How To Master the Wilderness and Survive

Wilderness survival is especially important if you are a person who likes the outdoors.  Sometimes, circumstances can take a turn for the unexpected and the best way to survive is to be prepared by mastering some very necessary skills.

Be able to tell direction.  Navigation skills can lead you in the right direction and get you out of the wilderness, literally.  Have a compass with you and know how to read it.

Try learning the more advanced ways of finding direction.  These are skills taught by experienced outdoorsmen who can teach you how to tell direction even when the sun isn’t shining, or observing prevailing winds or by looking at ‘indicators’ on rocks, melting snow, trees and shrubs. 

If you are able to do these things, then you will never have to worry even if you dropped the compass.

Learn to find shelter.  Caves, overhanging cliffs, boulders, even fallen trees can be used to protect yourself from the elements.  Know what you need to build a proper structure that can keep away the sun, wind, rain and even snow.  Be able to build a shelter from the only available materials in your environment.

Build a fire.  The importance of a fire cannot be emphasized enough.  A fire can keep you warm, light up your area, cook food and discourage animals from coming close.

Look for food and a source of water.  Be able to tell which plants are edible and which are not.  Also, know how to handle plants that you have to crack, such as coconuts.  You might also need to learn how to fish or track and trap animals and prepare them for cooking. 

You can also learn the skill of telling which source of water is safe to drink.  For safety, be able to find some way to heat water to sterilize it.

Learn basic first aid so you’ll know what to do in case of injuries or sickness. 

Learn how to make weapons or equipment using whatever is available – rocks, branches, leaves or vines.  They will come in handy as substitutes for a knife, club, hammer or yes, even a pillow.

Learn the skill of knowing what to do when you encounter a wild animal.  Sometimes, running away or climbing a tree is not the best solution.

Keep a level head so you can think straight and not make mistakes.  Remember that the wilderness is not your enemy.  You just need to work with it in order to survive. 

When Bugs Attack: Insects to Look Out for When You’re Outdoors

When going outdoors, it is wise to remember that we are entering insect territory. It is really not up to us, so don’t feel offended if insects start biting or stinging. It’s nothing personal. They really are just looking out for themselves.

The first thing you should do when venturing for a walk outdoors is to put on an insect-repellant. These chemicals render you ‘invisible’ to an insect. Also, do not wear perfume or brightly colored clothes. These are very attractive to our bug friends.

Spiders. Some of the most poisonous spiders are black widows. They are easily recognizable because of their hourglass-shaped bodies with orange, red or white spots on the abdomen. Bites can cause severe pain, weakness, shivering and sweating that can last several days.

An arachnid to watch out for is the fiddleback spider, so called because of a light spot that resembles a violin on its back. It is also known as the brown recluse because it prefers dark places. Its bite can cause tissue degeneration around the site.

Other spiders to avoid are the funnelwebs and the tarantulas. A tarantula can deliver a painful bite that can cause bleeding which could lead to infection.

A spider bite is rarely fatal, except when a person is allergic to the particular toxin in its venom.

Scorpions. Most scorpions are nocturnal and they are either brown or black. To adapt to the desert, they have light green or yellow coloring. They can grow to an average of 2.5cm and some Central America giants are about 20cm. They cause a very painful sting with their jointed tails and are not to be confused with whip scorpions and vinegar roons, which have straight tails like a whip.

Bees and Wasps. Bees are easily recognizable because of their plump, hairy bodies while wasps and hornets are hairless and slender. Some bees live in colonies, while others build their homes in the ground or in wood. When a bee attacks, it leaves its stinger stuck to your skin, along with the venom sac. Wasps and hornets attack repeatedly with smooth stingers.

Ticks. Ticks like blood and can spread Lyme disease, encephalitis, Rocky Mountain fever and other dangerous diseases. However, in order for these diseases to be transmitted, the tick will need at least six hours attached to your skin. That leaves ample time to inspect your body and get rid of it.

The best defense against insects is avoidance. Most of them act out of self-preservation and not because they mean any harm. So try to remain as far away from them as possible. They are not creatures to socialize with.

Survive a Tornado

Tornadoes have no trouble at all forming, especially when the conditions are right.  They usually come for a visit during the months of March through August, although they may also occur at different times of the year.  They also tend to occur in the afternoons or in the evenings.  Wind velocity will average much above 40mph and can reach more than 300mph.

A tornado normally lasts about five minutes but it can touch down several times in different areas.  It can leave a path of destruction that can be as wide as 400 yards or more.  The strongest ones can leave a swath as wide as a mile. 

Here are some tips to survive one:

When there is a storm, turn your TV or radio on to a weather station.  Authorities try to prepare people by issuing a tornado watch and a tornado warning.  A tornado watch is made when there is a possible tornado.  A warning is issued if there is an actual tornado.

