SURVIVAL: IT’S NOT JUST A WORD

Survival. For most of us it’s just a word; a foreign concept that we’ll never have to try and understand. The unfortunate truth? People don’t believe that they’ll need to learn how to survive until it’s too late. What most don’t realize is that you don’t have be an expert in order to stay alive during the zombie apocalypse… or any survival situation.

All it takes is remembering “SURVIVAL” as an acronym.

S – Survey your surroundings: When forced to flee an area quickly, the primitive portion of the brain often invokes the “flight or fight” response. You might lose all sense of direction and just run. But when you’ve reached a safe area take note of the trees, rivers and openings in your surroundings. Once you understand what’s available, you’ll enjoy a much greater chance of survival.

U – Undue haste makes waste: You may be disoriented, hungry or injured after escaping a bad situation. In a rush we don’t think straight and often make bad choices based on the information available. But if we rush to find food and shelter or worry about our situation, we can create a wasteful environment with the few resources and little energy we have left. Slow down, think about your next steps, and act accordingly.

R – Remember where you are: If you take a good look around and realize that everything in the wilderness or urban environment is unique, you will always be able to find your way back. Remembering exactly where you are is absolutely essential if you plan on stocking the area with supplies. And if someone is coming to the rescue, you’ll have a much better chance of being found by staying put.

V – Value Living: I cannot stress this enough! If you lose the will to live, then you might as well walk into a horde of zombies and be done with it. The human psyche is one of the most powerful tools, so if you value your life then you will always find ways to make it happen! When faced with a dire situation, understand that it could be much worse.

I – Improvise: Sometimes life takes an unexpected turn and leaves you with nothing but the clothes on your back. No worries; improvise your way out of a bad situation! If you don’t have a knife, make one out of sticks and stones. No water? Find the nearest source and boil it in a rock, shell or other object that can be held over a fire. You always have options, but it’s up to you to make things work!

V – Vanquish fear and panic: Don’t let fear overwhelm and influence your decisions. It’s perfectly natural to be scared, as long as you don’t allow it to paralyze you! Once you’ve come to terms with your situation, you can begin making the right decisions and you’ll have no problem surviving in any situation.

A – Acquire new skills: You might begin a survival situation with no skills, training or supplies. But with time you will make things work to your advantage. Learn from your mistakes, learn from your successes and learn that “If at first you don’t succeed, try again!” Learn absolutely everything you can, and adapt to the situations you are placed in.

L – Live by your wits: Listen to your instincts! Nine times out of ten this will save your life. If you think that something might work when it comes to keeping you alive; go ahead and try it. If it doesn’t work, then try something different. Everyone has strengths, weaknesses and abilities; figure out what you’re good at and use it to your advantage. Use your wits and brain to solve the ongoing puzzle of what to do next.

This is one of the most important pieces of information that you can possibly learn; no matter who you are or what you know. If you forget how to improvise, where you are or lose the will to live… then there is no help for you. However if you remember how to do these things, then there is no situation you cannot triumph over! I hope this helps, and I hope that some of you will take this acronym with you. Tuck it safely away in the back of your mind, just in case. And as always, what you don’t know can eat you!