How to Use Morse Code to Signal for Help

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:

• Mirrors
• Trash
• Aerosol-powered Air Horns
• Whistles

1. Carry a mirror and send flashes by reflecting sunlight.
2. Bring a whistle when hiking to sound for help.
3. Carry an aerosol-powered air horn while boating to signal for help.
4. Sound or flash the letters slowly but rhythmically.
5. Beep car horn or flash headlights if stranded.
6. 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.