day or night.

Improvised mirrors
Torches and flashlights can be switched on
and off to attract notice or send Morse code
signals. Strobe lights flash automatically to
draw attention.

A torch taped to a branch and waved above

your head sends a clear and obvious signal if
rescue is in sight.

Three for danger

Three torches flashed at once sends
a clear distress signal.

Whirling glowstick
A glowstick can be attached to
a string and whirled to create a
conspicuous circle of light. es

Conserve batteries
In an emergency, save torch
batteries by signalling at intervals.
 RK Bear
Grylls

Flares
Handheld flares produce a bright light or plume of coloured smoke that can be
seen for miles. There are two main types: pistol flares and rocket flares. Warning:
flares are very dangerous and need to be handled with great care.

Handling flares
Keep flares dry and well away froma
campfire. Remove one flare at atime
from the box and replace the lid.

Lighting a flare
Flares can get very hot so wear
gloves if possible. Read all
instructions carefully. Hold the
flare out at arm’s length. Point it at
a75° angle, not directly upwards, so
burning debris does not fall on you or
your camp. Follow the instructions to
ignite the flare.

Warning
Many flares are still burning when they hit
the ground. Flaming debris can burn a hole
in an inflatable life raft in a split-second.
Avoid using flares In very dry areas where
you could start a fire.
SIGNAL FIRE
Fire and plumes of smoke are visible by day or night. For
centuries, fire has been used to send signals, often in
emergencies.

Fire location
Choose a sheltered spot on level
ground. If possible, make a platform
of green (freshly cut, sap-filled)
sticks or branches to keep the fire
off the ground. You could arrange
large logs or rocks around the fire
to forma windbreak.

Build a tepee fire

A tepee fire can be ignited quickly if
rescue Is in sight. Place a ball of tinder in
the centre and pile kindling over it. Place
small fuel sources over the kindling to
form a pyramid shape.
 A Bear
Grylls

Methods of firelighting
The easiest way to light a fire is using matches, a lighter,
or a flint and steel kit. Rub the steel along the flint to
create a spark. If you have none of these, you can ignite
tinder by focusing the sun’s rays using a magnifying
glass or even spectacles.

Blow gently on an ember to produce a flame. spectacles

Add more fuel gradually, to avoid smothering
the fire.

matches

BEAR SAYS
Direct the spark or flame at the
tinder. If it’s windy, use your
body as a windbreak, and cup
your hands around the flame. Warning
Fire is very dangerous, so you need to be careful.
Only light a fire with adult supervision. Have a
bucket of water or sand handy to put out the fire
if needed.
BUILD A CONE FIRE
These techniques create signal fires that are clearly visible in
open country or dense woodland.

use small,
straight sticks to
Cone fire forma platform
You need: green sticks or branches of various
sizes, knife, string.

1. Sharpen one end of three long, straight

sticks. Bind the blunt ends loosely with string,
rope, or wire.
2. Fan out the sharpened ends to form a tripod
shape. Push the sharpened ends into the ground.
3. Tie three shorter sticks about 15 cm from the
base of the tripod to form a triangle.
4. Lay smaller, straight sticks onto the triangle to
form a platform.
5. Build a tepee fire on the platform and place
green branches over it. Leave a gap to ignite the
tinder in the centre when you hear or see rescue
coming.

completed
cone fire

sturdy
platform
 AK Bear.
Grylls

SMOKE SIGNALS
SSSHSSHHSHSHSSHHSHSHSHSHSSHHSHSHSHSHSHSHHEHOHHSEHHOHSSEHSOHOHSESESEOSOEEEOSEE®E

A plume of smoke acts as a distress beacon. You can

also send an SOS signal by fanning fire with a cloth.

Three fires in a line or triangle produce a

clear distress signal.

Fire raft
Dense forest orjungle hides fire and smoke.
A river, pool, or lake provides an open space
from where a fire will be visible, so the best
place to site a signal fire is on a raft.

Build a raft
Gather straight branches or bamboo poles.
Lash them together crosswise, as shown,
using string or rope. Tie the raft to both
banks of a river and build a tepee fire on top.

A
BEAR SAYS
Make sure any fire is completely
extinguished before you move
on. The smallest spark could
start a destructive blaze, which
could put you and others
in danger.
GROUND TO AIR CODE
Ground to air code is a method of signalling aircraft in an
emergency. These signals can be made using natural materials.

Gather materials
Rocks, branches, beach pebbles, or bright
objects can all be used to make the
symbols. You can also write the code in
mud, sand, or snow.

Ground to air code is particularly useful as

it makes it clear to aircraft if you need to
be rescued, or if you need supplies to be
dropped.

