Tip Card #03 Communication Land to Air, and Sign Language

Step 1: Choose a Clear, Visible Area

• Location: Select a large, open area where your signals can be easily seen by passing aircraft. Beaches, clearings, or hilltops are ideal locations.
• Contrast: Ensure your signals stand out from the background. Use dark materials (like branches or stones) against light surfaces (sand, snow), or light materials (like clothing or tarps) against darker terrain.

• Materials: Use anything available to make the signals, such as rocks, branches, strips of clothing, or anything that contrasts with the ground.
• Lighting: If it’s dark or cloudy, use fire, flashlights, or reflectors to make your signals visible to aircraft flying overhead at night or in low visibility.

Step 1: Learn Essential Emergency Signs

In an emergency, certain ASL gestures can communicate your situation clearly.

• Help: Make a fist with one hand and place it on the open palm of your other hand. Raise both hands slightly as if asking for assistance.
• Stop: Place your hand upright, fingers together, and hold it in front of you like a “stop” sign.
• Hurt: Extend both index fingers and point them towards each other. Rotate your wrists back and forth as if twisting the fingers to signify pain.
• Water: Make a "W" by extending three fingers and touching your chin.
• Food: Pinch your fingers together and bring them toward your mouth, mimicking the action of eating.

Step 2: Use Gestures for Clear Communication

Pair ASL with visual gestures or actions to reinforce your message:

• Pointing: Point to objects or areas that need attention, such as water, food, or shelter.
• Facial expressions: Use expressions to emphasize the urgency of your situation—such as looking distressed or pointing repeatedly for emphasis.

Step 3: Repeat and Confirm

When using sign language in an emergency, it's crucial to repeat important signs and ensure the other person understands:

• Repeat signs: When signaling vital information (like "help" or "water"), repeat the signs for clarity.
• Confirm understanding: Nod your head to affirm understanding or shake your head if the message needs to be corrected.

Step 4: Practice Common ASL Phrases for Emergencies

Here are some additional phrases to practice:

• Where?: Raise your eyebrows and move your dominant hand back and forth with the index finger extended.
• Danger: Place both fists in front of your body and push them forward, as if blocking or signaling a problem.
• I’m lost: Sign “I” by pointing to yourself, then cross your hands with palms facing outward and twist them as if confused or indicating loss.

Dozens of other tip cards from Grim Workshop exist, each with some of the best survival tips ever on their own unique subject and focus, all containing valuable information, perfect for the avid learner, bushcraft, or hunting enthusiast, or as an emergency information kit in a mini survival kit, get home bag, or bug out bag. To view our entire line of survival tip cards, click HERE!