Survival+Tips


 * Survival**

What would you do if you were suddenly lost in a bush? Or stranded upon a desert island? What would you do? How would you survive?

No matter where you are in the world, it comes down to food and water. Some shelter and warmth is good too, not to mention getting rescued but we’ll get to that later.

Water is by far the most important nutrient for our body, that is, apart from oxygen. Our body is 70% water, and that without any water for one day, our desperation becomes excruciating. Of course, if you are in a situation where you could become stranded, you should always carry a few litres of water with you. Luckily, there are several effective ways to obtain some of this vital liquid, without already having a steady supply.


 * Solar Stills.**

This method of getting water is very effective, but you might not have one of the materials. You will need: Place the plastic wrap over the hole, completely covering it. In the center, place the weight, creating a slight grade to the center. If left for a period of time, water will collect in the hole or bowl.
 * A bowl, or a hole in the ground (clean enough that you would want to drink water out of)
 * Some plastic wrap (glad wrap or similar)
 * A rock or weight

A tree still uses the water given off by trees to hydrate you. You will need: Place the bag over a section of the tree and tie it shut as tight as you can. Wait overnight, and you should have some water in your bag.
 * Tree Stills**
 * Plastic bag
 * A tree

If you can’t do either of these things, look for animals and birds, they tend to be close to a water source. Boiling water also cleanses it.

Food is the next thing that you will need. If you have a supply, don’t eat it all at once, but don’t starve yourself, or you wont be able to do anything. If you are near water, you can look for fish and spear them with a sharp stick. You can eat fish raw, but you can try cooking them on a fire (look on to see how to start one). Birds and animals can be a last resort. On tropical desert islands, try eating any (non-poisonous) fruit available, and if cacti is found, cut it open and chew the pulp for both water and food. Coconuts can be used for a water supply, food, and a bowl for a solar still. The outside lights on fire well also.  Starting a fire can be difficult, but very important for boiling and cleansing water, cooking food, keeping you warm in freezing desert nights, and giving a signal that you are stranded. Glasses, a magnifying glass, or the lense of a camera can be used to start a fire by intensifying the sunlight onto kindling. Steel wool and a 6-volt battery are also effective. Flint and steel is a good method too, but remember, before you start a fire, you must have kindling and wood to sustain it.



 I

Your main priority while lost is to be rescued. This can be done in a few different fashions. Signal fire: The international sign of distress is 3 fires in the shape of a triangle. After you've made the fires, throw living plants onto the fire, making heavy smoke. This will help you get noticed. At night, a fire works well as a beacon to ships or aircraft. Anomalies: Anything out of the ordinary will help you get noticed. Moving rocks into an odd shape helps (Remember, a triangle means distress), and bright colors that aren't normally found in the landscape help also. Bright orange clothing or other materials are most noticeable, and anything reflective can be used to catch someone’s eye with a glint.
 * Getting Rescued**

By Miles and Kathleen