4 Reasons Your Tomatoes Are Not Ripening + How You Can Help

The post 4 Reasons Your Tomatoes Are Not Ripening + How You Can Help was originally seen on http://totalsurvival.net/

Tomatoes not ripening? Here are the four main reasons why your tomatoes aren’t turning red, and what you can do (if anything) to help ripen your tomatoes. Why do tomatoes turn red? Tomatoes turn red because of their lycopene content. What is lycopene? From Web MD (emphasis mine): Lycopene is a naturally occurring chemical that […]

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3 Ways to Build Your Own Fire

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Planning for a casual camping trip with some friends or family and want to stay warm? Sounds like a reasonable plan. If you’re new to fire building, it’s important to do a little research and have some idea of how to create warmth and a place to cook if needed. Some methods can leave you feeling defeated and cold. Let’s avoid that. We have compiled a few simple, yet effective fire styles that can be built with a little practice and are good for weekend getaways or to simply have in your back pocket in case of emergency.

1. The TeePee Campfire

Surely we have all heard or at least seen this type of fire at some point. Whether over the fire pit in the backyard for smores or surrounded by campers trying to stay warm in the woods at night, this is one of the most (if not the most) popular type of fire to build. By leaning several sticks and branches together in the shape of a teepee and filling the hollow center with kindling or a thicker fire log, this is an easy one to build. However, it often comes toppling down pretty quickly once it starts to burn down. We suggest placing a large log down, perpendicular to the wind, while using sticks and branches to lean up against it, forming more of a half teepee. This is more secure and the large log will help keep the fire going by blocking out wind.

2. The Dakota Fire Hole

This particular build takes more work than a teepee but it’s a great one if you’ll be sticking around for several days. It produces no smoke, is protected from the wind and doesn’t shine any light above ground level. This is what makes it so popularly used by the military. It is a great fire when trying to keep warm but also trying to avoid being seen. You dig two holes in the ground. The first hole is for the fire. Dig straight into the ground. Then dig the second hole away from the first and make it slope downward so that it meets the first hole at the bottom. The air comes in through this one. It makes a better fire with no smoke. The fire is blocked by the walls of the ground, making it sturdy in the wind.

3. The Log Cabin

Although this one may be pretty easy to assemble, it can be trickier to get a fire going in the log cabin style. The best way to do this to avoid the hardships of getting it burning is to build a teepee in the center and then stack up logs around it in square box like formation. You simply continue to stack around in a square shape 5-6 layers high or until it surrounds your teepee. It’s a great fire for cooking because it burns slowly and the design itself is good for holding a pot or pan or piece of meat or fish.

Conclusion

So which one is best? Great question but also a trick question. There is no right or wrong answer here. Each style has a unique purpose and it’s own pros and cons. Your best bet is to consider the main purpose for the fire and plan accordingly. For a casual fire, the teepee is great. For a low detectable and windproof fire, the Dakota fire hole is your go-to. And for a great cooking fire, the log cabin style is going to be your style of choice. There are more, many more, styles out there. So the more you know, the better prepared you will be for the many variables involved in mother nature. Happy camping to you! May your fire be strong and the wind stay low.

This Article Was First Found at survivallife.com Read The Original Article Here

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How To Stockpile Food On A Tight Budget

Blueberry Netting Tips – Protecting Blueberries from Birds (& Deer)

Blueberry Netting Tips – Protecting Blueberries from Birds (& Deer) Find more on: http://totalsurvival.net

Anyone with a blueberry patch knows that wildlife loves them as much as we do. In his northwest Wisconsin patch, my brother battles heavy deer pressure in addition to hungry birds looking for ripe berries. He came up with a great way to protect his blueberries and still have easy access to the plants. In […]

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How To Build An Outdoor Shower

The following blog post How To Build An Outdoor Shower is courtesy of http://totalsurvival.net/

Knowing how to build an outdoor shower should be a survival skill. Find out why and what your options are!

