Are you prepared?\u00c2\u00a0 It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a simple, devious question.\u00c2\u00a0 Most folk can mostly deal with the mundane stuff\u00c2\u00a0they see day to day, but, depending on the person, are less able to deal with the unexpected and unusual.\u00c2\u00a0 When life throws a weird situation at you three things will resolve it; will, ideas, and tools.\u00c2\u00a0 Will is the most important, the hardest to measure and instill.\u00c2\u00a0 Do you throw up your hands and panic, or work with things and solve the problem?\u00c2\u00a0 This, you need to figure out on your own, practice and experience will your best teachers.\u00c2\u00a0 Ideas, (concepts, techniques, and resourcefulness), are the next most valuable, as they are take up no space, have no weight, are wear proof, and (according to Alan Moore), bulletproof.\u00c2\u00a0 They cost only the time it takes to learn them, (remember, time\u00c2\u00a0is your most valuable, fleeting asset).\u00c2\u00a0 Tools can’t be overlooked despite their lackluster place on this list.\u00c2\u00a0 Actions impossible barehanded become easy with the right implement, we’re a tool using species.\u00c2\u00a0 This makes tools indispensable if you know what to do with them.\u00c2\u00a0
\nPeople\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s takes on what is necessary to know and carry will vary WIDELY, but here\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a rough starting point based on various life and work experience in the city, country, and on the ocean.\u00c2\u00a0 These aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t meant to make you an expert survivor or engineer overnight, but are handy things to know for situation from the minor inconvenience to difficult pinch.\u00c2\u00a0 Adopt what works for you, get rid of what doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t.\u00c2\u00a0 Choose wisely.<\/p>\n
5 Useful Things to know:
\n1. Surroundings:\u00c2\u00a0 What is there \/ happening?\u00c2\u00a0 What ISN’T there \/ happening?\u00c2\u00a0 How does it work?\u00c2\u00a0 Be aware, size things up, and absorb.\u00c2\u00a0 Make it a game.<\/p>\n
2. Tool use:\u00c2\u00a0 Know how to hammer, pry, screw, or bend things.\u00c2\u00a0 Know how to safely and effectively cut, whittle, trim, or prep food with a knife.\u00c2\u00a0
\n\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0
\n3. Fire starting:\u00c2\u00a0 Read up on methods and play around to get the hang of them.\u00c2\u00a0 Tinder, dryer lint, liquid \/ solid \/ gas flammables, napalm, etc.\u00c2\u00a0 If nothing else, this makes you look proficient at cookouts.\u00c2\u00a0 (Watch your eyebrows!)\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n
4. Basic Sewing:\u00c2\u00a0 Knowing a few basic stitches turns torn clothing from a bad situation into a solved one.\u00c2\u00a0 Beyond that, knowing how to manipulate flexible expanses of cloth, hide, or plastic opens up whole realms of improvisation.\u00c2\u00a0 Learn knots for thread and rope too.<\/p>\n
5. First Aid:\u00c2\u00a0 Learn how to clean \/ close wounds, treat shock, severe allergies, hypothermia, stop bleeding, etc.\u00c2\u00a0 You don’t need to be a field surgeon and you SHOULD NOT try to be one unless medical care is a far off hope.\u00c2\u00a0 You may need to go beyond basic first aid courses for meaty info, as they defer to the medical system whenever possible.\u00c2\u00a0 Advanced Courses or First Responder training\u00c2\u00a0are good to have.<\/p>\n
5 Useful things to have:
\n1. A water bottle:\u00c2\u00a0 Thirsty?\u00c2\u00a0 You will be.\u00c2\u00a0 Keep one around and fill up whenever possible.\u00c2\u00a0 Dehydration SUCKS.<\/p>\n
2.\u00c2\u00a0 A knife:\u00c2\u00a0 Trust me, you want one around as legality allows.\u00c2\u00a0 They are very useful tools.\u00c2\u00a0 What knife to carry is a long discussion, but for MOST daily utility uses a well made folding knife, or Swiss Army knife (provides other options), will do.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n
3.\u00c2\u00a0 A lighter:\u00c2\u00a0 Even if you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re not a smoker.\u00c2\u00a0 Think of all the things that require or can be helped by application of direct heat.\u00c2\u00a0 Fire sterilizes things.\u00c2\u00a0 Remeber our cookout example?\u00c2\u00a0 It beats knocking rock together should you need a fire.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n
4. Sewing kit:\u00c2\u00a0 with a few sizes of needle and types of thread, this can save your ass (from exposure caused by an embarrassing rip in your pants).\u00c2\u00a0 Yes, you COULD improvise sutures, but leave that to the pros whenever you can (it stings).\u00c2\u00a0 Beyond that, you can floss or tie small items with the thread, or use the needles when small scratching or piercing is needed (like removing splinters).\u00c2\u00a0 Add some parachute cord to this kit for greater flexibility.<\/p>\n
5.\u00c2\u00a0 Small first aid kit:\u00c2\u00a0 Even an empty mint tin stocked with disinfectant swabs, small bandages, antibiotic cream, antihistamine, a few aspirin, and some tape will NEVER be useless.\u00c2\u00a0 People always get hurt.<\/p>\n
This list hasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t covered things like clothing or shoes, which are best adjusted by the individual depending on area, exposure and occupation.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0Specific advice for unique situations will follow, but improvise for fun when you can to try out what you know.\u00c2\u00a0 Add and remove items as you find need or lack thereof.\u00c2\u00a0 This additional practice and knowledge will just build upon and compliment what you already have.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Are you prepared?\u00c2\u00a0 It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a simple, devious question.\u00c2\u00a0 Most folk can mostly deal with the mundane stuff\u00c2\u00a0they see day to day, but, depending on the person, are less able to deal with the unexpected and unusual.\u00c2\u00a0 When life throws a weird situation at you three things will resolve it; will, ideas, and tools.\u00c2\u00a0 Will is … Continue reading The Way of MacGyver (10 simple steps)<\/span>