Name two common daylight distress signals.

• A. Distress flag and signaling mirrors can also be used
• B. Orange smoke flare and distress flag; signaling mirrors can also be used
• C. Flares at night and SOS beacon
• D. Whistles and bells

Answer: (B)

In daylight, signals that catch the eye are essential. The two most common daylight distress signals are an orange smoke flare and a distress flag. The orange smoke flare creates a bright, highly visible plume that can be seen from a distance in bright conditions, while the distress flag provides a readily recognizable, standardized visual cue that rescuers are being asked to assist. Signaling mirrors can also be used in daylight by reflecting sunlight toward potential rescuers, which makes them a helpful supplementary tool when you need to attract attention. The other options aren’t as suitable for daytime signaling: signals designed for night use (like nighttime flares or SOS beacons) won’t be as visible in daylight, and audible devices such as whistles and bells, while useful for nearby alerting, don’t provide the primary daylight visual signals rescuers rely on.