Who knows what an emergency can bring, and so you're going to want to make sure that you are aware of the things that can happen in any situation. Teaching your younger children, family members, grand-children, etc. can be helpful and can end up saving someone's life. Life is unexpected. You never know when survival skills may be needed. Check out what we have put together below!
HOW TO SAFELY USE A KNIFE - Don’t make your kids scared of knives. Teach them that knives are tools that, when used properly, can help them. Knife safety is important because we want them to be able to properly use one. Teach them as young as they're able. Give them a small pocket knife or other blade of their own to put in their packs when you’re out in the woods so they can get first hand experience.
HOW TO SHARPEN A BLADE - Part of the process of learning how to use a knife is making one useful. Teach your kids how to keep the bald clean and sharp at all times by putting a small sharpening that they can put in their packs when out camping, hiking, etc.
HOW TO START A FIRE - If your child is stuck in the middle of nowhere, especially in the cold, having a fire to keep warm
is essential. Teaching them how to safely make a fire is the most important. If you're in the mountains for any reason, the temperature can go from comfortable, to below freezing as soon as the sun goes down. Teach your children about the environment around them. It’s better to settle down early and build a fire, than to be stuck in the dark and cold with no means to make one. teach them to get started early as it is better to be safe than sorry.
HOW TO FIND WATER SAFE FOR DRINKING - Humans can go quite a while without food, but not having water, not so much. We cannot go long without it. Your child should know ways to not only find water, but how to make it safe to drink. We need it, but we can’t drink un-healthy water without getting sick. Something as simple as a life straw in their pack could be a great addition. Also boiling over that hot fire to make it drinkable is also something that they can learn.
FINDING A SHELTER - Shelter is important and keeping out of the elements should be a priority. Teach them to use their surroundings to their own benefit. Teach them to use sticks to make a lean-to. Tree branches as a temporary shelter from the rain. Shade to keep cool. A small cave (after they’ve checked it to be safe), or how to make a snow tent. It can keep them warm, cool, and dry as long as they know how to use what nature has given them.
FIRST AID - This one is probably the most important. Don't be afraid to teach your children about the power of basic first aid. They could end up not only saving their life, but they may even save yours.
USING A COMPASS AND FINDING DIRECTION - They need to know how to determine direction. and gain knowledge of where
they are. If they’re lost and have lost their bearings, determining their direction can help them get turned around. It could be being really lost, or just being turned around. Wherever it is, it could potentially help them find civilization sooner. Your child should know how to properly use a compass and you should make it fun while teaching them! Make sure they have a good understanding of a compass and make sure they have one whenever they are out, especially in the wilderness.
SELF-DEFENSE - Knowing how to protect themselves is not something to be taught when you think it is the right age for them. Self defense is beneficial not only to potential safety, but to our own well-being. It also takes time to learn. Self defense can also be very rewarding and critical especially when they have to use it. Start teaching them the basic knowledge now, before it’s too late.
HOW TO READ A MAP - Times definitely have changed from using paper road maps to having everything at the touch of our hands. When we are out in the wilderness, we wont be able to use our cellphones, due to a number of reasons. Even if they’re not entirely up to date. maps could really help them along their way. Teach your child not only how to read a general reference map, but a topographical map (which is what most trail maps are).
Thinking about your child being in a situation where they would need any of these skills is scary. Yet, it’s best to teach them now instead of sitting around thinking that they may never need them. In the event they do need to use these skills, it could save their life, so teach them now, before it's too late.
