Random Survival Tips

What? Zombies, really? lol. Well I guess that IS a survival tip, don't go where there's zombies. I'm just not sure its likely to ever be... well... pertinent.

Oh, I see he got banned.... to bad, humor is the spice of life. Plus I think zombie survival is fun to discuss as well.

On Topic: Guess what I discovered the other night? Pepto Bismal is about a thousand times more useful in a disaster preperation kit than, say, nasal decongestant.

It turns out that an upset stomach can leave you barely able to move, and diahrea can make you dehydrate extremely fast. Obviously dehydration is bad in a survival scenario. And here, a runny nose poses no problem other than being irritating.

Guess which one I found in my survival bag the other night when I couldn't get to sleep because I had the chocolate slides every 15 minutes? Yeah, I should have paid more attention to what I was buying.

U should include a candle in your survival

A candle will prolong the life of your matches by providing a constant flame (as long as you can protect it from wind and rain). It will help start a fire, even if it is damp. A single candle provide light and comfort to your surroundings. Choose a candle made from 100% stearine, or tallow (solidified fat)- this is edible and may therefore serve as an emergency food (do not try to eat candle made from paraffin wax). The candle wax may also be used as multi purpose lubricant.

Flint and steel

Matches, if not protected, are easily rendered unless by wet weather, while a flint and steel will enable you to light countless fire irrespective of the conditions. The flint and steel is a robust and reliable piece of apparatus, but its usefullness is vastly improved when combined with a block of magnesium. Sparks generated by the flint will readily ignite shaving scraped from the magnesium block onto kindling material.

Anyone venturing into uninhabited and potentially hostile area should carry a survival pack. The contents of the pack should be dictated by the type of terrain you are entering and should proveide the means to protect life in the event of a survival situation occuring.

One of the easiest methods of creating fire is to use a lens or condensing reflector (such as a torch/flashlight reflector) to focus the energy from the sun onto tinder. It is most effective on dark coloured tinder which absorbs heat and light energy better (light coloured tinder reflects heat and light energy).

An unusual method of making fire is by using a device called a fire piston. Commonly constructed from wood, horn and plastic, it is composed of a hollow tube with one sealed end and a piston which fits snugly within the tube. At the end of the piston is a depression where tinder is held during compression as well as a gasket which is located just a few millimeters away from the end. The tinder is inserted into the depression, and the piston is quickly pushed into the tube. This compresses the air, raising the temperature in the tube, similarly to the way a diesel engine fires, to the point where the tinder ignites and forms an ember. Tinder can come from a variety of sources such as "Tinder Fungus" and char-cloth.

A wire saw is a metal cable used for cutting. It can have one strand or many strands braided together.

The wire saw uses abrasion to cut. A single-strand saw can be roughened to be abrasive, or abrasive compounds can be bonded to the cable.

The quarry wire saw uses diamond-impregnated beads (and spacers) threaded on a cable. This saw allows the bottom of a quarry slab to be cut free (after the cable is passed through access drill holes); with the bottom cut, back and side charges (explosives) can cleanly cleave the slab.

Diamond-impregrated wire saws are used in machine shops to cut metal parts. These saws are also used for cutting silicon wafers for the semiconductor industry.

Inexpensive "survivalist" (emergency) wire saws are sold in hunting and climbing shops. These are intended for sawing branches.

Wire saws are often cooled and lubricated by water or other liquid.

Wire saws are much slower than circular saws and jig saws, but they can produce very precise cuts if used properly. They can also make a cut much thinner than a blade-based saw is capable of.

Generally, wire saws are intended to cut perpendicular to the surface of the work piece; tiny surface imperfections can cause major deflection of the cut. They also have greater risk of damage due to the working surface (wire) breaking than do blade-based saws.

A poncho is a simple garment designed to keep the body warm, or if made from an impermeable material, to keep dry during rain. It is essentially a single large sheet of fabric with an opening for the head and sometimes for the arms. Some ponchos, especially those made to ward off rain, also have hoods attached.

Alternative ponchos are now designed as fashion accessories. They are the same shape but of different material. They are designed to look fashionable and be loose and comfortable, rather than ward off cold and rain. These are often made out of wool or yarn, knitted or crocheted. Ponchos with festive designs or colors can be worn at special events as well.

