5 Basic Survival Skills Everyone Should Have

Last Updated on August 19, 2024 by Veronica Sparks

When it comes to emergencies and unexpected situations, practical prepping is essential, and being equipped with basic survival skills can make all the difference. These skills are not only essential for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts but also for everyday individuals who want to be prepared for any situation.

Let’s explore five basic survival skills that everyone should have. From starting a fire to foraging for food, these skills can be learned today and may prove invaluable in your family’s time of need.

How Survival Skills Prepare You For Emergencies

Emergencies can arise without warning — whether it’s a natural disaster, civil unrest, or even a mishap on a family adventure — leaving us vulnerable and in need of immediate solutions. By gaining basic survival skills today, you can enhance your ability to navigate and overcome challenging situations.

These skills provide you with the knowledge and confidence to adapt and thrive when resources are scarce or when faced with adverse conditions. Having survival skills not only empowers you but also enables you to take care of yourself and others around you during emergencies.

Related Article: 6 Perfect Gifts for Preppers and Survivalists

5 Basic Survival Skills You Can Learn Today

1. Starting a Fire

Fire is not only a source of warmth but also a means to cook food, purify water, and signal for help. Knowing how to start a fire can be a life-saving skill, and you can learn different fire-starting methods such as using matches, lighters, or primitive techniques like friction fire.

Here are some basic steps to starting a fire:

1. Gather your materials: Start by collecting three types of materials: tinder, kindling, and fuel. Tinder refers to small, dry materials that catch fire easily, such as dry leaves, twigs, or newspaper. Kindling consists of slightly larger sticks or branches, about the size of your finger. Fuel refers to larger pieces of wood that will sustain the fire once it’s burning steadily.
2. Prepare the fire pit: Clear an area where you’ll build your fire, ensuring it’s away from any flammable objects or structures. If available, use rocks or a fire ring to contain the fire.
3. Create a tinder bundle: Take some of your tinder material and loosely shape it into a nest or bundle. This will help ignite the fire and provide a good base for the flame.
4. Build the fire structure: There are different fire structures you can use, but let’s start with the simple teepee structure. Take a few pieces of your kindling and lean them together to form a teepee shape over the tinder bundle. Leave a small opening in the teepee structure to allow oxygen to reach the fire.
5. Light the tinder: Use matches, a lighter, or a handy fire-starting tool to ignite the tinder bundle from the bottom. Make sure the flame catches on the tinder and starts to spread.
6. Feed the fire: As the flames grow, gradually add more kindling, slightly larger in size, to the teepee structure. Make sure to maintain the teepee shape, allowing enough space for air circulation.
7. Add the fuel: Once your fire is steadily burning, it’s time to add larger pieces of fuel wood. Place them strategically around the burning kindling, gradually increasing the size of the logs. Remember to leave enough space between the logs for proper airflow.
8. Maintain the fire: Keep an eye on your fire, ensuring it has enough fuel to sustain itself. Add more wood as needed, but be careful not to suffocate the flames by adding too much at once.
9. Practice fire safety: Always prioritize safety when building a fire. Never leave a fire unattended and make sure to fully extinguish it before leaving the area. Have water or a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies.

Check out this handy, compact portable fire extinguisher!

Understanding the basics of fire safety and building proper fire structures will increase your chances of success.

2. Making Water Potable

Access to clean drinking water — also called “potable” water — is crucial for survival. In emergency situations, it’s vital to know how to make water safe for consumption. Whether you collect rainwater or you find a natural water source, you can learn methods such as boiling, using water purification products, or other purification techniques to make it potable. Understanding how to identify potential water sources and assess their quality will be invaluable in ensuring your hydration needs are met.

