Top 10 tips for Survival ?

[texastonydobbs]

Seen this in an article.... Top 10 tips for Survival... sound good to you or does yours Differ ?

1. Be Informed of What's Happening
Monitoring news and world events and always have an emergency radio nearby.

2. Don't Get Caught Unprepared
Have emergency supplies of food, water and other necessities always on hand.

3. The Police Won't Protect You
Protect yourself and those for whom you are responsible.

4. Be Prepared to Handle Medical Emergencies
You may have to go beyond antiseptic spray and band-aids.

5. You'll Need Light When the Power Grid Fails
Keep a flashlight, matches, kerosene lamp and candles ready to go.

6. Carry a Compass -- Your GPS Won't Always Work in the Wilderness
Learn how to actually use it and learn how to read a map.

7. Invest in a Good, Strong Lockblade Folding Knife
The knife is one of mankind's most versatile tools.

8. Keep Your Cell Phone Charged
Explore alternate ways of charging phones like battery packs and DC outlets.

9. Be Wary of Strangers
Disasters make people panic. Protect what's yours.

10. Whenever Legally Possible, Carry a Handgun You Know How to Use

 

[kyhunt]

I'd change # 7 to a fixed blade.

 

[silverbullets]

at some point I really need to give myself a time out from buying guns/knives and work on getting some emergency supplies for the family

 

[R.A.T.]

http://www.asapsurvivalgear.com/

Will be doing some reviews on their gear soon.

 

[Mrs.Shotgunner11]

at some point I really need to give myself a time out from buying guns/knives and work on getting some emergency supplies for the family

it's very easy to stock up on supplies. Whenever we have 'extra' money we use it for groceries that can be stockpiled. Canned goods, MRE's, water. You'll eventually get to teh point where you're not buying that many groceries b/c you have to rotate through what you already have.

 

[silverbullets]

it's very easy to stock up on supplies. Whenever we have 'extra' money we use it for groceries that can be stockpiled. Canned goods, MRE's, water. You'll eventually get to teh point where you're not buying that many groceries b/c you have to rotate through what you already have.

good point, I need to start doing that. I also want to get one of those blue water drums and a few other things. :thumbup:

 

[amon]

Seen this in an article.... Top 10 tips for Survival... sound good to you or does yours Differ ?

1. Be Informed of What's Happening
Monitoring news and world events and always have an emergency radio nearby.

2. Don't Get Caught Unprepared
Have emergency supplies of food, water and other necessities always on hand.

3. The Police Won't Protect You
Protect yourself and those for whom you are responsible.

4. Be Prepared to Handle Medical Emergencies
You may have to go beyond antiseptic spray and band-aids.

5. You'll Need Light When the Power Grid Fails
Keep a flashlight, matches, kerosene lamp and candles ready to go.

6. Carry a Compass -- Your GPS Won't Always Work in the Wilderness
Learn how to actually use it and learn how to read a map.

7. Invest in a Good, Strong Lockblade Folding Knife
The knife is one of mankind's most versatile tools.

8. Keep Your Cell Phone Charged
Explore alternate ways of charging phones like battery packs and DC outlets.

9. Be Wary of Strangers
Disasters make people panic. Protect what's yours.

10. Whenever Legally Possible, Carry a Handgun You Know How to Use

Good post and I very much agree. I am a member of the www.survivalistboards.com and I spend time on there researching as much as I can.

My wife and I have started storing food, water, medical supplies, etc. I am looking to take gun/hunting courses this fall.

I have had the bug in or bug out discussion over and over in my head and with others. For me it is a bug in unless there is something horrible that is going to make me have to bug out.

I still need an alternate power source, a large water purification system, more lighting, more heat and ofcourse more water/food.

It is something we are always doing. Picking up a few cans on sale here, vitamins on sale there, cases of water, etc. Always looking out for a deal and having a place to put it.

 

[Vermilion]

it's very easy to stock up on supplies. Whenever we have 'extra' money we use it for groceries that can be stockpiled. Canned goods, MRE's, water. You'll eventually get to teh point where you're not buying that many groceries b/c you have to rotate through what you already have.