The poncho, commonly associated with South America, has spread worldwide. While a traditional clothing in the whole world it is nowadays a standard in military field uniforms, and as a raincoat for wandering and biking

In the field of Search and Rescue (SAR), distress radiobeacons, also collectively known as distress beacons, emergency beacons, or simply, beacons, are tracking transmitters which aid in the detection and location of boats, aircraft, and/or persons in distress. In the proper sense, the term refers specifically to the 3 types of radiobeacons (listed below) that interface with Cospas-Sarsat, the international satellite system for Search and Rescue. When activated, such beacons send out a distress signal that, when detected by non‑geostationary satellites, can be located by triangulation. In the case of 406 MHz beacons which transmit digital signals, the beacons can be uniquely identified almost instantly (via GEOSAR), and furthermore, a GPS position can be encoded into the signal (thus providing both instantaneous identification & position.) Often using the initial position provided via the satellite system, the distress signals from the beacons can be homed by SAR aircraft and ground search parties who can in turn come to the aid of the concerned boat, aircraft, and/or persons.

A heliograph uses a mirror to reflect sunlight to a distant observer. By moving the mirror, flashes of light can be used to send Morse code. The heliograph was a simple but highly effective instrument for instantaneous optical communication over 80km or more in the 19th century. Its major uses were for military and survey work. It was still in use at least until 1935.

Whistles are often used as warning devices or as safety devices serving to attract attention to the user. Some cyclists use a whistle as a substitute for a bell or horn. It should be noted, however, that many jurisdictions require that the warning device be permanently attached to the bicycle.

Rescue or Survival whistles are often packed in survival kits and attached to Personal flotation devices to allow a victim to signal for help. The whistle is audible at much greater distances than the human voice, and is less likely to cause exhaustion if used repeatedly. Survival whistles differ from pea whistles in that they are usually flat, so that water cannot collect inside if the user is immersed, for example after falling overboard from a boat.

Many civilian applications benefit from GPS signals, using one or more of three basic components of the GPS: absolute location, relative movement, and time transfer.

The ability to determine the receiver's absolute location allows GPS receivers to perform as a surveying tool or as an aid to navigation. The capacity to determine relative movement enables a receiver to calculate local velocity and orientation, useful in vessels or observations of the Earth. Being able to synchronize clocks to exacting standards enables time transfer, which is critical in large communication and observation systems. An example is CDMA digital cellular. Each base station has a GPS timing receiver to synchronize its spreading codes with other base stations to facilitate inter-cell hand off and support hybrid GPS/CDMA positioning of mobiles for emergency calls and other applications.

Finally, GPS enables researchers to explore the Earth environment including the atmosphere, ionosphere and gravity field. GPS survey equipment has revolutionized tectonics by directly measuring the motion of faults in earthquakes.

To help prevent civilian GPS guidance from being used in an enemy's military or improvised weaponry, the US Government controls the export of civilian receivers. A US-based manufacturer cannot generally export a GPS receiver unless the receiver contains limits restricting it from functioning when it is simultaneously (1) at an altitude above 18 kilometers (60,000 ft) and (2) traveling at over 515 m/s (1,000 knots).

Various models of Swiss Army knives exist, with different tool combinations for specific tasks. The simplest model sold includes only a single blade. The most common tools featured are, in addition to the main blade, a smaller second blade, tweezers, toothpick, corkscrew, can opener, bottle opener, slotted/flat-head screwdriver(s), phillips-head screwdriver, nail file, scissors, saw, file, hook, magnifying glass, ballpoint pen, fish scaler, hex wrench w/bits, pliers and key chain. Recent technological features include USB flash drives, digital clock, digital altimeter, LED light, laser pointer, and MP3 player. The official army model also contains a brass spacer, which allows the knife, with the screwdriver and the reamer extended simultaneously, to be used to assemble the SIG 550 and SIG 510 assault rifles: the knife serves as a restraint to the firing pin during assembly of the lock.

The standard full-size SAK is approximately 9 cm (3.5 inches) long and 2 cm (0.75 inches) wide; smaller models are typically about 6 cm (2.25 in) long and 1.5 cm (0.5 in) wide. Thickness varies depending on the number of tools included. Although red celidor SAKs are most common, there are many colors and scales available. Many textures, colors, and in fact, shapes are now popping up in the Swiss Army Knife.

As of 2007, the most technologically advanced model includes a laser pointer and a 2GB detachable USB flash drive [1]. Wenger has even manufactured a $1200 Swiss army knife that includes every implement the company has ever made[1] Victorinox is located in the Swiss town of Ibach with a show room, Wenger is located in the Swiss town of Delémont with no show room.

