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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Reference: Edible Plants Database

By Randy Salars·Last Updated: January 15, 2025

This database provides information on common edible wild plants, their identification, uses, and safety tips. Knowing which plants are safe to eat can be a lifesaver in the wilderness.

Dandelion: Leaves, flowers, and roots are edible; rich in vitamins.

Cattail: Young shoots, roots, and pollen are edible.

Wild Onion/Garlic: Distinctive smell; bulbs and greens are edible.

Chickweed: Tender leaves and stems are edible raw or cooked.

Acorns: Must be leached of tannins before eating.

Always positively identify plants before consuming. When in doubt, leave it out.

For more on wilderness survival, see the Wilderness Skills Manual or practice your skills with the Knot-tying Tutorial.

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