Preparedness Manual - Chapter 7
Preparing For The Unthinkable
Subchapter Title
You May Need To Survive Outdoors In Severe Conditions
Survival gear checklist and precautions:
Outdoor Survival:
Dangers of living outdoors: Dehydration (insufficient water) Hyperthermia (too much heat) Hypothermia (too much cold)
Dehydration:
There are a number of things that can cause dehydration. suffice it to say, if you don't drink enough water (liquid) to rebalance your system and electrolytes, symptoms will begin. a) Your skin starts to flush, b) your appetite disappears c) your pulse and respiration increase. The rate increase indicates you've lost body fluid amounting to five percent of your body weight. Symptoms increase in severity and include: dizzy, severe headache, short of breath, thick speech, and eventually you won't be able to walk.
Hyperthermia:
Heat Stroke is the extreme condition where your body is over heated. Symptoms include: you stop sweating, you become flushed and dry.
Since Heat Stroke cannot be treated, you need to avoid it's onset. Do so by: a) Drinking plenty of water, before you heat up (prehydrate) b) keep out of the sun, stay in the shade, c) keep physical activity to a minimum, , d) Wear loose clothing which will allow you to sweet. 5) Ingest salt, which is an electrolytes.
Hypothermia:
While living outside, hypothermia can be a killer. When you're body starts shivering, it's telling you that it's losing heat too fast. You need dry clothes, warmth and food, IMMEDIATELY.
Your body will choke off circulation to your hands and feet, which can render you unable to light a fire or even put on warm clothes. In time you will stop shivering, you also stop being concerned. You're body is dying and you don't know it or care.
Remember you may need to abandon your vehicle and or even abandon your home. You need survival gear ready at all times. Below is a list which will give you a chance of surviving. All items should be kept in your car. They should be ready to use at all times and of course climate zones dictate level of importance of certain items:
Outside Survival Gear For Car
- Fuel - multiple gallons
- Signal mirror
- Motor oil
- Police whistle
- Tire chains
- Flashlight - lots of batteries
- Tire pump
- First air kit - quality
- Hatchet
- Needles and thread
- Shovel small foldable
- Pencil and paper
- Extra fan belts
- Pocket knife
- Carpet scraps (for traction)
- Insect repellent
- Tool kit
- Garbage or leaf bags
- Spare houses and clamps
- Clear plastic bags (large)
- Stopleak for radiator
- Tube tent
- Tow strap or rope
- Nylon cord 100ft
- Work Gloves
- Wire saw
- Electrical tape
- Sturdy knife
- Wire
- Sun hat
- Jack pad (for sandy areas or snow)
- Stocking cap
- Vehicle repair manual
- Jumper cables
- Hand held radio transceiver
- Sunglasses
- Road Maps
- Compass - good quality
- Sunblock lotion
- Firestarter flints style
- Jacket, wool shirt, sweater
- Butane cigarette lighter and spare flints
- Wool socks or high quality synthetic
- Quality hiking boots
- Waterproof case with matches
- Candles (thick, high melting point)
- Water (all you can carry)
- A weapon (would be nice)
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Last edited on ... March 15, 2007
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