Clearing a space
Choose open ground, asummit, or ridge top
to site the signal. Clear away debris such
as sticks and stones that could confuse the
message. If using natural materials, make sure
they stand out well against the background.

Make the symbols as large and clear as

possible. These symbols should be five or six
times as tall as they are wide.

The word FILL helps you to

remember the three most
important signals: food and
water, injury, and all well.
 % Bear
Grylls

require doctor require compass all well

- serious injuries and map

require medical go this way no

supplies

unable to | am going yes

proceed this way

require food probably safe | don't

and water to land here understand
BODY SIGNALS EH ESOS
COCO SEH EHO HEHEHE COEHHHHHHEEHHHHHHHHHHOHHHHSE

Body signals are also used to signal from the ground to aircraft. In
an emergency, these signals can be used to guide a helicopter to
a landing.

Ground signals
In an emergency your first contact with the
outside world is likely to be a search aircraft.
Make this contact count by learning standard
ground-to-air signals. You can use objects, as
well as your own body, to seek help.

AU

ce ssage\ » «

aenot gic t to aelerea

 AK Bear
Grylls

Prepare a helicopter landing zone

You need an open space at least 40 m
across. The ground should be fairly flat and
even. Remove debris such as rocks and
branches, and also cardboard, paper, and Exaggerate the body positions.
plastic that could blow about. Note that some positions are
made side-on to the aircraft.
Use a cloth to make the
signals for “yes” and
“no” clearer.

helicopter will
approach downwind
if possible
mark the edges
of the touchdown
area with bright
items
a

~ See es So eS ee

brains:
Mj) WW shir
as Boss a
= ease a1 OEY
a PEL SS

clear an area of at back

Of =~ __--~—18 m (60 ft)in diameter -
~ the ground should be as
Fora flat as possible ;
= __agarment tied to a stick Pon = aaa
ee shows the pilot which way ye ha
: eae.
sites: PE __the witrdis blowttig~ 2 Ben
ry We
p OTA ~ genes, wh Shes ia
stand outside”
the touchdown
oe zone where you
: are visible ie
ef

AA ; Hee = es

Warning
Beware of the helicopter blades and powerful downdraft.
Approach the helicopter from the front, never from the rear.
SIGNALLING WITH SOUND
The human voice doesn’t carry far, and if you shout for a long time
you will get hoarse. Noise-makers such as whistles and drums
produce louder sounds that travel further.

Objects that make noise

These objects are commonly used to
create a sound signal.

banging two
objects together

car horn
shouting

Improvise
Improvise a drum by beating a hollow
log or metal sheet with a stick. Or strike
a metal cup or plate with a stick or
spoon. Claves can be made with two dry,
hardwood sticks. Strike one stick against
the other to produce loud clicking sounds.
BEAR SAYS
Whistles help members of a
group keep in touch with one
another, for example when moving
through mist or woodland. You
can work out your own
signal code.
 A laX-Yolg
Grylls

Whistle
Blowing a whistle uses far less energy than
shouting, and the sound carries further. Three
or six blasts of a whistle is an emergency signal.
Or send SOS in Morse code: three short, three
long, and three short blasts.

Grass squeaker
Put a blade of grass between your thumbs and
knuckles as shown. Hold it taut, purse your
lips, and blow between your thumbs.

Wolf whistle
1. Stretch your lips over your teeth.
Cover the teeth completely but keep
lips relaxed.

2. Put two fingers between your lips as

far as the first knuckle, with finger tips
pointing towards the throat.

3. Flatten your tongue against the

bottom of your mouth to within 1 cm
of your gums.

4. Blow forcefully so air passes over

your tongue and bottom lip through
your fingers. Adjust position of lips and
fingers until you produce a whistle.
MAKE A WOODEN WHISTLE
Make your own whistle using elder wood or bamboo. Fun and easy
to make and use, this could also save your life in an emergency.

You need:
A knife, stick of bamboo or elder, or any wood
with a central pith, thinner sticks.

1. Cut a straight length of elder or bamboo

about the width of your finger.

2. Cut a finger-length section and remove

the bark. Push out the central pith using a
smaller stick.

3. Cut a 45°-angle notch about 2 cm from one

end as shown.
 A Bear
Grylls

4. Cut a length of straight stick slightly

thicker than the central hole, and pare it
down to make a dowel to fit inside.

5. Shave one side of the dowel slightly to

make it flat. Insert it into the mouth end as
far as the notch, so the flat side lines up
with the notch. Trim off any end.

6. Test the whistle by blowing while

blocking the far end with your finger.
Adjust the dowel to alter the pitch.

7. Block up the far end using the

dowel but without the flat side.
This must be airtight.
USING A RADIO
Radio provides an easy way to send and receive complex
messages. Learn how to operate a radio before heading off
into the wild.

