Survival Guide – Preparedness for Life's Emergencies

Disasters have all too often stuck with savage effect on modern society. Despite scientific progress we have been ill prepared to face the onslaught. To escaping the effects of such emergencies is not just a matter of common sense or instinct. We need to understand the dangers, be aware of our options and take action to limit the consequences. In short we need a guide that will help us prepare for survival.

Why Prepare for What May Not Happen?

There are two main reasons we need to prepare now. Firstly, we are facing more extreme events that are often related to intense human activity that is upsetting the balance of nature. Secondly, we have at least in the affluent world become solely dependant on the state provision of the basics of life. We need to redress the balance back in our favor if we are to avert severe hardship to ourselves and our communities.

Know the Risks

Fundamental to any safety training is the advice to make yourself aware of the dangers that surround you.

If you have ever worked in a very hazardous environment then you no doubt would have heard that said over and over. If you enter a dangerous situation with your brain in neutral you will be a hazard to yourself and those around you.

An example is the home. One of the highest accident environments of all. Why, because we drop our guard and fail to take seriously the dangers around us. Yet some of us work on a daily basis in extreme dangers without incident. The difference is that we know the risks and are on guard with our exit strategy in place.

Principles of Survival

In order to survive when a disaster or emergency strikes we need to get the basic priorities right. Of course if we have prepared beforehand then we can fall back on those plans. The order of priority:

Get to a safe environment.
You need a fresh supply of drinking water.
You need to provide food to sustain life
Long term you need to be mentally strong and balanced

There are of course many other aspect beside these basic steps and the skills we develop will be vital in providing the above basics.

Basic Survival Skills

What are the most important element of survival? Shelter, water, food are among the necessary things we need. How do you start a fire with no matches or lighter? Once the physical aspects are sorted then its all about the mind and how you inter react with the environment and other humans around you.

Emergency Preparedness

Is it worth preparing for things that may never happen? Is it not just too much effort and expense? You will only be able to answer those questions if and when something happens to you, but then it will be too late to matter. Making basic preparations that could ease your plight need not be extensive but can make a big difference to your chances of survival.

Natural Disasters

Anyone who has looked even briefly at the subject of natural disasters cannot but be in awe of the power and devastation that nature can wreak on this planet. Earthquake, hurricane, tsunami, draught, heat wave have all taken their toll on human life and brought misery to millions of others in this decade alone. Human endeavors have on occasions exasperated the consequences and showed us how ill prepared we are for such major events.

Wilderness Survival

There are times when we choose to put ourselves into a challenging environment. Other times we may find ourselves inadvertently out on a limb. This needs to be a controlled situation if it is not to end in tears. Preparation where possible is a must. The right gear for the job is essential. Bushcraft skills are a must learn.