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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Hands-on Workshops

By Randy Salars·Last Updated: January 15, 2025

Hands-on workshops are one of the best ways to build practical survival and self-reliance skills. These in-person or virtual events provide guided instruction, real-world practice, and opportunities to learn from experts and peers.

Common Workshop Topics

Wilderness survival basics

Fire-making and shelter building

First aid and emergency response

Food preservation and gardening

Tool use and repair

How to Find Workshops

Check local outdoor clubs, nature centers, and community colleges

Look for events at state parks or through extension services

Search online for virtual workshops and webinars

Where Can You Learn More?

REI Classes & Events

Wilderness Awareness School – Adult Programs

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