RELATED: How To Properly Pack An Outdoor Toiletry Kit

In this article:

1. Practicing Good Hygiene and Preventing Infection While in the Wilderness
2. Black Construction Bag Outdoor Shower
3. How to Build an Outdoor Shower with Trash Bags
4. The Bucket Shower
5. How to Build an Outdoor Shower with a Bucket
6. Natural Alternatives
7. Importance of Basic Hygiene While Outdoors

How to Build an Outdoor Shower for Camping

Practicing Good Hygiene and Preventing Infection While in the Wilderness

Having the knowledge on how to build an outdoor shower is extremely important whether you’re camping, hiking, or just exploring the great outdoors. This is because maintaining basic hygiene skills is also a form of maintaining health, especially while outdoors.

Infection from injury or abrasion is likely to happen without proper medical tools or supplies available. Access to fresh running water may become limited, especially as adventuring takes you further into the wilderness.

Therefore knowing how to gather an appropriate amount of water from lakes and other large bodies of water are of extreme importance. Here are some outdoor shower ideas for camping:

Black Construction Bag Outdoor Shower

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The shower bag is an excellent survival shower for those who are limited on supplies. If you're going out in the wilderness for a day or two, you can carry one or more of these lightweight construction bags.

Construction or trash bags are capable of holding a minimum of 13 gallons. You may also bring a boxful as there are other survival uses for construction trash bags other than for an outdoor shower.

A roll of trash bags can also be placed directly in a backpack and takes up very little space. Although the color of the bags does not matter, dark or black-colored bags are preferable.

They absorb heat better to warm the water inside of the bags under the heat of the sun. You can even build an outdoor shower enclosure for privacy with a large construction bag.

Follow the instructions below to make your own outdoor shower DIY from construction or trash bags.

How to Build an Outdoor Shower with Trash Bags

1. Place two to three trash bags inside one another and fill the most inner bag with the appropriate water needed.
2. Tie off the innermost trash bag then tie the others into a knot as to reinforce the whole shower bag.
3. Using a tree branch or another object slightly above head level tie off or hang the shower bag ensuring that the bag is secure from the weight of the water.
4. Either allow time for the water to warm up in direct sunlight or poke holes in the bottom of the shower bag using a small knife to begin showering.
5. The small holes will allow for slow drainage, giving you time to soak, wash, and rinse.

The Bucket Shower

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While the shower bag works well when camping out in the wilderness, it's disposable since a small tear can render it useless. For long-term use outdoor shower, and for camping closer to civilization, a bucket shower will work better, for sure.

All you need is just a few supplies and you're good to get this outdoor camping shower project going:

• Five-gallon bucket with lid with carrying handle
• Spigot
• Drilling tools such as a screwdriver or electric drill

RELATED: VIDEO TUTORIAL: DIY Outdoor Toilet

How to Build an Outdoor Shower with a Bucket

1. Begin by drilling a small hole at the base of the five-gallon bucket for the spigot. Make sure the spigot fits the hole you will drill.
2. Once the spigot feels firm, fill the five-gallon bucket with water and allow time for the water to warm up in direct sunlight.
3. If gathered in the morning, the water will be a decent temperature by midday.
4. Make sure the carry handle included on the five-gallon bucket is sturdy enough to hold roughly 50 pounds of weight as the bucket completely filled should no weigh more than this.
5. If the carry handle seems weak in any way, be sure to reinforce it using additional materials and reinforcements.
6. Once confident the five-gallon bucket is ready, all you need to do is hang the bucket from a tree or an object slightly above head level, then turn on the spigot.

Natural Alternatives

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Naturally, it is always recommended to take advantage of the first source of natural running water. Whether it be a waterfall, spring, river, or a clean large body of water, use these sources as the first alternative to our manmade outdoor showers here.

Although the temperature cannot be adjusted, the amount of running water will help to better ensure all basic hygiene needs are met. You can better rid or control infection and further complications with the abundance of running water.

Importance of Basic Hygiene While Outdoors

As mentioned before, maintaining basic hygiene while outdoors is of extreme importance, as this is the number one step to preventative medicine. Skin abrasions, cuts, and rashes can become worse if basic hygiene needs are not met especially while outdoors.

