Safety Gear

• Orange Signal Panels
  

Grand Canyon National Park river regulations state:

"Emergency signaling equipment must include a signal mirror of the U.S. Air Force type and two international orange colored panels, each measuring 3 ft x 10 ft, that can be placed in an “X” so as to be visible from aircraft. In the event of an emergency, the symbol “X” marked or placed on the ground by any means will signify that help or emergency aid is necessary. Upon notification by observer, a helicopter will be dispatched by the National Park Service."

So where do you find "international orange colored panels, each measuring 3 ft x 10 ft"?

Why, Orange tube tents, of course! You can use Duct tape to attach tent panels together to form a 3 ft X 10 ft sheet.

Use your internet search engine to search "Tube Tent" or "Coghlin's Lightweight Emergency Tube-tent"

You can also use an orange tarp as a substitute for signal panel material. The tarp can be cut into 3 ft X 10 ft strips in an emergency.

Use your internet search engine to search "orange tarp".

• Signal Mirrors

U.S. Air Force signal mirrors are also readily available from many outdoor gear supply stores.

Use your internet search engine to search "signal mirror U.S. Air Force".

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