EMERGENCY SIGNALING DEVICES

Self-reliance is a term that gets thrown around a lot in the emergency preparedness community, but it’s also a term that seems to be frequently misconstrued. A self-reliant individual takes every feasible step to avoid unnecessary dependence on outside resources. This means that if a problem arises, we should have a plan to solve it on our own, and backup plans in case Plan A falls through. However, that doesn’t mean we should endanger ourselves by stubbornly refusing to call for help if a situation gets out of control.

Let’s say you’re out hiking when the ground underfoot gives way and sends you tumbling down a ravine. You’re bruised and disoriented, and you think your leg might be broken. Would your first instinct be to crawl back to the trail, improvise a crutch, and hobble back to safety on your own? This might seem like the most self-reliant option, but it’s hardly