Open wounds can become quickly infected if not cleaned and treated immediately. This is why knowledge of basic hygiene and building a survival shower is of utmost importance.

Do not let what it took our ancestors thousands of years to master end your adventures.

This video from Adventure Van Man will show you how to make an outdoor portable camp shower:

Just because you're living off of the wild or experiencing the wilderness, doesn't mean you have to put hygiene your very least priority. In fact, it should be one of your priority in the wild more than ever.

Well, now you know you have these options to keep yourself clean, protected, and comfortable while out camping.

Which of these outdoor shower ideas have you tried or willing to try? Let us know in the comments section below!

Up Next:

• Outdoor Toilet Paper Alternatives
• DIY Wilderness Soap and Shampoo
• Finding Water When Lost in the Wilderness

For more awesome SHTF survival items, you can’t make at home, check out the Survival Life Store!

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***Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer.***

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on January 15, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

This Article Was First Found at survivallife.com Read The Original Article Here

See Full Article Here: How To Build An Outdoor Shower

6 Ways To Find Your Way In The Wilderness Without A Compass

6 Ways To Find Your Way In The Wilderness Without A Compass was originally published on http://totalsurvival.net

Getting Lost Without a Compass Can Happen to the Best of Us. Here’s What to Do.

No one heads into the wilderness with the intention of getting lost. But it happens all the time, even during the most innocent, daytime hike, fishing or hunting trip, and especially to the serious and sometimes over-confident backpacker.

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A backpacker would have little to fear because they have the necessary equipment to get through the night and figure out where they took that wrong turn. But most of us may not be quite as prepared, and knowing how to find our way can make a big difference.

The Compass Irony

The original invention of the compass in China was to allow mariners to navigate when the sun and stars were blocked by clouds. It’s ironic that the alternative orienteering concepts we’re about to cover were the most widely used navigational approaches before the invention of the compass.

Somehow, like many things, we’ve forgotten these ancient skills and surrendered to the technology of modern compasses. But even with a compass, there’s a catch.

True North Versus Magnetic North

This will come as a surprise to some, but a compass does not point to true north. Magnetic north and magnetic south are a constantly changing point in a northerly and southerly direction. According to The National Geographic Society, the magnetic poles move and shift in direction an average of 40 miles a year.

If you’re close to the equator, you get the most accurate readings for North and South. But as you approach the poles from either direction, you need to understand variation or magnetic declination. This is a way to compensate for a reading caused by your location relative to the location of the magnetic poles.

Do this before you set out with your compass because the variables are widespread.

Types of Compasses

We’re covering this because some of the techniques we’ll explore mimic these compass types. The earliest compasses were a magnetic strip of loadstone suspended on a string that would align with the North and South magnetic poles. This was commonly referred to as a dry compass.

Mariners preferred a compass not subject to the wind like the suspended lodestone, so they used a wet compass consisting of a magnetized needle floating in a liquid. This helped with rolling waves.

Modern compasses come in wet compass and dry compass variations to compensate for a variety of factors like the motion of lakes and oceans and both are typically enclosed to protect the compass movement from the wind.

Fortunately, the alternative methods we’re about to cover aren’t as subject to wind and waves.

The 6 Alternative Methods

1. The North Star
2. Sunrise and Sunset
3. Shadows
4. The Shadow Stick
5. The Floating Needle
6. Yes, Moss on a Tree

1. The North Star

Much like the magnetic poles, the location of the North star shifts with time. Fortunately, this star-shift takes thousands of years. Right now, the North star is identified as “Polaris.” 5000 years ago, the North star was “Thuban” and was used by the ancient Egyptians to align the pyramids.

To find the North, star you’ll need a clear night (cloudy nights were one of the reasons for the invention of the compass). You’ll also need to find the big dipper. The big dipper is easier to see than the little dipper which is fairly faint approaching a full moon.

Use the two stars on the front of the dipper part of the big dipper and imagine a line from those two stars continuing up from the dipper. This line will take you to the North star.