If you are in a tornado-prone area, make sure you have an emergency stock of water, food, clothing and medicine.  Shut off power and gas.

Heed the warning.  Don’t try to stick around during an attack to film a tornado and try to send it to the Most Amazing Videos program. 

Don’t waste time.  If you live in a mobile home, get to a shelter right away.  The tornado won’t wait or pause to let you get your bearings.  Sometimes you only have minutes, even seconds, to spare. 

If you are inside the house, go to the lowest part, away from ground surface, like the basement or cellar.  The bath tub or acloset in the innermost part of the house will do if you have no basement.  Cover yourself with a blanket or mattress.

If you are outside, find a culvert or an open ditch.  Tornados usually pick up anything that is above ground, including cars.  If you are inside a vehicle, don’t think you can use it to get away.  Get out and find a culvert or ditch or if there is nothing else, an underpass.  Don’t stay in the car, unless you want a free ride to somewhere.
 
Build a safe room.  Areas where tornados are frequent have structures that are sturdy and capable of surviving a tornado.  These are normally rooms integrated into the house and very accessible.

The best way to survive a tornado is to try to remain calm so that you can think very clearly.  Also use your common sense and heed the warnings.

What To Do in Case of Fire

Catastrophes and accidents are events that we don't have much control over. So many lives are lost, properties damaged, and many other untold consequences occur because of fire.

How do you make sure you stay your safest in case of fire? Learn these tips:

1. Don't panic.

The reason for many fatalities during fire is that confusion starts taking over. When you start hyperventilating or coughing because of smoke, panic can get the best of you. So, always retain your presence of mind but remember to move really quick, too.

2. Check doorknob temperature.

One effective way to know if it's safe to go out of your room or to go anywhere else inside the house or building is to feel the temperature of the doorknobs. But you don't want your hand burned, right? You can spit on the doorknob and see if the saliva evaporates quickly. Then, double-check by getting a sense of the doorknob's temperature with the back of your hand.

3. When trapped inside a room, cover all smoke entry points.

To avoid getting suffocated from the smoke of other burning rooms, cover smoke entry points with wet towels or blankets. And yell for help or call 911 immediately. State your address clearly to facilitate emergency help.

4. Crawl low.

Toxic fumes or air stays nearer the ceiling. So, if you want to avoid getting affected by these harmful fumes or smoke, crawl really low to the floor.

5. Except for your family members, grab nothing that will slow you down.

Wrap yourself with a woolen blanket and quickly get out of the place if you can. Just so you can prepare, always be ready with an emergency bag. All your easy-to-carry possessions and documents can be included it. Determine if you have forgotten anyone inside the house by counting all your saved family members. If someone's missing, immediately inform fire department personnel that can help in rescuing anyone trapped inside the house. And don't ever go back in to get anything you've forgotten.

6. When your clothes catch fire, again, don't panic.

Stop and roll on the floor to abate the fire. Jumping and running around will only feed the fire because of the creation of wind.

7. Install emergency devices.

Fire-alarms, smoke detectors, and emergency exits should never be overlooked if you are really planning for staying safe. Also, preparing and practicing an escape plan can be of great help to make fire survival much easier.

Surviving the Cold: How to Protect Yourself In Extreme Cold Conditions

The first thing to remember when you are out in extremely or conditions or location is to conserve as much heat as you can.  It would help if you’re wearing protective clothing.  Protect your hands with thick, waterproof gloves and your feet with boots.  If you will be walking on snow, wear snowshoes to distribute your weight so that you don’t sink.

Most of the body heat escapes through the head.  Keeping it covered will keep your internal body temperature normal.  Be sure to keep your ears protected as well.

If you are preparing to go out, make sure you take a flashlight, some matches or a lighter, food and warm water.  It will also help if you know how to navigate so you know where you’re headed.

Do not stop moving.  Allow yourself to rest only for a few moments and then keep walking.

Avoid cold water and eating snow.  You might feel thirsty, but drinking water or eating snow will only lower your body temperature.

Cold dulls your mind and induces fatigue and sleep.  Do not allow yourself to fall asleep because you might never wake up.  Hypothermia can occur.  There is also the danger of frostbite.  Sleep only if you’ve found a shelter or have built one.

To avoid wind chill, which can go as low as negative 50 degrees F, dig a hole in the snow and build an igloo.  Make sure it’s just big enough for you to fit in.  This structure can keep heat in as long as there are no holes.  This is also the only choice if you absolutely have to rest.

Build with whatever is available.  Construct a wigwam or a lean-to using tree branches.  Make sure you put the entrance away from the direction of the wind.

Be prepared to build a fire.  If help is not coming, then you need to find a place to build a fire to warm up.  If you have the proper implements, then that should be no problem.  If not, then be prepared to start a fire with sticks or a magnifying lens, if you can.  Build the fire away from tree branches that might be heavy with snow. 

