The Boy Scouts have always emphasized preparedness as the first and most important survival skill. Doing your homework before a situation arises is the best way to keep out of trouble and increase your chances of survival. This is the first survival tip: be prepared.
Here are five must-know Boy Scout survival tips:
1 – Know the terrain.
Before you start out on any adventure, study a map and read some literature about it. Be aware of where help is available and what sort of help it is.
Whether you are hiking on a wilderness trail or through an urban wilderness, knowing where you are and how to get to where you are going is vital information. It is also very important to have an idea about the length of time you are going to need in getting from point A to point B.
2 – Have a first aid kit at hand and be sure that it is properly packed and stocked.
You can create make-shift bandages but antiseptic creams and disinfectants can’t be easily jury-rigged. Water purification tablets and thermometers need to be readily available when they are needed, and the directions for their use should be included in the kit. Even if you already know how to make use of these things, in an emergency it is best to have the prompts right there just in case.
3 – Have a way to make fire.
A lighter is small and a great thing to carry, but waterproof matches are even better. Some sort of extra dry kindling for when it is damp out is another very good bit of survival equipment to carry. These items will make starting a fire that much easier if there is an emergency. Being able to cook food and boil water in the wilderness are two additional skills that can’t be substituted for and are very beneficial.
4 – Have some way to communicate with the world.
Self sufficiency is all well and good, but if you need a hospital and doctor, a cell phone or radio is invaluable. Chances are that you won’t need it, but not having a cell phone or radio when you do need it can be the difference between life and death. A satellite phone or a line-of-sight radio with which to summon help can be vital in the event of a serious emergency such as broken arms and legs.
5 – Have someone who will check up on you know your itinerary and timetable.
The best way to survive an emergency is with a team. Individually we are weak but together we have the skills and strength to help each other and make it through. The person whom you select to be your emergency contact person should be someone who knows how to get in touch with the proper authorities and should have all your pertinent information memorized. This person should be someone you can trust with your life: you might be doing just that.
In any situation what you need to survive is found in preparation. Have the skills you need by taking classes or by reading and learning. Survival is up to you.
About the author: This article was provided by JustRopes.com, the online leader in climbing rope and other supplies.
Photo credit: Alan English