Related Article: Collect Free Water Like a Boss: How to Install a Rain Barrel

Here are some simple steps for boiling water to make it potable:

1. Find a suitable container: Look for a heat-resistant container that can withstand high temperatures. Stainless steel camping pots or heat-resistant plastic containers are good options. Make sure the container is clean and free from any contaminants.
2. Collect water: Gather water from a reliable source such as a stream, river, or lake. If possible, choose running water rather than stagnant sources, as it’s less likely to contain harmful bacteria or parasites. Avoid water sources near industrial or polluted areas.
3. Pre-filter the water: If the water appears murky or contains visible debris, it’s best to pre-filter it before boiling. Use a piece of cloth, a coffee filter, or a fine mesh screen to remove larger particles and sediment. This step helps improve the clarity of the water.
4. Prepare the fire: Set up your fire following the steps mentioned earlier. Ensure you have a stable fire with a bed of hot coals that will provide a consistent source of heat.
5. Fill the container: Pour the collected water into your chosen heat-resistant container, leaving some space at the top to prevent overflow when boiling.
6. Position the container: Place the container filled with water directly over the fire or suspend it above the flames using a heat-resistant support system like a fire tripod or rocks. Make sure it’s positioned securely and won’t tip over.
7. Boil the water: Allow the water to heat gradually over the fire until it reaches a rolling boil. A rolling boil is characterized by vigorous bubbling and movement throughout the water. Maintain the boil for at least one minute to ensure any harmful microorganisms are effectively killed.
8. Remove from heat: Once the water has boiled for the recommended duration, carefully remove it from the heat source. Use oven mitts or a towel to protect your hands from the hot container.
9. Allow it to cool: Let the boiled water cool down before consuming or storing it in a clean, covered container. Remember that the container itself may still be hot, so handle it with care.

Boiling water is an effective method for killing many types of bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause waterborne illnesses. However, it may not remove chemical contaminants or impurities, so it’s important to ensure the water source is relatively clean and free from chemical pollution.

3. Building a Shelter

Having a shelter protects you from the elements and provides a sense of security. You can learn how to construct temporary shelters using natural materials or basic camping gear. Understanding the principles of shelter design, insulation, and location selection will help you create a safe and comfortable refuge when you need it most.

Here’s how to build a basic shelter using only natural materials:

1. Choose a suitable location: Look for a location that provides natural protection and resources. Consider factors like flat ground, proximity to resources like wood and water, and protection from wind and rain. Avoid areas prone to flooding or hazards like falling branches.
2. Gather materials: Collect natural materials available in the area to construct your shelter. Look for sturdy branches, long sticks, leaves, and other foliage. These materials will form the foundation and walls of your shelter.
3. Create a frame: Start by leaning two long branches against a sturdy tree or forming an A-frame shape using a forked branch as the ridgepole. Make sure the frame is secure and stable.
4. Add crossbeams: Place shorter branches across the frame to create a grid-like pattern. These crossbeams will provide support for the walls and roof of your shelter.
5. Construct the walls: Fill the gaps between the crossbeams with smaller branches, leaves, and foliage. Layer the materials densely to create a barrier against wind and rain. The more tightly packed the materials, the better the insulation.
6. Insulate the walls: Add an additional layer of leaves, moss, or grass on the inside of the shelter to enhance insulation and provide a more comfortable surface.
7. Build a roof: Lay long branches or large leaves across the ridgepole, overlapping them to create a thatched roof. Ensure the roof has a slight slope to allow water to run off and prevent leaks.
8. Create a raised bed: If possible, construct a raised bed inside the shelter using smaller branches and foliage. This will elevate you off the ground and provide insulation from the cold or dampness.
9. Test for stability: Once your shelter is built, test its stability by gently shaking or pushing it. Make any necessary adjustments to reinforce weak areas or add additional support.

By building a shelter with natural materials, you create a temporary home in the wilderness that provides protection from the elements and a sense of security. It’s a valuable skill that can help you survive and stay comfortable in challenging situations.

4. Basic First Aid

Accidents and injuries can happen anytime, anywhere. Basic first aid knowledge can save lives and minimize harm until professional medical help is available. You can learn essential skills like assessing injuries, stopping bleeding, performing CPR, and treating common ailments. Having a well-stocked first aid kit and understanding how to use its contents is crucial in emergency situations.

Here’s how to treat some basic injuries in emergency situations.

Cuts and Scrapes

1. Clean the wound: Rinse the cut or scrape gently with clean water to remove dirt or debris.
2. Apply pressure: Use a sterile gauze or clean cloth to apply gentle pressure to stop bleeding.
3. Apply an antiseptic: Apply an antiseptic solution or ointment to the wound to prevent infection.
4. Cover the wound: Use a sterile adhesive bandage or dressing to cover the cut or scrape and keep it clean.

