How to Use Morse Code to Signal for Help

By eHow Health Editor

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The universal signal for "help needed" is SOS, which can be relayed by sound or by light. It consists of three short sounds or flashes (S); three long sounds or flashes (O); and, again, three short sounds or flashes (S).

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Carry a mirror and send flashes by reflecting sunlight.
Step2
Bring a whistle when hiking to sound for help.
Step3
Carry an aerosol-powered air horn while boating to signal for help.
Step4
Sound or flash the letters slowly but rhythmically.
Step5
Beep car horn or flash headlights if stranded.
Step6
Use brush, debris or trash to lay out letters for aerial observation.

Tips & Warnings

  • A dash ("dah") is three times as long as a dot ("dit").
  • Allow the length of a dit between letters.
  • Practice when you are not in an emergency situation.
  • Use a broken or partially working cell phone or CB radio to send a signal by turning the device on and off or keying the transmit button in the SOS pattern.
  • Use SOS only in a true emergency.

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eHow Article: How to Use Morse Code to Signal for Help

eHow Health Editor

eHow Health Editor

Category: Health

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