Radio equipment
Lightweight two-way walkie-talkies
are an excellent way of communicating
with a partner, a group, or base camp.
If on an expedition, agree two specific
times a day for transmitting messages.

Getting a signal
Radio range is limited to within line of
sight of a receiver. Reception is often
poor in forests and cities. Climb to
higher ground to get or improve a signal.

BEAR SAYS
Prepare to send a message
1. Raise the aerial but hold it level
with the ground to get the best signal.
Keep the aerial away from your body,
clothing, or the ground. If reception is poor you can send
2. Check if the microphone is an SOS in tones and beeps. The
activated by voice or button. Have the button may be labelled Key, CW,
message ready and tune into the right or Tone. SOS is three beeps,
frequency. three tones, three beeps.
 RK Bear
Grylls

Transmitting a message
Hold the microphone 10 cm from International distress
your mouth and speak slowly frequencies
and clearly. In an emergency, say
“Mayday, mayday”. Give your name VHF Radio: Channel 16
and position. State the nature of CB radio: Channel 9
the emergency and the number of Family Radio Service UHF: Channel 1
people. Then say “Over” and wait for Amateur (ham) radio: 2182kHz,
the reply. 14.300MHz, 14.313MHz
Airband Radio: 121.5MHz, 243MHz
UHF Radio (Australia): Channel 5

PLBs
Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are small
devices resembling handheld radios. In
an emergency, activate the device to send
a distress signal with your position to a
satellite. This is then relayed via a ground
station to a search and rescue centre which
will send help.
MOBILE PHONES
Mobile and satellite phones present the easiest form of
communication — always provided you have a signal. It’s also
vital to conserve batteries or keep them charged.

Mobiles and smartphones Getting a signal

Mobile (cell) phones allow you to call and As with radios, mobiles only work in
text while on the move. If you are lost or line of sight of a transmitter. They
injured you can take and send photos of may not work in hills, canyons, or off
locations or injuries. Smartphones provide the beaten track. Heading uphill may
access to the internet. You can download improve the signal. If the signal is
maps or a GPS app, which shows your exact weak, text rather than call.
location.

No signal?
If you have no signal but a full battery, send a text and keep the mobile on while you
move on, the text will be sent if you enter an area with reception. If there’s no signal
and your battery is low, turn off and text from likely spots such as hilltops.
 7 a={-olg
Grylls

Satellite phones
Satellite phones allow you to
call and text from any location
via satellites. Survival experts
use them because they work in
wilderness areas.

Conserving batteries
Radios, mobiles, and satellite phones
all rely on batteries, which need to
be kept warm and dry. In icy weather
keep them warm in a pouch next to
International emergency numbers
your skin. Turn off devices when not in
Call these numbers only in true emergencies.
use, or buy a solar charger so you can
Get ready to give your name, location, and
charge your phone without electricity.
the nature of the emergency.

91 US, Canada, Mexico

112 Europe except UK, New Zealand, India
999 UK
000 Australia

Phonetic (spoken) alphabet

Use the phonetic alphabet to make sure any
letters you use during phone calls or radio
transmissions are understood.

Letter | Code Word | Letter Code Word

A Alpha N November
B_| Bravo O Oscar
Cc Charlie Pp Papa
D Delta Q Quebec
E Echo R Romeo
F Foxtrot S | Sierra
G Golf T Tango
H Hotel U | Uniform
| India | Vv Victor
J Juliet WwW Whiskey
K Kilo X X-ray
L Lima Y | Yankee
M |Mike Z Zulu
Ga : Henioiis wes eel
 SIGNALLING BY LOCATION
Different types of terrain suit various forms of communication.
Here’s a handy summary of what will work where.

Open country
and/or grassland
Visual signals such as flares,
flags, flashes, and fire work well,
particularly from hills and ridges.
Phones and radios function well
except in remote areas. =n wb.
‘ yey Whe i :
Forest, woodland Baan AIHA, sei aly +
Wooded areas are poor
environments for signalling.
Vegetation hides flashes, flags,
and even fire and smoke, and
blocks radio and phone signals.
Don’t ignite a fire or flare in
a dry forest. Sounds such as
shouts and whistle blasts are
also masked by vegetation. Seek
clearings, high ground, or open
water to send signals.

Desert
Open desert terrain suits visual
signals — provided there is
anyone to see them. Flags,
flares, flashes, fire and smoke,
and even written messages are
easily spotted by aircraft. If lost
or stranded, stay in the shade or
x: WZ
Ne Wz

by a broken-down vehicle, which

will be conspicuous from the air. WF”
(44)
 AK Bear.
Grylls

At sea
Marine areas have their own
signalling methods. Lighthouses
and buoys mark dangerous
waters. Ships communicate
using radio, satellite phones,
lights, and flags. Use a light,
whistle, flare, or dye to call for
help from a small boat or in the
water. Take great care when
igniting flares. Helicopters will
use a winch to rescue survivors.