Related Article: Use This Homemade Antibiotic Ointment Instead of Neosporin!

Minor Burns

1. Remove from the source: Move the person away from the burning object or heat source to prevent further injury.
2. Cool the burn: Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water for about 10-20 minutes or until the pain subsides.
3. Protect the burn: Cover the burn with a sterile non-stick dressing or clean cloth.
4. Seek medical help: Depending on the severity of the burn, it may be necessary to seek medical attention.

Sprains and Strains

1. Rest: Encourage the person to rest the injured area and avoid putting weight or strain on it.
2. Apply ice: Use a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth and apply it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours to reduce swelling and pain.
3. Compression: Use an elastic bandage to wrap the injured area snugly, but not too tight, to help reduce swelling.
4. Elevate: Elevate the injured area above heart level, if possible, to further reduce swelling.

Fractures and Dislocations

1. Immobilize: Support the injured limb or joint in the position found, without trying to realign it.
2. Apply ice: Use a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling and pain.
3. Seek medical help: Fractures and dislocations require professional medical evaluation and treatment, so it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Nosebleeds

1. Have the person sit upright and slightly lean forward.
2. Pinch the nostrils: Apply pressure to the soft part of the nose, just below the bridge, using your thumb and index finger.
3. Maintain pressure: Encourage the person to continue applying pressure for about 10-15 minutes without releasing to help stop the bleeding.
4. Seek medical help: If the nosebleed persists after 20 minutes or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, seek medical assistance.

Remember, these are general guidelines for providing initial first-aid care. In more severe or life-threatening situations, it’s essential to seek professional medical help immediately. Stay calm, reassure the injured person, and do your best to provide comfort and support until medical professionals arrive.

5. Foraging for Food

When food supplies are scarce — whether it’s due to a supply chain issue, a natural disaster, or economic issues — knowing how to find edible wild plants through foraging can sustain you until help arrives or more resources become available. Even if you don’t live in a rural area, you can find free food and medicine in nature with suburban and urban foraging.

Familiarize yourself with edible plants, mushrooms, and insects in your area. Learn to identify them correctly and differentiate between safe and toxic options. Acquiring basic knowledge of hunting, fishing, and trapping can also provide additional food sources in survival situations.

Related Article: A Guide to Fall Foraging: Edible and Medicinal Plants You Can Find in Cooler Months

Always Be Prepared for Emergencies

In an unpredictable world, possessing basic survival skills is a wise investment of your time and effort. By learning skills such as the ones we discussed today, you equip yourself with the tools necessary to navigate emergencies with greater confidence and resilience. These skills not only provide practical solutions but also foster a sense of self-reliance and preparedness.

So, take the initiative today and start learning these essential survival skills—it may save your life one day.

FAQs: Basic Survival Skills

Are these survival skills only relevant for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers?

No, these survival skills are beneficial for everyone. Emergencies can happen to anyone, regardless of their lifestyle or activities. Being prepared and having the knowledge to handle basic survival situations is valuable for individuals in various situations.

How long does it take to learn these basic survival skills?

The time required to learn these skills varies from person to person. It depends on factors such as your level of dedication, the resources available for learning, and your prior knowledge. With practice and guidance, you can acquire a good foundation in these skills within a reasonable timeframe.

Are there any specific age restrictions for learning these survival skills?

While these skills can be learned by individuals of various ages, some activities, such as using fire or sharp tools, may require adult supervision for younger learners. It is important to consider safety precautions and age-appropriate learning methods when involving children in acquiring these skills.

Can these survival skills be useful in everyday life, not just emergencies?

Absolutely! Many aspects of these survival skills have practical applications in everyday situations. For example, starting a fire can be useful for camping or during power outages, and basic first aid knowledge can be applied in various scenarios. These skills enhance your self-sufficiency and problem-solving abilities beyond emergency situations.

Where can I learn more about these survival skills?

There are several resources available to learn basic survival skills. Consider taking local workshops, joining outdoor clubs, or accessing online tutorials and videos. Additionally, books and guides on wilderness survival and emergency preparedness can provide in-depth knowledge and practical insights.