Once you’ve located the North star, you need to remember its location the next morning. Find a long, straight branch or deadfall and lay it on the ground in alignment with the North star and place a rock or something at the North end so you have your directions right at sunrise.

But then, sunrise is telling you something as well.

2. Sunrise and Sunset

We’ve all heard the saying, “The sun rises in the East and sets in the West.” That may be true, but like the magnetic poles, these directions are in the category of “suggestions.” The sun usually rises in the general direction of East and sets in the general direction of West.

The only time it sets in “true West” is on the days of the summer and winter equinox. The same is true for the sun rising in the East. Before and after those days, it wanders a bit in the Western and Eastern sky as it rises and sets.

However, a lot of this is based on your location. Suffice it to say that the sun will be close enough to the East at sunrise and close enough to the West at sunset to allow you to get your bearings.

Use the stick or deadfall on the ground trick at sunset to remember your location, and also remember that a second stick set at 90° to the first branch will give you a North/South line. With the setting sun to your left, North will be directly in front of you.

3. Shadows

After the sun has risen and before it sets, we have the challenge of midday. You sure can’t see the North star and it may seem like you’re at loss for finding your bearings, but there are a couple of ways to determine directions. The first is a general rule that applies to the sun’s track across the daytime sky.

The sun travels across the sky in an arc that favors the southern sky. This is more pronounced in winter, but the same is true for summer except the summer sun travels across a higher arc. The result is that shadows cast by trees favor North.

This is particularly true around noon when the sun is at its highest position in the southern sky. If you’re in doubt about your direction of travel at midday, the shadows can give you a good clue about which way is North.

4. The Shadow Stick Method

This is a little complicated and takes some time, but the results are remarkable. It involves pushing a stick into the ground about two feet high and placing a rock at the tip of the cast shadow.

After 20 minutes to an hour or two, the shadow will move as the sun tracks across the sky. That’s the time to place a second or a third stone at the tip of the shadows.

Once you have your stones in place scratch a line in the ground through the stones. You now have an East/West line.

Scratch another line in the ground at a 90° angle and you will have a North/South line.

To determine North, remember the shadow rule.

The shadow of your stick is pointing in a Northerly direction and the end of your 90° stick is North.

You now have the cardinal points of the compass well after sunrise and before sunset or the appearance of the North Star.

5. The Floating Needle

Welcome to the first incarnation of the compass. This was actually a method used by the Chinese more than a thousand years ago to locate magnetic North and South. They used to scratch a needle across a lodestone (a naturally magnetic rock) to magnetize the needle.

It’s unlikely that you’ll have a lodestone on you, let alone find one, but there’s another way to magnetize a needle. Rub the needle through your hair about 30 to 50 times. If your hair is sufficiently dry, the static electricity will temporarily magnetize the needle.

Float the needle on a leaf in a pool of water and it will move to a North/South line. Look at the shadow you cast or from trees and remember that shadows favor North. You’ll now know your direction.

6. Yes, Moss on a Tree

Like many old wives tales borne of folklore, you have to take moss on the North side of a tree with a grain of salt. But there is an exception.

A tree growing in isolation in a field may show moss growing only on the North side of the trunk. Moss doesn’t like direct sunlight and the moss growing in the shade points again to the sun favoring the Southern sky. Tree trunks in a dense forest are often shaded throughout the day and moss has the potential to grow on any side.

A Word About Basic Orienteering

Knowing which way you want to travel is one thing, but maintaining that direction over time is another. The standard advice is to identify a landmark in the direction you want to go and to identify a new one when you reach your original landmark. This should keep you traveling in a relatively straight line throughout the day, even when you don’t have a compass.

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USGS Topo Maps Of Every Quad In The Continental US [Free Printable ]

USGS Topo Maps Of Every Quad In The Continental US [Free Printable ] was first seen on http://totalsurvival.net

Take your map reading skills to a whole new level by learning how to read the USGS topo map, but first, get the map here.

