What are the top survival skills everyone should know?

The five most important survival skills are water procurement, shelter building, fire-starting, food sourcing, and first aid. These fundamentals apply whether you are in wilderness or urban environments.

How do I create an emergency preparedness plan for my family?

Start with a 72-hour emergency kit, establish meeting points, and create a communication plan. Effective family preparedness covers three tiers: immediate (24-hour), short-term (72-hour), and extended (30-day) scenarios.

What should I pack in a bug out bag?

A bug out bag should sustain you for 72 hours with water filtration, food, shelter, first aid, fire-starting tools, navigation, and documents. Prioritize versatile items over specialized ones.

What is the difference between wilderness and urban survival?

Wilderness survival focuses on procurement from nature; urban survival focuses on resource improvisation and human-made infrastructure.

How do I prepare for a grid-down scenario?

Grid-down preparation requires alternative communication, independent energy, stored water, and preserved food. Focus on redundancy across systems.

What gear do I need for survival?

Essential survival gear includes a quality knife, water filter, fire starter, first aid kit, cordage, and navigation tools.

← Back to Survival & Self-Reliance

Basic Repair and Maintenance

By Randy Salars·Last Updated: January 15, 2025

Self-reliance includes the ability to fix and maintain your home, tools, and equipment. Learn essential repair skills to keep your environment functional and safe.

Essential Skills

Basic plumbing: fix leaks, unclog drains, replace washers

Electrical: replace outlets, switches, and light fixtures safely

Carpentry: patch holes, repair doors/windows, build simple shelves

Tool maintenance: sharpen blades, oil moving parts, replace handles

General troubleshooting and safe use of hand/power tools

Further Learning

Family Handyman – DIY Home Repairs

This Old House – How-To Guides

Explore More Topics

Consciousness

Meditation, mindfulness, and cognitive enhancement techniques.

AI & Technology

Artificial intelligence, ethics, and the future of consciousness.

Spirituality

Sacred traditions, meditation, and transformative practice.

Wealth Building

Financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and abundance mindset.

Preparedness

Emergency planning, survival skills, and self-reliance.

Treasure Hunting

Metal detecting, prospecting, and expedition planning.