Believe it or not, a study of Nordic fishermen showed that people can get frostbitten more easily if they have clean skin.  If you have frostbite, do not attempt to rub the affected area with snow or wash it.  It will only worsen the condition.

Nobody wants to be out in extremely cold weather especially in an unfamiliar location.  But sometimes, the choice is really not up to you.  The best thing is to be prepared and know what to do.

Shark Attack! How to Survive and Live to Tell the Tale

In 1945, the USS Indianapolis was sunk by Japanese torpedoes in the Pacific. There were about 1,000 men who survived the sinking and when rescuers finally came after several days, there were only 317 left. Most of those who died were attacked by tiger sharks.

Sharks belong to hundreds of species out of which only about 20 of those species are known to attack man. Some of the most notorious are the great white, bull, blue, hammerhead, tiger, mako and even the nurse shark.

Sharks rarely warn about their coming attack and they do not have a pattern, which makes them very unpredictable creatures of prey. They are also highly complex.

Sharks don’t take nips. They bite and tear the skin, take a limb or a big chunk of flesh. And victims don’t die right away. They simply bleed to death.

If ever you find yourself in an area of open water with a shark, just assume the worst and don’t take chances. Ever! Get out of the water fast, get on the boat or head for shore.

Swim with a group. A group means more eyes to watch and if a shark comes, the group can work together to either fight it off or frighten it away. A group can scare a shark better than a single individual.

Do as you would in a pool. Do not urinate. But if you must, urinate only in small amounts and let it mix with the water in between. And don’t vomit either.

If a shark is swimming towards you, create noises by yelling and splashing the water. Repeatedly yelling and slapping underwater may also help, but make sure you use your energy efficiently. You might need it to fight off the shark in case it decides to ignore your warnings.

If the shark begins attacking, strike back. Kick or punch its eyes or gills. These are the areas that can hurt it most. Hitting it on the nose might help, but you could miss and hit its teeth instead.

When a shark has already attacked, the first thing to do is to control or stop the blood. Blood in the water will attract more sharks and provoke aggression. If you are in a group, circle the victim while attempting to stop the flow of blood.

If you are on a raft or boat, fight off the shark with everything that you have until it swims away.

Use common sense and assume the worst when in the water. If you survive an attack, you can live and swim with sharks another day. But I doubt it.

Useful Books for Survival Techniques

Survival in the wilderness or jungle, on an island or mountain, and other types of terrain is a must-know for military personnel and extreme adventurers. This is because anything can happen when on a journey, and so they must be prepared for the various possibilities they may encounter. This is the reason most, if not all of them, are required to go through survival training.

If you are planning to go on a trek outdoors, wherever it may be, treat the knowledge of survival techniques as a must. You never know when something will happen while you are outdoors, so it’s best to prepare. However, unlike those people who went through specialized training, you can settle for survival training books and practice to help you out.

There are many survival training books out there in the marketplace. They teach you basic techniques which are the most useful, such as how to start a fire. The books also provide countless numbers of tips based on the experience of the author.

One of these books is Outdoor Survival Skills by Larry Dean Olsen. This book contains the essentials needed in wilderness survival, including how to use the surroundings to your advantage. There is also a listing of various plants with pictures that tell you if they are poisonous, edible, or for medicinal purposes.

Another great survival training book is one written by Gregory Davenport, known as Wilderness Survival. The great thing about this book is that it deals with major aspects related to survival, which are clothing, protection, fire, signals, food, water, navigation, and dealing with injuries. Almost all the things you need to know about survival in the outdoors is covered in this book.

If you can get your hands on a military survival manual, it too contains the essentials of survival in the outdoors and is a very useful survival training book. It teaches you how to use various tools as well as make your own makeshift tools from various things found in the outdoors.

Finally, it is important, especially for a beginner, to try and get used to some of the survival tips found in these books. It will be easier to actually do if you need to use the survival techniques. For example, try to start a small fire in your backyard using techniques taught in the books.

Books can be a replacement for actual survival training. These books will better prepare you for your outdoor journeys in case something unwanted happens.

The Good in Survival Training

You may be an adventurer who frequents the outdoors, goes hiking up the world’s tallest mountains, swims underneath the vast oceans, and visits the icy areas of the globe. Maybe you think about the soldier who lives in the jungle out of necessity, sent out on a reconnaissance mission taking weeks and months of his life. Have you ever wondered how people like these survive the various dangers the world has to offer?

Soldiers, particularly those highest trained, are schooled on how to survive when out in the field, regardless of the climate or environment they are in. Adventurers know some basic survival skills such as lighting a fire, building shelters, etc. One thing is common with both – they underwent some form of survival training before embarking on their journey.

