Hobo Sign

[Ramen]

Not sure if this has been discussed before i couldn't find anything on search so i thought I'd post it.

I was wondering if it would be worthwhile to be familiar with using hobo signs. These are makings that where left in areas by migrant laborers in the early 1900's. They where used to alert fellow Hobos to potential help, warnings, and resources. For instance an x with a closed top and eyes means its a safe place to camp, 3 diagonal slashed means means the area is unsafe, 2 with a line under it over a 10 means there are crooks in the area, a circle with two arrows pointing right means get out quickly, and many many more.

I was thinking in long term situation with a wide spread affect like a PAW or major SHTF it could be helpful when you need to alert others in a variety of ways. It could help other travelers who may need something bad. It could also help if you needed to leave a quick message to any companions you have in case you had to go ahead of them.

Personally i think a new set of signs would be better as some of these can be duplicitous and there may be some things that would need to be covered that aren't because it was mainly used for traveling laborers.

[Jamie]

I think that in most cases a plain-English warning written with a sharpie on the outside of a house/bathroom/drugstore would be safer than a cool code...

Warning: zombies inside!

would work better than...

[^]

In the stressful world of Zombieland, I think it would be unfortunate to count on people learning/remembering a complex series of encoded messages, and that the sort of information you mentioned in your OP would be best shared with everyone, not just those who know the signs.

JMHO, YMMV


Jamie

[Dash]

I could see how a code might come in handy. Sometimes you don't have the time to spray paint "Warning: zombies inside!" but a huge red X would pretty much sum that up.

[DialM]

What about learning this marking system?

[raptor]

What about learning this marking system?

I agree we should all know the above code since it is in common use.

A search team makes one leg of the "X" upon entering and write the date and time. They search the property and then finish the "x" upon exit. This one says California Task Force 2 searched the property on sept 12 @15:00 hrs and found no hazard (blank space) and no bodies the "0".

It is the INSARAG marking system.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_search_and_rescue
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Katrina_x_large.png

[DialM]

That isn't INSAR, it is the FEMA system.

[CiggsWar]

I have time its crummy outside:=

[doitnstyle1]

I had seen the same thing while watching "Riding the Rails" I never thought of sing it though for our purposes. It wouldn't be a bad idea IMHO. This form of communication has been used for thousands of years for hunters to share wild game information civil war Rebel soldiers used a specific code to direct comrades to hidden caches of ammo or gold. Vietcong would mark the trails with arrows or special markers to show direction of movement. Native American would mark direction to game trails.

Resources may be low and keeping signs in code may help us with getting to our BOL. Hides, Caches, Safe Harbor, even dangerous area to be avoided would come in handy. if you write it out other people may find it and raid caches or dangerous people would read it and move to take advantage of the directions given.

[Oneswunk]

Im a fan of plain english.

You never know what some symbols are pointing you to.....

Or maybe some of you do.

[Hoot Harrington]

What, are you afraid of zombies reading your signs?

[wee drop o' bush]

I think Hobo signs are a good idea.
Obviously people need to understand them, but they're a quick and easy way to communicate.

They were an effective communication tool for transients during the great depression & could be utilised again in a ZPAW. Especially if electricity dependent media no longer exists (like in the 'Rot & Ruin' series by Jonathan Maberry)
JMHO YMMV

[Kutter_0311]

I think having a group code can be very useful, as there are always things you don't need to broadcast to the world.

There are also things that you want to publish for the masses...

Farnham's Freehold Trading Post, Restaurant, & Bar
American Vodka, Corn Liquor, Applejack
Pure Spring Water, Corned Beef & Potatoes, Grade A Milk
DAY NURSERY, FREE KITTENS!!!
ANY BOOK ACCEPTED AS CASH!
WARNING!!!
Ring bell, wait, advance with your hands up, stay on path, avoid mines.
We lost three customers last week, we can't afford to lose you!

[buck85]

interesting!

[Roger Brough]

The formula for lines of communication n(n-1)/2 gives you indication of how difficult it would be to communicate with everyone but I think it is important that you have signals and codes within your circles of trust.

The hobo sign idea really is saying the same thing, and it is a great idea.