Making an Emergency Whistle from an Aluminum Can

East Woodland Survival

D.Baird 2013

This is a quick and loud whistle made from an aluminum can. The whistle is similar to a P or referee
type whistle. Fun and easy to make with minimum tools.

Materials Needed: A knife or scissors and an aluminum can.

1. Begin by cutting a strip of aluminum from the can about 4 inches long and half an inch wide.

2. Remove about 1 inch from the strip and retain.

Cut Here

3. Make a cross shape with the two pieces of aluminum. Fold tabs A and B behind D. Fold Tab C
over the top of Tab A and B. See Diagram Below:

4. The folded over tabs form the mouth piece of the whistle. On the top side of the mouth piece
that has no folded over tabs, insert the knife blade slightly to create an air passage.

5. Form the Whistle body in the shape similar to a P or the diagram below.

Mouth Piece

6. Using your thumb and index finger, cover the sides of the whistle. Leave an air gap between the
mouth piece and the body of the whistle and blow.

Tips if you aren’t getting any sound: Make sure the sides are completely closed with your
fingers. Adjust the air gap between the mouth piece and whistle body. Adjust the hole size of
the mouth piece. Blow softer or harder on the mouth piece.