Benefits of survival training

You never know when the survival skills will come in handy or when they will be needed, so one benefit of survival training is that it prepares you for what may be a possibility. You may need a fire one night to use as a light or to keep warm, and you don’t have matches, but you can make one thanks to survival training.

Another benefit is that it teaches you how to make the most of the environment you are in, regardless of what it is. For example, you are in the jungle. Survival training will teach you how to hunt for food and water, how to cook the food, as well as build a shelter made of trees – which would be difficult to do if not properly trained.

Additionally, survival training will teach you how to adapt to terrain. If trapped on an island, you will know what to do with the resources the island has to offer. It is different when you are trapped near the top of a mountain, since you have to know how to properly climb down from it.

How to be trained

There are quite a number of survival training schools available that are open free of charge to anyone, not to mention certain military camps where this training is a requirement. If you are simply an adventurer, you would have to enroll in this form of school or hire an expert to teach you. If you are in the military or aspiring to be, it is not much of a problem since this is required especially if you’re to be sent out to the field.

Survival training would be very helpful in certain situations. If you frequently adventure, the training would be a great asset and is highly recommended.

Survival Tips: What To Do When Kidnapped

For so long, parents have taught children to stay away from strangers.  And for good reason.  Children are vulnerable and need to learn how to keep safe and to protect themselves from kidnapping.

We drill them to never take candy from a stranger and never to ride in a car with someone they don't know.  However, children do not necessarily have the same concept of a stranger that an adult has.  A child that has been brought up with encouragement and has built self-confidence will be in a better position to identify a potentially dangerous situation and to get away from it.

Still, kidnappings are perpetrated not only by strangers.  There are statistics that show almost half of juvenile kidnappings were done by family members.  More than a quarter by an acquaintance, and the rest by strangers.

In the face of all these, and even though kidnappings are not so common it is still important to be aware, to learn how to protect yourself, and how to escape if you ever become a victim.

During the first moments when a kidnapper tries to grab you, create a commotion by yelling and screaming and getting the attention of other people.  Try to get to a public place where you can find people who can help you.

While you struggle with your kidnapper, pushing against him with all your strength can knock him off balance and give you the opportunity to be free from his grip, even for a second.

If the kidnapper succeeded in getting you into his car, you can try to quickly go out one of the other doors.  When that is not possible, lean on the horn and make as much noise as possible - again to catch the  attention of other people.  Anytime there are people on the street or in other cars who can see you, make a commotion.

In the event the kidnapper was able to take you to his house, continue finding a way to get noticed by other people who can help you.  If they observe strange things happening in the kidnapper's house, they will get suspicious and hopefully call the police.  Use whatever means available to you -- turning the lights on and off, making loud noises, screaming for help.

Look around for other things you can use like a telephone.  Try all windows and doors.  There may be a way out that is unlocked.  You can attempt to unlock a door with tools you find or break a window.

Don't give up the hope of finding a way to escape and reporting the crime.

Tips On How To Survive Under An Earthquake Rubble

An earthquake is a natural phenomenon that causes vibration and shaking at the earth's surface.  Everyday, minor earthquakes take place around the world while major earthquakes occur less often.  Theycan cause damage to property and infrastructure; cause fires, landslides, tsunamis and deaths.

Be ready for an earthquake.  Talk about the possibility of earthquakes with your family and discuss the things you ought to do to stay safe.

Be aware of places in every room of your house, office or school that are deemed safe to be in when earthquakes do occur.  You can take cover under furniture like sturdy tables or desks.  You can sit next to walls far from windows, bookshelves and other tall furniture that could come down on you.

The American Red Cross recommends the "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" method when earthquakes do occur.  First, you drop to the floor, take cover under strong furniture, and hold on to its leg.  In the absence of sturdy furniture, you can sit on the floor against an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms.

But what are you to do when you are trapped under earthquake debris?

Beneath the rubble life can still survive.  If you are healthy, young, well fed and hydrated before the earthquake, you have a good chance of surviving for about 4 days even without food and water.  Your chance of survival decreases if you have injuries and are losing blood.

Beneath twisted metal and heavy building materials are pockets of air that could provide you with the oxygen that you need.  Your body will use your stored fats, then the proteins in your muscles for energy.  But how will you survive if 3 days have passed and you are still not rescued?

Some earthquake survivors recounted that they drank water that seeped through the debris.  It could come from rain, broken water pipes or from the rescuers.  Countless others admitted to drinking their own urine.

Avoid unnecessary sweating because it expends water.  A survivor from Korea took off her clothes to resist the heat and she stayed under the rubble for more than 15 days.

Pray to your God and do not lose hope.  Miracles do happen.  Sharbanou Mazandarani, a 97-year old woman who was under earthquake rubble for more than a week, shared that she prayed and recited verses from the Koran.

If your will to survive is very strong, you have a good chance of overcoming the ordeal.  In the midst of adversity and desperation, your ingenuity will kick in.

