Back to what we were talking about ... We've provided two extreme examples of where you absolutely DO NOT want to get stranded.
The Haul Road isn't too bad. Someone, usually a trucker, will come along within a few hours. You may have to wait several days for repair parts to get to you so it won't be too long before you're back on your way. (Yes, "too long" is a bit of an understatement.)
As indicated, you may have to wait a week or more before someone comes along on the Denali.
So, if you find yourself stranded, and unable to help yourself, yell for help! (You might want to wait an hour or two before doing so, to see if someone comes along.)
The authorities may be annoyed if their response does not involve "threat to life and limb." However, they temper their annoyance with knowledge a non-critical response is better than someone dying because they were too afraid -- or embarrassed -- to call for help.
Unfortunately, nowadays too many people rely exclusively on their cell phones. While cell phone coverage has been steadily improving in Alaska, there are still vast areas without coverage. This includes large stretches of all 'highways' in Alaska. (Virtually all of the Denali Highway is a "no signal" area but even the Parks Highway has significant pockets.)
Cell phone coverage in the Lower 48 is nearly universal but I'm fairly sure there's isolated "no signal" pockets. By the nature of their use, it's possible to find your motorhome stranded on one such area.
I'm seriously considering adding a Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) to my equipment, especially considering my tendency towards heart attacks. However, authorities will definitely get annoyed -- and may bill you -- if their response to an EPIRB signal does not involve threat to life and limb.
Most people view the reflective triangle devices as merely warnings. Road flares and wildly waving arms are usually interpreted a "I need help" signal.
So, a marine emergency signalling kit should be the first thing in your "I'm stranded" box, preferably one that includes aerial flares. (Wait until you see, or at least hear, an airplane before setting off a flare.)
Note: Do not set off a red flare to just try one out. Authorities get very annoyed if they respond to a non-emergency flare. (Someone did so locally ... the bill was $5,000, along with six months probation.)
Companies that sell the kits also sell white aerial flares for training. (The white aerial training flares may be difficult to find outside specialty outlets.)