Mountains
Canyons and valleys block
visual, radio, and telecom
signals. Climb to ridges or
summits above the treeline
to signal using flashes, flares,
flags, fire, or body signals. In
mountain rescue code, six light
flashes or whistle blasts signal
an emergency. The response Is
three flashes or blasts.

Polar regions
Visual signals work well here.
Bright colours, manmade shapes,
flares, fire, smoke, and dye stand
out well against snow. Batteries
and even whistles can freeze
if not kept warm. Air rescue is
likely to come from a plane with
skids, not a helicopter.
GLOSSARY
Aerial A metal rod used to transmit and receive radio signals.

Audio Relating to sound.

Cairn A pile of stones used to mark a route or summit in the wild.

Claves An instrument made of two hardwood sticks that are struck

together.

Conserve To save or preserve something.

Conspicuous Something that is obvious or clear.

Debris Pieces of waste material.

Distress signal A call for help in an emergency.

Environment The surroundings, usually in the natural world.

Green wood Newly cut wood that is full of sap.

Heliograph A signalling mirror with a central hole that allows you to aim
flashes of light at a target such as an aircraft.

Ignite To set on fire.

Improvise When you make something from materials that are to hand.

Inuksuk A human-shaped stone structure traditionally used by Inuit people

to mark trails.

Legible Writing that can be easily read.

 ed
Grylls

Kindling Small fuel such as thin sticks, used to feed a newly lit fire.

Marker panel A panel with different colours on the front and back, used for
signalling.

Mayday A traditional distress call. The word comes from the French “m’aidez’ ,

meaning “help me.”

Morse code A signalling system made up of long and short signals, also
called dots and dashes. Morse code signals can be sent in different ways, for
example by flashing a light or blowing a whistle.

Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) A radio beacon used to send a distress signal
and the sender’s location in an emergency.

Primary colours The three basic colours: red, yellow, and blue.

Reception The receiving of radio signals.

Semaphore A system of signalling using flags.

Silhouette The dark shape of a person or object against a bright background

such as the sky.

Strobe light A torch or flashlight that flashes automatically.

Tinder Very fine fuel used to catch a spark to light a fire.

Transmission Something that is sent, for example by radio.

Transmit To send

Visible Something that can be seen.

Visual Relating to sight.

 Discover more amazing books in
the Bear Grylls series:
Perfect for young adventurers, the
Survival Skills series accompanies an
exciting range of colouring and activity
books. Curious kids can also learn
tips and tricks for almost any extreme
situation in Survival Camp, and explore
Earth in Extreme Planet.

Conceived by Weldon Owen, an imprint of Kings Road Publishing,

in partnership with Bear Grylls Ventures

Produced by Weldon Owen, an imprint of Kings Road Publishing

Suite 3.08 The Plaza, 535 Kings Road,
London SW10 OSZ, UK

Copyright © 2017 Weldon Owen, an imprint of Kings Road Publishing

WELDON OWEN, AN IMPRINT OF KINGS ROAD PUBLISHING

Publisher Donna Gregory
Designer Shahid Mahmood
Editorial Claire Philip, Susie Rae, Lydia Halliday
Contributor Jen Green
Itlustrator Julian Baker
Cover image by Emma Myrtle

10987654321
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system
or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or
otherwise, except brief extracts for the purpose of review, without the prior
written permission of the publisher.

Disclaimer
Weldon Owen and Bear Grylls take pride in doing our best to get the facts right in putting together
the information in this book, but occasionally something slips past our beady eyes. Therefore we
make no warranties about the accuracy or completeness of the information in the book and to the
maximum extent permitted, we disclaim all liability. Wherever possible, we will endeavourto correct
any errors of fact at reprint.

Kids — if you want to try any of the activities in this book, please ask your parents first! Parents — all
outdoor activities carry some degree of risk and we recommend that anyone participating in these
activities be aware ofthe risks involved and seek professional instruction and guidance. None of the
health/medical information in this book is intended as a substitute for professional medical advice;
always seek the advice of a qualified practitioner.

A WELDON OWEN PRODUCTION. AN IMPRINT OF KINGS ROAD PUBLISHING

PART OF THE BONNIER PUBLISHING GROUP.
 Bear
Grylls
SURVIVAL SKILLS HANDBOOK

Embark on an amazing adventure with Bear Grylls as

you explore the wild outdoors.
®
Learn vital emergency signals, important codes, and
how to start a fire in the wild.
®
Includes step-by-step instructions and tips from Bear.