Survival Tips: Don't Be a Rape Victim

Sexual assault is a serious concern involving millions of individuals annually. A common form of sexual violence is rape.  Although there are cases of rapes against men and children, most of the victims are women.  For whatever reason, a high percentage of rape cases are not reported.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 18% of sexual offenders who preyed on women were identified as intimates  while about 34% were strangers.  Women of all races are sexually assaulted.

Do not be a victim.  You cannot totally prevent a sexual assault but you can decrease the odds by taking necessary precautions.

Generally, most rapes are perpetrated in social settings.  Rapists normally try to gain your trust and confidence, and assess your vulnerability.  Do not permit drugs or alcohol to impair your judgment.  Do not leave your drink unattended and refrain from accepting a drink from someone else.

There are drugs that when added to drinks can make you become unconscious.  The 3 most common "date rape drugs" are GHB, Rohypnol and Ketamine.  They are tasteless and odorless so you will never know if your drink was spiked.

Trust your instincts.  If you feel you are at risk then it's possible that you really are in danger.  Act on your instinct instead of brushing it aside.

Be alert and know your environment.  Walk only in well-lit places and make it hard for anybody to attack you.  If possible do not travel alone and do not hesitate to call for help when you feel threatened.

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being raped, know how to defend yourself physically.  You can use your body as a weapon and aim at the sensitive parts of your attacker's body.

When you are attacked in front strike your aggressor's eyes and throat, and hit his face using the heel of your palm.  Bash his groin through kicking and with the use of your knee.

When you are attacked from the back, stomp your feet on top of your attacker's, hit his groin, take hold of his testicles and squeeze really hard - as hard as you can.  Using your elbows hit him on his abdomen or head.

You can arm yourself with pepper sprays, stun guns and the like.  But having the presence of mind and not giving in to fear is more important.

Bear in mind that you cannot tell a good guy from a bad guy just by his looks.  Do not make a presumption that you can never be raped.  Be wary at all times.

Outdoor Survival tip: Preparing for the Mountain Weather

Climbing is one great feat that thrill-seekers enjoy for all of its challenges that force one to exercise great skill and strategy. One of the great challenges of mountain climbing is severe weather conditions at great heights. Weather on mountains may be drastically different from that of lower elevations, so it is very important to prepare for mountain weather.

Here are some tips to help you get ready to face weather on the mountain:

1. Know the weather you are up against– before gearing up and going for your climb check out first how the weather will be at your climbing site. Check out weather forecasts through the local weather bureau or through weather websites. You would not want to take a thick parka on a scorching hot day nor would you want to wear your tank top on freezing peaks.

2. Base your gear on the reported weather – if the weather forecast reports a hundred degrees on your climbing site, be sure to wear cool and loose fitting clothes and take sun block, lots of water, hydrating salts and other gear to combat the heat. If you are facing cold weather be sure to wear thick and layered warm clothes, some climbing eye protection for the drafts and other things you might need to combat freezing temperatures.

3. Check the altitude of your destination before climbing – air pressure decreases as you go up mountains, the higher you climb the thinner the air will be. See if you are going to climb heights that will require you to have aid for breathing.

4. Always keep your head covered for cold weather – you typically loose almost half of your body heat with an uncovered head.

5. Remember the useful mnemonic for surviving cold mountain weather: COLD – Clean clothing, Overheating prevention, Loose and Layered clothes, and Dry clothing.

6. Watch for frostbite in freezing mountains – check for signs of frostbite regularly, rewarm the body part if the symptoms are mild, keep frostbitten areas from freezing again. Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow, avoid drinking alcohol, do not smoke, and do not try to thaw the frostbitten part drastically.

Surviving weather on the mountain is all about preparation. Learn from the boy scouts – always be prepared. But be sure that your preparations are appropriate, nothing is worse than being unprepared or being improperly prepared.

Teaching Kids Survival in the Outdoors

Kids want to go with their fathers on father-and-son (or daughter) camping trips for an adventurous weekend. You can’t blame them since they admire their fathers and would want to experience the outdoors with them.

However, you cannot ignore the fact that they are young and are prone to the different dangers that the outdoors presents. A lot of things could possibly happen, so it’s important for them to learn some basic survival techniques. Here are some survival tips to teach your kids when you’re with them:

- Teach them the meaning of S.T.O.P. -  which stands for Stop, Think, Observe, and Plan. This will prevent panic from gripping them and allow them to think logically, which will enable them to survive and increase chances dramatically of a rescue. One cannot properly think if he/she is overcome by panic.

- Remain where you are. By not moving around from place to place, chances of you getting lost are lower, while chances of you being found are higher. The wilderness is a vast place, getting lost is easy, but when rescuers can retrace your steps, it will be easier for them and for you.

