Every prepper knows that in order to survive a catastrophic event or a perilous situation, you have to have the right gear and equipment. But the truth is that even if you have all of the items checked off on your list of survival gear essentials, your chances of prospering in a post-societal world are still slim unless you possess the required skills and knowledge. Ready Nutrition recently published a list of the 10 most important survival skills you need to have in order to be sufficiently prepared for a potential tragedy. They are as follows:
Outdoor survival courses
In the event of a catastrophic event that causes society to come crashing down like a house of cards, chances are you are going have to spend a significant amount of time outside if you wish to survive. It’s important to educate yourself on outdoor survival by taking advantage of different courses that are available in your city or state, reading books, and conducting online research into the matter.
Medical
Another skill that is an absolute necessity has to do with medical training and knowing what to do if you, a friend or a family member becomes sick or wounded. It’s important to educate yourself on cleaning and stitching wounds, treating burns and preventing infection. Online courses are available for basic CPR/first aid, and there may even be a local Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) class for paramedics and first responders being offered near you.
Hunting skills
While it's important to know how to grow your own food after being thrown into a survival situation (see “gardening” below), it’s also important to know how to hunt, not just so that you can have meat in your diet, but also so that you can make tools and clothing from the bones and the furs of the animals, respectively. Check out the National Hunting Association to develop your hunting skills before hunting literally becomes a matter of life or death.
Disaster training
Organizations like FEMA and the American Red Cross are both great options when it comes to disaster training. If you have the knowledge on how to plan for a disaster and the ability to handle the devastating affects that could result, then your chances of survival will be significantly higher than they would have been if those skills were lacking.
Gardening skills
Knowing how to grow your own food can be just as important as knowing how to go out and hunt for rabbit or deer. Of course, in the event of a catastrophe, chances are you will no longer be able to go to the grocery store and pick up some carrots and a few cucumbers. Teach yourself skills such as companion planting, crop rotations, beneficial versus harmful insects, and natural ways to replenish soil. Having a well-rounded education on the various gardening tools can be very helpful as well.
Firearm certification and training
Having a gun and knowing how to use it is an incredibly important skill to have. Look for firearms courses offered through the National Rifle Association, and encourage friends and family to do the same.
Canning and food preparation
Hunting will be significantly more difficult in the winter months, and gardening will be nearly impossible. That’s why it’s important to know how to can and preserve foods. Stock up on canning jars, too.
Amateur radio classes
Every serious prepper knows that it is important to have a backup radio at their disposal, and preferably one that can be powered by a hand crank. Possessing the ability to operate a Ham radio will allow you to access an emergency communication source during a time when most other forms of communication are down.
Sewing classes
In a survival situation, chances are you won’t be able to make a quick run to Walmart or the local thrift store to buy extra clothes. Sewing classes can teach you how to make your own clothing out of raw materials, and can also train you to have a steady hand, which can be useful in many other activities such as shooting a gun or stitching a wound.
Candle/soap making conventions
Having the ability to make homemade candles and soap is a skill that not many people today possess. Nevertheless, it can be a very important skill to have in a survival situation.
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