Distress signals are signals used to indicate that a person or group is in need of immediate assistance. The two most common distress signals are MOANS and FLARES. MOANS are sound signals, usually made with a whistle or horn, that can be heard from a distance. FLARES are visual signals, usually made with a flare gun or other type of pyrotechnic device, that can be seen from a distance. Both types of distress signals are used to alert people in the vicinity that help is needed.