- Basic necessities. These include food, water, and shelter. Look for natural shelter such as a cave or rock opening, overhanging cliff, or under the trees (near the place where you will stay put). This will enable you to conserve some energy rather than building a shelter. Search for food and water only when you need to.

- Attention. It will be easier for rescuers to spot you both from the air (helicopter) and from the ground if you attract attention. Using bright colors or forming a shape (like an X) can be a big help to you. Making noise will also help, as long as you don’t use up too much energy.

- Innovation. You most likely have a backpack which contains some equipment. Use it for a different purpose – for your rescue. Try to think of ways in which you can use these pieces for signaling, gathering food, etc.

- Do not panic. This cannot be overstressed as it can be the difference between life and death. By staying calm, you can remember these tips and act on them if you get lost. If you panic, the opposite will occur.

Kids can get lost, but they have to remain calm when it occurs. It’s important for the adults to stress this to the kids in order to prepare them for what might happen in the outdoors. If it does happen, it will be nothing more than an annoying memory.

Useful Tips to Survive an Avalanche

You may be an adventurer or mountain climber wanting to conquer some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mt. Everest. You may simply be skiing in the Alps or somewhere in Colorado. If so, then you’ve encountered snow and know what it’s capable of.

In saying “capable of”, it can be used for fun or can be a source of danger. Accidents can always happen in the snow, where the white color and cool temperature makes it more dangerous. Avalanches are often a possibility, and should that happen, you have to know some survival tips because you have to act quickly and decisively.

An avalanche is something that you cannot really prepare for, since you don’t know when it will strike. But knowing these survival tips when it occurs and when trapped under an avalanche is a matter of life or death. Here are some of the tips:

Close your mouth. Closing your mouth during an avalanche when you are caught in the flow of the snow will prevent the snow from entering your mouth and will not hamper your breathing as much. Hold your breath for as long as possible until the snow sliding stops.

Swim through the snow. Like in a swimming pool, you can swim through the snow even if it’s more difficult than in water. This constant movement may help you prevent from being trapped underneath a large pile of snow where that is nearly impossible to get out of.

Drop the stuff. Let’s say you are skiing when the avalanche occurs, or are carrying something heavy. This added weight will drag you further down into piles of snow, which you don’t want to happen. If it does happen, it will be harder to get out since you’re under a greater amount of snow to start with, and you also have to lift yourself along with the added weight to get out.

Make air pockets. This is extremely useful when trapped under the snow, since it will allow you to take in some air while you are trying to make your way out. You just simply cup both hands around the nose and mouth and breathe normally. This cup will prevent you from taking in snow as you breathe.

Be innovative. If it seems impossible for you to get out, think clearly. Merely thrusting an arm to the surface can be a factor. A man once urinated his way out of the avalanche, with his urine melting the snow. If he thought of that, you can think of something too.

Finally, if you’ve survived the ordeal, be sure to report to the proper authorities. Others might be trapped as you were. You’re their hope for survival.

Surviving in the Wilderness

Many people love to go to the outdoors as a way to release stress and sometimes just for the sake of adventure. Hiking in the outdoors can take your mind off the troubles of everyday life and provide you with much needed refreshment. An example of a famous outdoor spot that adventurers frequent is the Australian Outback.

The Outback and other outdoor adventure spots can be very dangerous places where many things can happen. One of them is getting lost in the wilderness due to its vastness. This is the reason it is very important to be highly prepared mentally and physically before embarking on the adventure.

Since getting lost in the wilderness is a possibility, an adventurer must know how to properly survive given the many dangers out there. Aside from having the proper equipment, there is the matter of what to do when getting lost occurs. Here are some survival tips when lost in the wilderness:

1. Building a fire – this is one of the most important survival tasks when lost in the wilderness, since darkness can come upon you quickly, which will prevent you from going on with your journey to safety. By building a fire, you will be keeping yourself warm, have a light to keep away dangerous animals, and use it as a form of signal to rescuers who will spot you more easily.

There are several ways to do this. If you’re prepared, you might’ve brought matches with you. If not use two rocks, striking them together vigorously to create sparks, which you will aim at a pile of dry leaves or wood to ignite a small fire.

2. Build a shelter – this gives you a bit of protection from the weather (including rain, snow, and winds) including a temporary house. Sometimes, natural shelter is already there and you only have to enhance it. Examples are cave openings, overhanging cliffs, small pits, etc.

To build a shelter, take what nature offers you and improve it by placing tree limbs and branches as your roof. This is easier than building a shelter from scratch with fallen trees. It is best to have only one entryway so you’re properly covered.

3. Food – this shouldn’t be much of problem. Food is available throughout the wilderness. You just have to search for ot, but don’t neglect it since you need it to remain strong and ensure your survival.