The Victorinox Cybertools [2] have many tools of use with computers and electronic equipment. In addition to the usual tools, including pliers and scissors, they have a 4mm hex screwdriver bit holder and bit case with 4 double-ended bits (8 ends); the bit-holder itself can be used with no bit fitted to turn the hex pillars often used to fasten chassis-mounted D-connectors in place

Despite the historic association of paracord with Airborne units, virtually all US units have access to the cord. It is used in almost any situation where light cordage is needed. Typical uses include attaching equipment to harnesses, as dummy cords to avoid losing small or important items, tying rucksacks to vehicle racks, securing camouflage nets to trees or vehicles, and so forth. When threaded with beads, paracord may be used as a pace counter to estimate ground covered by foot. The yarns of the core (commonly referred to as "the guts") can also be removed when finer string is needed, for instance as sewing thread to repair gear or fishing line in a survival situation. The nylon sheath is often used alone, the yarn in the core removed, when a thinner or less elastic cord is needed. Ends of the cord are almost always melted and crimped to prevent fraying.

In addition to purely utility functions, paracord can be used to fashion knotted or braided lanyards, belts, and other decorative items. 550 Cord is used by many US military members as a bracelet signifying deployment to the Central Command Area of Responsibility, typically countries in the Middle East. It is fashioned by using three equal lengths of cord and weaving them together to make a bracelet that is then secured with a looped end and a button from the Desert Camouflage Uniform

A corner reflector is a retroreflector consisting of three mutually perpendicular, intersecting flat surfaces, which reflects electromagnetic waves back towards the source. The three intersecting surfaces often have square shapes. This is also known as a corner cube.

Such devices are often used as radar targets or markers and are often employed on ships and, especially, lifeboats. These normally consist of three conducting metallic surfaces or screens perpendicular to one another. In optics, corner reflectors typically consist of three mirrors or reflective prisms which return an incident light beam in the opposite direction. Arrays of such retroreflectors are used in bicycle reflectors, automobile tail lights and as targets for laser range finding. Microscopic corner reflector structures can be incorporated into reflective paint for increased visibility at night, although retroreflective spherical beads are more common for this purpose.

A directional antenna using two mutually intersecting conducting flat surfaces is also considered to be a type of corner reflector.
Corner reflectors can also occur accidentally. Tower blocks with balconies are often accidental corner reflectors for sound and return a distinctive echo to an observer making a sharp noise, such as a hand clap, nearby. Similarly, in radar interpretation, an object that has multiple reflections from smooth surfaces produces a radar return of greater magnitude than might be expected from the physical size of the object.

NASA has put a corner reflector on the Moon, for use in laser interferometry to measure the Moon's orbit more precisely than was possible before. The reflector was hand machined by Silicon Valley engineering manager Wayne Rosing, who also grinds telescope mirrors.

Survival kits for military aviators are often modified according to the environment of operations, as described below:

In desert areas, survival kits may have more water and sunscreen, and have additional items such as shade hats and sun glasses.
In tropical areas, a survival kit may have mosquito head netting, additional insect repellent, anti-fungal cream, and a machete.
In arctic areas, survival kits may have additional cold weather clothing (winter hats and gloves), sleeping bags, chemical "hand warmer" packets, sun glasses/snow goggles, snow shoes, a collapsible shovel, a snare wire for small animals, a frying pan, a camp stove, camp stove fuel, and a tent designed for arctic use.
For personnel who are flying over large bodies of water, a survival kit may have additional items such as flotation vests, fishing nets, fishing equipment, fluorescent sea marking dye, a flare launching gun and cartridges (and perhaps a revolver and tracer ammunition), a survival radio (e.g., a AN/PRC-90), a distress marker light, seawater desalting kit, a raft repair kit, a paddle, a bailer and sponge, sunscreen, and a sun shade hat.

The recommended basic emergency kit items include:

Water, at least one gallon of water per person for each day
Food, non-perishable food for at least three days
Battery-powered or hand cranked radio and a Weather Radio and extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal
Dust mask, plastic sheeting and duct tape
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties
Wrench or pliers to turn off water valves
Can opener for canned food
Local maps
Additional items that may be added to the emergency kit include prescription medications and glasses, infant formula and diapers, pet food, family documents (e.g., copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records), cash or traveler's checks and change, a first aid book, and a sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. For people in cold climates, additional clothing is recommended. Other items that may be useful include household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper, to use as a disinfectant and emergency water purifier, a fire extinguisher, matches, feminine hygiene items, plates and utensils, a paper and pencil, and activities for children.

