Whether you’re a novice or an experienced adventurer, always appreciate the dangers of the great outdoors. Being in the wild can put you in a compromising position that can cause fear and panic. While you can’t predict when unexpected events will occur, the good news is that you can always prepare yourself for any situation that may arise. Those who are mentally and physically prepared have a higher chance of survival. The key is to remain calm and make intelligent decisions.
Remember that exposure, dehydration, and starvation are the top three threats to your survival. Extreme cold can be fatal in just three minutes, while a lack of water can lead to death in three days, and a lack of food can cause death in three weeks.
Basic Wilderness Survival Tips
Here are 5 of the most crucial wilderness survival tips you need to learn before you become confident you’ll make it out of any unforeseen event alive:
1. Learn how to build a shelter.
When surviving in the wilderness, building a shelter to protect yourself from the elements is crucial. Exposure to wind, rain, hail, or snow can weaken your immune system and make you vulnerable to temperature changes and illness. Fortunately, nature provides all the materials you need to construct a sturdy shelter. Just make sure it can withstand strong winds and heavy snow.
2. Know how to start a fire.
Building a fire is vital when surviving in the wilderness to ensure proper blood circulation and keep oneself alive. To avoid forest fires, it’s important to construct the fire in an area made of sand or rocks. Remember to take this precaution while building your fire.
3. Finding potable drinking water.
Access to a reliable water source prevents dehydration and prevents viral and infectious diseases. Wilderness survival training can teach you to collect water through solar techniques, considered the safest method for obtaining drinkable water.
4. Knowing how to signal.
Signaling for help may seem natural, but it takes skill, experience, and creativity to catch the attention of potential rescuers. When your flashlights and cellphones run out of battery, you’ll need to use materials from your environment to create effective S.O.S. signals. Be careful and resourceful with whatever you have at hand.
5. Learn how to do first-aid.
Remember the acronym STOP: Sit, Think, Observe, and Plan. This basic first aid for survival helps prevent your brain from malfunctioning. It allows you to stay calm and avoid panicking, which increases your chances of survival.
However, survival skills alone are not enough. You also need a strong will to survive, which you cannot learn but must possess. Mind over matter is key to survival, so always envision a positive outcome of yourself and your companions being rescued, and you will be okay.
