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.

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Certification Programs

By Randy Salars·Last Updated: January 15, 2025

Certification programs provide formal recognition of your skills and knowledge in survival, preparedness, and self-reliance. Earning a certification can boost your confidence and credibility.

Common Certifications

Wilderness First Aid / Wilderness First Responder

CPR and Basic Life Support

Emergency management and disaster response

Permaculture design

How to Get Certified

Attend in-person or online courses with accredited organizations

Complete required coursework and hands-on training

Pass written and/or practical exams

Where Can You Learn More?

NOLS – Wilderness First Aid

Red Cross – Take a Class

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