Basic Survival Skills for Almost Anything

survival skillsWhen you’re interested in a topic and break it down piece by piece, day after day, it can be easy to lose sight of the big picture. That’s why Holistic Survival likes to take a “back to basics” approach every now and then to review the essential survival skills needed to make it through almost any emergency situation. Here are our four favorites in no particular order.

1. Fire: Knowing how to build a fire is one of the most critical survival skills you can have. It’s that simple. Fire provides warmth, light, and comfort, not to mention the ability to progress beyond closing your eyes and gulping down chunks of raw rabbit. Don’t underestimate the psychological value of a cooked meal. Always have at least two or three ways to start a fire available in your supplies. Waterproof matches, a butane lighter, and magnesium fire starter are good options.

2. Shelter: Shelter begins with the clothes you wear. Be prepared to dress in layers for ultimate warmth and temperature control. Peel down when you’re hot and add more when you’re cold. After clothing, the survival skills of building a lean-to or hut come into play. Your creativity is the only limit here, though a good tarp can go a long way toward keeping the outdoors firmly where it belongs – outside.

3. Signaling: Critical for contacting people over a distance when verbal communication is impossible. Fire, smoke, flashlights, bright clothing, mirrors, and whistles are just a few of the ways to draw attention to your plight. Remember that three of anything (gunshots, whistles, etc) is the universal cry for help.

4. Food and Water: When preparing for survival, always keep more of this on hand than you think is necessary. Learn how to ration both, but keep in mind you can live for days without food. A few days without water will dramatically effect your health and attitude.

Okay, here’s the numero uno of all survival skills – having the foresight to plan ahead for emergency situations. Without that, the rest won’t do you a bit of good.

The Holistic Survival Team

Holistic Survival

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