RELATED: How To Mark Trails Like A Pro

In this article:

1. What Is the USGS Topographic Map?
2. Tips on How to Read a Topographic Map
3. How to Get Free Printable National Geographic Topo Maps Online

Get Your Own USGS Topo Maps for Camping and Survival

What Is the USGS Topographic Map?

Launched in 2009, the US Topo Quadrangles project provides free online quadrangle topographic maps for anyone living in the continental United States. Produced by the National Geospatial Program, these USGS topo maps are modeled after the standard 7.5 minutes, 1:24,000 base maps which went into circulation shortly after World War II.

This map allowed users to not only get directions but also be advised of whether they're going uphill, downhill, or over flat land. These maps are useful for hiking, camping, and rural road navigation.

Each 7.5-minute quadrangle map covers an area of 49 to 70 square miles, which is a big area for a map which can fit on a small sheet of paper. If you're not familiar with topographic maps, you might get a little confused the first time you look at one.

It's filled with squiggly lines (called contour lines), but they can easily be deciphered once you know what you're looking at. Here are a few of the things you need to learn about using USGS Topo Maps.

Tips on How to Read a Topographic Map

1. Contour lines, which always connect to form a circle, have the same elevation all throughout. If you were to walk a contour line, your elevation would stay the same.
2. Most contour lines will have the elevation number.
3. One side of a contour line is uphill and the other is downhill.
4. The area inside the contour line is almost always higher in elevation than the line itself.
5. The smaller the circle the contour lines make, the higher the elevation. If a contour line creates a tiny circle with no more contour lines inside of it, it's more than likely a peak of a mountain/ridge/hill/etc.
6. Contour lines form a V pattern when they cross water such as a river or stream. The tip of the V points uphill while the other side points down.
7. Contour lines on opposite sides of a valley or ridge always occur in pairs.
8. Contour lines do not touch or cross each other.

You can follow the detailed guide in the featured video below. Now you're a topo map expert, it's time get to your hands on 'em!

RELATED: Lost At Sea Survival Guide | 7 Tips And Tricks For Ocean Navigation

How to Get Free Printable National Geographic Topo Maps Online

National Geographic has an easy-to-use interface which allows you to find a topographic map of your desired area in seconds with the help of an interactive map. From there you can download it and print and you're ready to go.

Head over to their website to check out the USGS topo maps.

1. Select a Topo Map

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Simply zoom in to your area and click on one of the red markers, which will bring up the topo map of the area.

2. Download Map

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The PDF will come with 5 pages: 1 with the entire area and 4 with the map cut into quarters. Below you can see a portion of the Taylor Canyon map from the Los Padres National Forest in California.

3. Print

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Open the PDF and hit print. You'll get 5 pages in total, as mentioned before. Keep your printed maps somewhere safe.

Watch the video below from wvannorden for a beginner course into topographic maps and contour lines:

Now you know there's a better way for you to find your way out in the wilderness. With a topographic map, you can better identify your location, your destination, and the terrain on your way to your destination or back to where you came from.

Have you used a USGS topo map while out camping? Tell us all about your experience in the comments section below!

Up Next:

• How To Properly Build A Fire: A Step By Step Guide With Safety Tips
• Lost In The Woods 101: What To Do When Lost In The Woods
• Ground Navigation | Finding Your Path To Survival

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***Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer.***

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on December 8, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

This Article Was First Found at survivallife.com Read The Original Article Here

Read More Here: USGS Topo Maps Of Every Quad In The Continental US [Free Printable ]

Yellowstone and How the Eruption will Effect the US

Yellowstone and How the Eruption will Effect the US is available on Total Survival

Considering that the last large volcanic eruption at Yellowstone took place over 2 million years ago, we assume it safe to bet you wouldn’t recall the ramifications from that event. Let us fill you in. Believe it or not, researches found ashes from the explosion throughout tens of thousands of kilometers, tracing as far as Canada and even the Gulf of Mexico. There have only been a total of 3 massive eruptions from Yellowstone throughout time including this one, another 1.3 million years ago and the most recent at 664,000 years ago. So why the big fuss in the press lately? Well, of course anything is possible but there is no indication that a large event like this will happen anytime soon, within this lifetime or even ever again.