Survival skills are skills that may help one to survive dangerous situations (such as storms or earthquakes), or in dangerous places (such as the desert, the mountains, and the jungle). Useful skills include lighting a fire, finding shelter, making water safe to drink, finding and identifying food, treating injuries, and climbing, swimming, and using specific or makeshift tools.

Each type of wildernes challenges a person with a different range of dangers (see hazards of outdoor activities). An environment may be dry, wet, hot, cold, high altitude, low altitude, desert, rural, urban, wilderness, subterranean, or an island. Nevertheless, there are four basic necessities of life which apply in all of these cases: shelter, water, fire, and food. A fifth is oxygen for high altitudes and subterranean environments, and also specific survival situations such as drowning and landslide/avalanche.

Where survival skills are used on a more permanent basis, or as a component of daily life beyond the mundane basic necessities, they are often referred to as Bushcraft.

A shelter will protect one from potentially disastrous weather, help prevent hypothermia, and allow restful sleep. It will also boost morale, as it will become a base or home. Therefore, in typical survival situations, a shelter should be built first and quickly, dependent on weather conditions.

A shelter should provide a somewhat comfortable place to sleep. To this end, it should account for the following:

Immovable rocks, animal nests, and other obstacles and hazards should be avoided.
Dry watercourses may be flat, sandy, and comfortable to sleep on, but they will flood in a storm.
Sunlight will provide warmth (which is not always welcome), and help one to wake up in the morning. However, sunny, open areas are vulnerable to wind.
Heat transfer: an excessively large or well-ventilated shelter will not retain warmth well.
Flashing (weatherproofing) to provide protection from elements.
A cave would be a very useful shelter because it is very resistant to rain water getting in and maintains a constant temperature. Unfortunately, bears also nest in caves, so before selecting a cave to stay in, you should check it for no inhabitance.
A simple shelter can be constructed using a lattice of branches propped up at an angle against the wind. Large leaves, such as ferns or fir branches, can then be added to create cover for rain and hail. Ferns can also be added on a shelter to provide insect repellent. Branches propped against a fallen tree make a simple and effective shelter, but animals such as ants and snakes may nest under the tree. With some practice, more advanced shelters such as a debris shelter can be constructed without modern tools or implements. Shelters can also be made by draping a parachute or other large cloth over sticks or some kind of support, or of rammed earth.

Humans can live for several weeks without food, and about three days without water. Depending on the climate conditions, it has been recorded that people have lasted longer than two weeks with no water supply. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the longest time a human has survived without water is 18 days. The length of survival does also depend on physical exertion. A typical person will lose 2-3 liters of water per day in ordinary conditions, but more in very hot or dry weather. A lack of water causes dehydration, resulting in lethargy, headaches, dizziness, confusion, and eventually death. Even mild dehydration impairs concentration, which is dangerous in a survival situation where clear thinking is essential. Dark yellow or brown urine indicates dehydration. Because of these risks, a safe supply of drinking water must be located as soon as a shelter is built (or even before, depending on conditions). In a survival situation, any water supply may be contaminated with pollutants or pathogens (see Potability of backcountry water). Although little can be done to remove molecular contaminants, particles and microorganisms can be removed and/or killed (see Portable water purification).

There are some plants which will provide you with survivable sources of water. Most tree roots and vines contain lots of water, and can be purged by breaking into 3 ft. sections, and standing upright above a water catcher. Avoid any vegetable liquids which are cloudy, milky in appearance, or colored in any way.

Water can be gathered in numerous ways. In areas of abundant moisture, water can be scooped out of a creek or pond. Rainwater (which is typically safe to drink) can be caught in makeshift containers. If these easy sources are not available, a bit more ingenuity will be necessary. Water can be collected from condensation traps or solar stills. Clothing can be used to collect dew from vegetation. Tie a tee shirt to your leg and walk through dew-covered grass in the morning or evening, wring out water and collect. This is a very effective water procurement method.

Although you cannot drink salty seawater, if you are near the beach, you can dig a sand well on the opposite side (from the sea) of a windblown dune. Below sea level, the sand well will fill with drinkable water. It may taste salty or brackish, but the sand acts as a filter reducing the salt content the further you dig inland.

Stagnant water can be made drinkable by filtration through a sieve of charcoal.

Animal blood is not suitable for rehydration, as it may be diseased. In addition, because of the nutrients it contains, it requires energy to digest. Mammals all have blood-borne pathogens so the animal must also be cooked. Urine contains salt and other toxins, which also makes it unsuitable to drink, although it can be refined in a solar still