Reader Question

Nancy asked: Ryan, What is the best way to start a fire in a survival situation ?


Nancy,

Thank you for your comment! There are many fire starter ideas out there for starting fires but in really wet conditions I like using a road flare (see picture below). You can buy them at any auto parts store. It burns really hot for a long time and, if your wood is wet, it will dry it out and then start to burn. Let me know if you have any more questions!!

-Ryan

Safety Tips

When there is a major disaster, chances are that hospitals are full and you are going to be on your own.  So safety is more important than ever. You can’t afford to get hurt. Here are a few redneck safety tips:

When in a smoky or dusty environment you can use a painter’s mask and swimming goggles to filter the air you breathe. Improvise. A dust mask and swimming goggles would even work. Be creative with your safety and protection

 If you are lifting heavy items, make sure that you do it with the assistance of others to help you.  For example: using a fan belt to carry items that are odd shaped and difficult to carry etc.

Safety glasses, gloves, hats, etc. can be very helpful in major disaster situations.

Medical Tips

In emergencies when hospitals are overrun,

       it is very important you know your blood type.

If someone does get injured during a major disaster, here are a few ways you can help using supplies you probably already have.

You can irrigate a dirty wound by poking a hole on top of water bottle lid, tip the water bottle over and squeeze, to force a small stream of water out of hole. 

To make soft ice mix use 50% water with 50% rubbing alcohol then freeze the mixture. It’s more form fitting around wound area.

 You can also put one of your frozen ice packs in the REFRIGERATOR in a paper sack. Now when you put it on a bump its cold but not so much as to be painful and it also forms around a wound.

Poor-Man-in-a-Hurry 72 Hour Kit

 Are you a student, on vacation, or just haven't had the chance to put together a 72-hour kit?   For anyone who needs a 72-hour kit in a hurry without spending any money, here is a list of items you already have in your home that you can quickly gather in an emergency.   Supplies needed:

• Bag or Suit Case
• Tarp/Plastic
• Blankets, Sleeping Bag, etc.
• Rope or String
• Pot with lid
• Large spoon
• Matches/Lighter
• A couple of Kitchen Knives
• Food from your Cupboards and Fridge in a Cooler
• Water in whatever containers you can find
• Medicine and Band-Aids from your Cupboards
• Winter clothes
• Regular clothes
• Garbage Bags
• Flashlight and Batteries
• Toilet paper, Soap, and a Towel from your Bathroom
• Cell phone and Charger
• Money/Wallet
• Important Documents

*For those who don't know a 72-hour kit is a backpack or suitcase filled with stuff to last you 72 hours. These should be filled with items to get you through a natural disaster until help can arrive.*