But some buzz has been buzzing due to a trending article in Geophysicists that was published back in 2014 about what a mass eruption could possibly look like based off of a computer supermodel of a Yellowstone super eruption. This model spread ash from the eruption over 330 kilometers into the sky which resulted in a dusting of this volcanic ash over the ENTIRE United States. Different areas of the country suffered different levels of effect, leaving some areas of Montana buried in 70 inches of ash while some other highly populated areas like Washington, D.C. and New York City were only covered in minimal dusting, less than ¼ inch deep. These approximates are based on various factors but can’t predict some of the main factors that would actually make a mass impact on different cities such as the direction and speed of wind during an eruption and days to follow. But according to this model, other states like Colorado and Montana could also suffer feet of ash, glass and debris, wreaking havoc on crops, animals, housing, and tons of different electrically powered equipment.

Despite these threats, we can all calm down and rest assured that even the researchers involved in this model report that the likelihood of this happening at this magnitude is extremely low and there are no concerns of it happening anytime soon if so. More likely are smaller and more frequent eruptions with far less ramifications. So why is it that people are so fascinated with Yellowstone? Well, sitting below the national park is a massive reservoir of hot magma. This runs around 5 miles deep and gets resourced by a huge reservoir that holds molten rock hundreds of miles deep. The ground above rises and falls based on the rising of the magma and the chamber cooling which HAS caused the magma chamber to erupt in the past, although the typical eruption is much, much smaller than the predicted model. The potential for mass disruption and catastrophic effects has had people honing in on Yellowstone for years. The magnitude of a super eruption threat is high, while the possibility is very low. The super eruptions are massive compared to even the largest explosions that we have ever seen, and have the ability to bury entire states.

If we haven’t said it enough already, the possibility of this type of eruption is insanely low but for the fun of it, let’s walk through what a super-eruption would look like if it were to occur. Typically speaking, it could take weeks or even months for the earthquake activity to break up the rocks that would make room for the eruption. Lava would spew out but likely only about ⅓ of it would actually spew out of the volcano. Even at that, the vast majority of lava would stay within the state park. The bigger issue altogether would be from the ash. Ash is a combination of broken up rock and glass. This would certainly be the largest cause for concern as it would eject miles and miles into the air and make its descent all across the nation, leaving some states much more vulnerable than others. Again, the season and current weather patterns during the explosion could make a massive difference in how things actually pan out but our midwest could be left in a pretty dramatic state of soot, enough to bury some areas in several feet of ash.

To the uneducated eye, a couple inches or even feet of ash may not seem very concerning. A little clean up and good as new, right? Well, not exactly. This amount of ash can have cause mass devastation to crops and animals. More concerning than that, the ash would certainly be problematic for respiratory health, causing health issues all over and shutting down air travel due to unsafe conditions. The ash could short out power transformers, block roadways and sewer lines. The secondary effects from this could result in poor and unsanitary living conditions creating even more concerning health issues. The economy would certainly be impacted by the devastation and there would be halted ability to resume typical economical patterns. On top of all of that, climate could certainly be impacted. How? Well, these types of volcanic eruptions emit sulfur aerosols that in turn reflect sunlight back into the atmosphere. The end result, a cooler climate. Although this is a temporary issue, it is drastic and has a domino effect on many things.

Again, research indicates that the chances are almost none to see this type of super eruption in Yellowstone. In fact, as sad as it may be to negate the fascination, there might never be a big eruption in Yellowstone again. However, this does not stop some from following, watching and researching the possibilities. As we know, no amount of research can predict the exact promises of mother nature.

This Article Was First Found at survivallife.com Read The Original Article Here

Read More Here: Yellowstone and How the Eruption will Effect the US

How To Build A Wickiup Survival Shelter

The article How To Build A Wickiup Survival Shelter is available on http://www.totalsurvival.net/

Want to know how to build a wickiup? Learn the basics of making this survival shelter from scratch here.

