Advances in technology have led to the development of clothing, equipment, and gear that can greatly increase your chances for survival in almost any situation. In recent years, the amount of information and the different types of equipment available has been growing at a very rapid pace. For those who are interested in increasing their survival skills there is an unlimited abundance of information available and someone willing to sell you the necessary equipment to assist you in those efforts. What they can’t sell you is the experience and proper state of mind to survive that emergency or crisis.
Most everyone knows that experience is the best teacher. In most survival situations, emergencies or disasters it is quite often the one area that is lacking with many people. Not everyone has lived through the devastating effects of a natural or man-made disaster and your reaction in a survival situation depends in large part upon your knowledge, skills and state of mind. The proper gear can also play a needed part in the drama of survival but it will not guarantee your survival. Good gear should be an essential part of your survival and preparedness efforts but relying upon it too heavily to solve potential problems could end up being the worst thing you could do.
In almost any situation, it is always important to keep in mind that it can happen to you. When it happens to someone else, it’s news but when it happens to you it can become a tragedy if you aren’t prepared. It is those persons who are both mentally and physically prepared that are going to be more likely to survive. When dealing with any emergency situation or disaster you must be able to make rational decisions, improvise using what tools are available at the time and above all remain calm when faced with adverse conditions that are threatening your survival.
Lack of mental preparedness can become a life-threatening situation. Anxiety, fear, and confusion will become immediate threats to your survival and you must work to keep the proper state of mind. These emotions can dull your mind and may cause you to miss important things that could affect your survival. You will rarely be able to anticipate most emergency situations and being able to make rational decisions without letting panic, fear or anxiety take control of your actions will greatly increase your chances for survival. Your ability to think logically and clearly will be essential.
A lack of physical preparedness can also be deadly. When in a state of panic, injuries that could have been easily treated may be ignored to the point where they become life-threatening events. Always deal with injuries immediately, even simple cuts or wounds can become infected or become more serious if left untreated.
Another consideration to remember is that proper shelter will be absolutely necessary. A matter of a few degrees in the change of your core body temperature will become life-threatening. Temperatures that are too hot or too cold will take an immediate toll on your body. Don’t allow yourself to rest or stop moving unless you have adequate shelter. Realize that fatigue is a natural defense mechanism of your body and is the way it protects itself when suffering from a large amount of stress.
Dehydration will be the next serious threat to your survival. While hunger can be quite uncomfortable, it is seldom fatal in most survival situations. Dehydration is an immediate threat and cannot be ignored. You must be able to take the necessary steps to keep your body properly hydrated in any crisis or disaster.
Your chances for survival will always be greater with a proper state of mental and physical preparedness.
Staying above the water line!