I always forget to get food and such.. when we have extra money I head to sporting goods and buy ammo

 

[Mrs.Shotgunner11]

Good post and I very much agree. I am a member of the www.survivalistboards.com and I spend time on there researching as much as I can.

My wife and I have started storing food, water, medical supplies, etc. I am looking to take gun/hunting courses this fall.

I have had the bug in or bug out discussion over and over in my head and with others. For me it is a bug in unless there is something horrible that is going to make me have to bug out.

I still need an alternate power source, a large water purification system, more lighting, more heat and ofcourse more water/food.

It is something we are always doing. Picking up a few cans on sale here, vitamins on sale there, cases of water, etc. Always looking out for a deal and having a place to put it.

Survival.com has a great forum too. Ron and Karen Hood are good people.

 

[adaman04]

it's very easy to stock up on supplies. Whenever we have 'extra' money we use it for groceries that can be stockpiled. Canned goods, MRE's, water. You'll eventually get to teh point where you're not buying that many groceries b/c you have to rotate through what you already have.

Good one Katie. Store what you eat, eat what you store. People make the mistake of buying 10 cases of MREs having never eaten one in their life then realize they give them the wicked craps, constipate them or they just plain can’t stomach some of them. I easily eat 24 cans of soup in a winter by myself so keeping a case of soup on hand and rotating it is easy. Look at all the other food items you use on a regular basis and add them to your preps. It’s not such a big expense when you are rotating items like that and using them instead of throwing them in a closet until they expire then tossing them and thinking “wow, that was a waste of money” and not buying anything to replace them with.

 

[silenthunterstudios]

at some point I really need to give myself a time out from buying guns/knives and work on getting some emergency supplies for the family

This does not only apply to world events, collapse of economies etc. Severe flooding in TN recently. Blizzards, severe snowstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, forest fires etc. It may be days, in rare instances even weeks, before your power supply company can get to you. If you can get out in the event of a weather emergency, for fuel for your chainsaw, generator etc, there may be a supply shortage.

Also, something that has bothered me, if a SHTF scenario, you are trying to remain undetected in a rural area. Your spot is in the middle of nowhere, but, if you use lights in the middle of the night, a loud generator (is there any other kind?). Even a .22, .410 or airgun can be somewhat easily heard.

 

[Mrs.Shotgunner11]

Good one Katie. Store what you eat, eat what you store. People make the mistake of buying 10 cases of MREs having never eaten one in their life then realize they give them the wicked craps, constipate them or they just plain can’t stomach some of them. I easily eat 24 cans of soup in a winter by myself so keeping a case of soup on hand and rotating it is easy. Look at all the other food items you use on a regular basis and add them to your preps. It’s not such a big expense when you are rotating items like that and using them instead of throwing them in a closet until they expire then tossing them and thinking “wow, that was a waste of money” and not buying anything to replace them with.

For sure adam! Don't buy a bunch of it unless you KNOW you and you're family will eat it.

Don't forget to stock up on other things too. Soap, shampoo, toilet paper, napkins, paper towels, tampons, pads, deodorant, spices, sauces, seasonings. Those things would make very good barter items when it comes down to it. If you have small children diapers and wipes are a must. If you don't have small children I still think wipes are a must!

We've been prepping our storage since we moved here. I'm very happy with it. I just wish we had a large room to put it all in together instead of it being scattered about! You have to be innovative with your storage when you have 6 people in a small house.

 

[amon]

Survival.com has a great forum too. Ron and Karen Hood are good people.

I'll check it out. Thank you.

 

[amon]

This may sound silly, but I find that a lot of supplies can be found at the dollar store. They are not what they used to be 5 or so years ago. So many dollar stores are now carrying brand name items and if not brand name then comparable items and for $1.00-$2.00 the prices can't be beat. Everything from food, cleaners, bins, spices, personal care, lighters, band-aids, batteries, even clothes and tools. Storing and prep is not as expensive as most think it has to be.