RELATED: How To Build DIY Survival Shelters To Survive Through The Night

In this article:

1. Wickiup: An Ancient Shelter You Can Build Today for Survival
2. Location and Material Selection
3. Wickiup Base Frame
4. Weatherproofing
5. Wickiup Bedding
6. Final Touches

Learn to Build a Wickiup and Survive in the Wild

What is Wickiup? A wickiup, also known as “tipi” or “teepee,” is a conical tent indigenous tribes use to build a long time ago. The term “wikiup” originated from the Algonquian word “wikiyap” which means “dwelling house.”

Wickiup: An Ancient Shelter You Can Build Today for Survival

During the olden times, Indian tribes use the wickiup as a shelter. This type of shelter may be old but it's definitely not outdated.

This type of shelter allows you to build a fire inside without you suffocating. Its spacious area allows more than one person to sleep in it.

This is the most fitting kind of survival huts in forests because it is easy to build and the materials to do so are readily available. It can be used as a temporary or long-term home.

Here are the basics of a wickiup construction:

Location and Material Selection

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Find a suitable place to build your shelter. It should be well above the waterline and away from any visible flood areas.

You should also take care to check for animal tracks and other signs to avoid any late-night visitors. Don’t forget to collect branches for your campfire, including other things you'll be needing to maximize the hours left while the sun is up.

Wickiup Base Frame

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The base of your shelter is important because it will keep your house standing firm. Your wickiup is in the shape of a cone, so you should design the frame like a tripod.

Use three strong poles or wood available around you and build a tripod which will secure its place. For it to be stable, look for strong vines to hold your tripod in place, preventing it from being dislocated.

Tie it around the upper end of your frame and spread apart the other ends of the poles to make a space for you to get in. You can also use rocks to keep your frame from falling apart.

RELATED: 10 Critical Points You Need to Know About Building Any Natural Shelter!

Weatherproofing

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Animal skins are the material normally used for covering a wickiup but there are plenty of other options available in the wild. Branches, debris, and even moss are all fantastic options for a covering.

It's also a great idea to keep a few contractor trash bags in your kit because they make an incredible covering that holds in heat and makes it waterproof. This will provide you with insulation and protection from severe weather conditions.

Make sure not to leave holes or spaces to keep the heat from escaping, which will provide you with warmth inside.

Wickiup Bedding

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Look for large leaves or even small branches to create a nest for you to sleep on inside.

Don’t collect branches or leaves with spikes or sharp ends to avoid discomfort and injuries. Make sure to have sufficient space for you to lie on.

Final Touches

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Add additional poles or wood to keep the debris stable. This will also support your framing.

You can add another layer of debris to make sure the insulation is enough. Add leaves to avoid raindrops from running through your covering.

Always store extra wood in case your fire burns it all up.

See how comfy you can be in a wickiup tent in this video by Driftwood george:

Forgot to bring your tent for your camping trip? No problem! Now you know how to build a wikiup, you can just make one as your temporary shelter in the woods.

It would be a fun and satisfying experience for sure. Just don't forget to bring your survival food kit so you won't starve.

Have you tried building a wickiup? What was the hardest part of making one? Share your experience in the comments section below!

Up Next:

• 25 “Quick Up” Survival Shelters You Can Build With A Tarp
• Conquering The Cornerstones: Shelter – The 1st Pillar of Survival
• Ways To Start A Fire | 17 Unconventional Tricks And Techniques

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on June 6, 2017, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

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Read More Here: How To Build A Wickiup Survival Shelter

10 Tips for Apartment Preppers

Knife Sharpening Tools | Must-Haves For Your Blade

The following post Knife Sharpening Tools | Must-Haves For Your Blade was first seen on http://www.totalsurvival.net/

Know your options from this selection of knife sharpening tools so you maintain your knife's effectiveness and safety at home or outdoors.

RELATED: How To Sharpen A Knife At Camp [Video]

In this article:

1. Knife Sharpening Tools for Sharp, Safe, and Effective Knives
   1. Sharpening Stone or Whetstone
   2. Sandpaper
   3. