A family of four was traveling cross-country to visit their folks on Christmas Day. Snowfall was really heavy, a situation that could make the roads impassable. Adding to their predicament they were caught in a blizzard along the way and could no longer navigate, so literally they were stalled for the night. Luckily, the family was able to call for help before their communication lines went dead.
At least in a situation like this, help is coming but the only question is how to locate the stranded car in the sea of snow. And most likely snow must have covered the vehicle, so it would be next to impossible for air rescue to spot and thus hinder aid to the family.
But, the family had an emergency identification banner complete with grommets and tie ropes and had it draped over their vehicle. The result, the air-rescue team was able to pinpoint their actual location and they were hauled out in no time at all. I even saw the actual rescue effort on TV.
What are identification banners or emergency
flag markers? These are fluorescent emergency banners, 2' by 6' in dimension, one side is bright orange (means this is the place or this is me) and the other side is bright pink (and means do not land here). This provides high visibility for rescuers scanning the horizon or through binoculars, particularly if you are stranded due to storms.
This type of banners had been in use by the Army Pathfinder and Air Force Combat Control Teams in their rescue operations. In fact these are called the Visual Signal Model 17 Panel, or simply VS-17 Panel.
So, have one in your trunk, who knows when you will need it.
by:
The Flagman