 

[adaman04]

For sure adam! Don't buy a bunch of it unless you KNOW you and you're family will eat it.

Don't forget to stock up on other things too. Soap, shampoo, toilet paper, napkins, paper towels, tampons, pads, deodorant, spices, sauces, seasonings. Those things would make very good barter items when it comes down to it. If you have small children diapers and wipes are a must. If you don't have small children I still think wipes are a must!

We've been prepping our storage since we moved here. I'm very happy with it. I just wish we had a large room to put it all in together instead of it being scattered about! You have to be innovative with your storage when you have 6 people in a small house.

I should have known the shotgunners were preppers. Gear and preps are fun and also suck because I think “well I hope I never need this”. I’m trying to plan/clear out a corner of the shed for some bulk water storage.

I know we tend to focus on wilderness survival around here, but this has the potential to make be a great thread.

 

[Mrs.Shotgunner11]

I should have known the shotgunners were preppers. Gear and preps are fun and also suck because I think “well I hope I never need this”. I’m trying to plan/clear out a corner of the shed for some bulk water storage.

I know we tend to focus on wilderness survival around here, but this has the potential to make be a great thread.

hahahaha! let's just say if the SHTF we'll be the be ok.

 

[hoopster]

In addition to the original list,
Water purification tablets.
Map with your compass.
A full brimmed hat.
Spare magazine for your handgun.

 

[kyhunt]

We stock alot of can goods and rotate them out also. Not only would it be good in a disaster situation it also comes in handy if things get finiacially tight for a short period. What is anyones take on Mountainhouse dried foods? Are they any good? I had considered getting a few for an upcoming trip. Kind of pricey but sounds handy. We are fortuante to live 25 minutes from a overstock food warehouse where you can get large cans of veggies, beans, etc cheap.I receantly picked up a few 6 pound cans of black eyes peas for $2 a can. Not bad deal. Wife and 4 kids love them too.

 

[adaman04]

We stock alot of can goods and rotate them out also. Not only would it be good in a disaster situation it also comes in handy if things get finiacially tight for a short period. What is anyones take on Mountainhouse dried foods? Are they any good? I had considered getting a few for an upcoming trip. Kind of pricey but sounds handy. We are fortuante to live 25 minutes from a overstock food warehouse where you can get large cans of veggies, beans, etc cheap.I receantly picked up a few 6 pound cans of black eyes peas for $2 a can. Not bad deal. Wife and 4 kids love them too.

A local Wal Mart was consolidating their Mountian House selection (pretty small, mainly entrees) and after standing in front of it for a half hour I ended up just buying everything they had. It was half price.

The only down sides to MH in my experience are cost and how much water you use to prepare it. 2 cups of water per entree, which serves 2. The up side is it stores for a very long time, is relatively compact and is delicious. I've eaten it for lunch to try it out and it tastes very good IMO.

Would I buy a whole cart full of it at $8 per meal? No, but it is nice to have every now and again. My personal favorites are the chili-mac and beef stroghanoff.

It's kind of a wash. MREs weigh more because they're already hydrated, but you need to carry/procure water for MH meals and the like.

 

[adaman04]

Dress for the weather. In the middle of the day the temp may be a comfortable 65 but it may get down to 40 and rain in the night. Something as small as a poncho or even a contractor trash bag can be worth it's weight in gold and take up very little space so they won't interfere with your regular activities.

Know when to stay put. If you aren't certain of where you're going or if you aren't familiar with the area at all, stay put! Wandering around is going to A) wear you out and burn energy and B) possibly get you further away from help.

Let people know where you are going and when you plan to return, at least an idea. When I hunt, it's always pretty much the same spot. If I'm going somewhere else I write a note and leave it in the seat of my vehicle where I'm going. If you're out in a public area, I might recommend leaving the note folded in half stuck in the steering wheel so it will be noticed if you're missing and family/authorities find your vehicle and also because it might say "hiked to rock bridge, be back at 8 pm" and give some crackhead plenty of time to jack your stuff before you're expected to return.