Survivability Probabilities

The kids often play a little game at the kitchen table over dinner where they toss out a specific survival scenario and then comically debate who would survive the longest. It's a useful, lighthearted affair with a few teachable moments tossed in for good measure. They debate over who would eat fire-roasted roadkill while I slip in a tidbit about fire starter kits. They goof around about fighting off a rabid raccoon, and I slide in advice about collecting rainwater. In my adult circle, we often talk about and practice practical survival skills. While we aren't prepping for every possible situation, we do try to keep the basics polished up.

In any catastrophic event, the most basic needs remain the same today as they were for Neanderthal cave dwellers: water, fire, shelter, and food; preferably in that order. Water can be easily sourced depending on the terrain and geographical location, or it can be a rare commodity. No matter the source, you should strain it through any available cloth and purify it by boiling, if possible. Chemical purification tablets work well, but they're not a likely long term solution. If no natural water source is available, you can build a fairly rudimentary condensation collection system known commercially as a solar still.

We take fire for granted, and by all means I'd recommend taking the easy route by keeping waterproof lighters stored in all your gear. Waterproof matches and ferro rods should be standard packing items as well. Equally important is tinder or some type of fire starter. Wax coated dryer lint or store bought fire starter kits all serve the same purpose if you have them on hand. Practice building fires at home on a damp day. You may discover it isn't like riding a bicycle and is a skill that should be honed regularly.

Shelter can be as simple as a cliff overhang or a lean to lashed together with willow poles. Depending on the season, a temporary shelter may be the difference between surviving the night or being found come spring. Take an evening to build one with the kids when it's all for giggles. The protection from the elements, along with the heat trapped from the aforementioned fire, can make a miserable night surprisingly bearable.

Although we've become accustomed to having a hot tin of fajitas delivered at our beck and call, we can sustain ourselves on far less. A protein bar will get you by for more than a day. A few rock bass from the river will fill you up just fine. A simple cottontail provides more protein than most fast food meals. Fishing doesn't require a digital graph, nor does trapping require the latest designer camouflage.

We all hope survival of this nature is nothing more than backyard preparation for events that never unfold. It always is... until it isn't. Most of us will never find ourselves in a situation where these skills become necessary, but I can assure you that learning them is far more beneficial than keeping up with the latest social media trend. We are often lulled into a false sense of security by reliable vehicles, modern cell phones, and the conveniences of everyday life. That said, things can and do happen.

Like my old pastor used to say, "I'd rather coast into heaven clearing the measuring stick by a mile than squeak in under scrutiny."

The same principle applies here. I'd rather know these skills and never need them than desperately need them one day and never have taken the time to learn.