Remember to be prepared before venturing into the wilderness. These are just three main tips for your survival. When you get lost, think fire, shelter, and food,

Tips on How to Survive a Desert Trip

The desert  is a deeply mysterious and beautiful place, but beneath the tranquil sands there are dangers to be found. The desert is a harsh and unforgiving terrain for unwary travelers. Accidents are common in places like The Mojave desert.

In order to traverse through the numerous perils of the desert and make it out unscathed, a would-be traveler must ensure that he uses all the necessary safety measures. Lots of desert accidents could have been avoided  if only the traveler took the proper safety precautions.

It cannot stressed enough how important it is to make the right preparations before leaving for the desert. Doing this right can be the difference between life and death.

- Be sure to let someone know when you're about to go in to the desert. Let them know your precise plans, including the route that you are going to take and expected time of return. This way, people will have a good idea about where to look for you if you don't return on time.

- Be meticulous with your travel plans. Get to know the route that you're going to take and make sure that the maps you use are accurately updated. Take into account the weather and other traveling conditions.

- Take plenty of supplies, especially water. A minimum of a gallon a day per traveler or more should be taken. Also, take extra fuel and water for your vehicle.

- Take the appropriate gear and tools. Take desert clothes for the heat and the cold.

- Remember to expect the unexpected. You can never over-prepare.

If despite your best efforts you still get lost, above all, do not panic! Keeping a cool head will greatly increase your chances of making it through unharmed.

- If your vehicle breaks down it's better to stay close to it, unless you're absolutely sure that you can make it to your destination safely.

- Try to maximize your visibility. Remember that vehicles are easier to spot than people. If you can build a signal fire, the smoke can be seen for miles around the desert.

- Don't ration your water. Thirst is a sign of dehydration. Try not to eat anything, as digestion uses up valuable water.

- Use your vehicle to shelter yourself from the heat and other conditions. If you have to walk, do so at nighttime when it's cooler.

If you get lost in the desert don't lose hope. There are special rescue teams who are trained to find lost people in the dessert. It's your job to stay safe until they can get to you.

Practical Survival Tips they Never Taught You during Boy Scout Trainings

One of the most exciting moments of a boy’s childhood would be the time he spends training to be a Boy Scout. Not only the fun of camaraderie and teamwork is taught, but how to survive different occasions that call for dedication and determination. However there are things that are never taught during Boy Scout training.

The survival tips taught to boy scouts are indeed useful. Where else would you learn how to build a fire without matches, or how to find your way using a compass. But those things are usually not needed especially in these modern times. What is more important are the tips needed to survive real life such as how to build relationships or how to find your way out of daily struggles.

Here are some practical life survival tips that they never taught you during Boy Scout trainings:

1. When saving, prioritize: first your retirement before your kids’ college tuition fund. Your kids will be able to find more resources to support their studies than you will have for your retirement funds. You are not being selfish here, just being practical.

2. When you check into modernized hotels, destroy your hotel key card – the ones with magnetic strips. These cards might have your credit card information and you would not want others to get hold of them. You are not required to return the key cards to your hotel anyway, so you may keep them and destroy them before anybody with malicious intentions gets hold of these cards.

3. If you want to learn more in school, do not rely solely on the assignments given to you, make your own assignments. Challenging yourself to do beyond what is expected of you makes you strive harder and learn more. This not only applies to school but in work and the real world as well.

4. Most symptoms of common sicknesses are caused by dehydration. When you are sick, whether it be a cold, cough, flu or diarrhea, you feel weak and tired, but usually that is because your body is low in electrolytes and fluids. The next time you do not feel well, try to hydrate yourself by drinking lots of water and taking rehydration salts. If they are not available you may want to use sports drinks.

There are many other important tips in life that are not taught during Boy Scout training.  Manyof these tips are even more important than those taught to Boy Scouts. Check these out and see how well they apply to your life.

Essential Survival Tips during a Wild Animal Attack

Camping is usually a pleasurable pastime to enjoy the great outdoors. However, being far from civilization can raise the risks of danger. One of the most feared types of danger during camping are wild animal attacks.

Wild animals generally do not have the propensity to seek out and attack humans. But when people intrude on an animal’s territories, the animals can get aggressive. Here are some essential tips for survival during a wild animal attack:

Black Bears

When confronted by black bear, you should stand on ground and avoid running. Doing so would make the bear think even more that you are prey. Just move quietly and slowly away while keeping eye-to-eye contact with the bear. It would be helpful to have a Bear Pepper Spray around so that you can use it should the bear advance.

Get rid of any food, especially fresh fish. If the bear continues to attack, however be sure to keep your knapsack on to help protect your body from a possible attack. Avoid getting in between a cub and a mother bear. If you do not have pepper spray or the one you have fails, drop to the ground, protect your neck with your hands and play dead.

Grizzly Bears

Grizzly Bears are generally more aggressive than black bears, so more caution is needed when confronted by one. When a grizzly attacks, stay alert, do not run and/or make loud noises. If you have bear pepper spray use it as the bear approaches. If you have none or the one you have is broken, drop to the ground and play dead.

Grizzly bears usually just smell and nibble a little at their catch and cover it with leaves and dirt to save it for later. The bear will most likely do this to you as well, so just play dead and wait for the bear to leave.

Mountain Lions

Mountain lions are different than bears and it is best to fight back instead of playing dead when they attack. Try to kick, punch, and gouge the mountain lion’s eyes to scare it away and cause it to think of you as a strong contender instead of prey. Throw wood, rocks, and other hurtful objects but be careful when stooping down to pick objects up.

A wild animal attack may be very dangerous, but they generally will not come near you if you do not call attention to yourself. As always, it is always best to avoid than confront when it comes to wild animals.

Important Survival Tips during a Tsunami

The great tsunami that has greatly devastated countries near the Indian Ocean in the previous year is one of the most disastrous catastrophes in recent history. And tsunamis continue to be great threats for people living near the coasts. Knowing essential survival steps for a tsunami cannot be overemphasized.

A Tsunami can bring great destruction to human communities. In Thailand alone, 5,395 died in last year’s tsunami with 2,817 people still missing and 6,000 individuals displaced. Over 50,000 children have been greatly affected by the disaster with 1,480 of them losing at least one parent.

Tsunamis, like other natural calamities, cannot be prevented, thus the only hope is preparation and survival. Here are some important survival tips during a Tsunami:

1. Watch for announcements on the radio or TV about emergency information and always be prepared for evacuation when there is an impending danger.

2. If an official warning or even detected signs for a tsunami is announced, leave immediately if you are living near the coast. Go to places with higher elevation that are far from the coastlines. Tsunami warnings are issued when the weather bureau are almost certain about the tsunami threat.

3. Go away from the beach. Never expect to watch a tsunami and survive. If the wave is already visible you are already too close  to get away from it.

4. Go back home only when the authorities announce that it is safe to return. Tsunamis are made up of several successions of waves. The danger is not yet over after one wave has struck, the following wave might even be greater, so stay away from the area.

5. Keep up to date with a portable radio for the latest warnings.

6. Try to help persons who are trapped or injured without compromising your own safety. Perform necessary first aid steps. If you do not know what to do, call for help immediately.

7. If you have been injured call attention to yourself so that you may get aid or others may call for help on your behalf.

8. Do not go near any damaged buildings because there might be debris that might fall on you.

9. When you are allowed to go back home, enter with great caution. Watch out for live wires and electrical shorts. Avoid using any electrical appliance to avoid being accidentally electrocuted.

10. Do not drink tap water until authorities have declared it safe. Throw out food that has come into contact with flood waters.

Tsunamis cannot be stopped, but you can prevent yourself from being endangered. Know what to do, and remember it well.

Essential Survival Tips during Flash Floods

Extreme changes in the environment could be greatly detrimental to people. While the human body is designed to adapt quickly to things happening in the surroundings, some changes are too sudden for people to react accordingly. One of the more threatening episodes in nature are flash floods.

Flash floods are a serious matter. Over 200 people die in the USA each year because of flash floods, making it the greatest cause of deaths brought about by weather-related occurances. It is even more fatal than tornados, lightning, winter storms, extreme heat and severe winds.

Here are some important survival tips during flash floods:

1. Raise your valuables to higher grounds if you have time, but if the water has reached 2 feet and is still rising quickly, leave for higher ground right away.

2. Round up your children and your pets.

3. If you still have time, turn off your main electrical circuit box and your gas.

4. Check for gas leaks. Leave your house right away if you smell any gas.

5. Do not use any electrical appliances or even your telephone. If you need to make a call, use your neighbor’s phone, a public, telephone, or your cellular phone instead.

6. Do not attempt to swim or walk through flowing flood waters. The most common cause of flood-related death is drowning and most of those who died because of it could have avoided doing so.

7. Do not attempt to drive through areas that are flooded. More flood-related deaths occur in vehicles than elsewhere. It is difficult to tell how deep the water is especially if it is flowing. There might be hidden holes that you could fall into.

8. Do not go near any electrical wires or power lines. Another major cause of death during floods is electric shock. Even if you have switched off your electrical circuit, it could still have some electrical charge that could be fatal.

9. Keep yourself updated of what’s happening by listening to radio news updates. Follow the recommend travel routes announced by the authorities through the news.

10. If your vehicle gets stalled, immediately evacuate all of the occupants to higher ground.

11. Wait for the authorities to announce that it is safe to return to disaster areas. Never attempt to go back to such areas even if the floods have seemed to subside.

12. Avoid drinking tap water until the authorities have declared it is safe to do so.

Floods are great disasters that need to be dealt with accordingly. Always be alert for any sudden changes in your environment to keep you and your loved ones safe always.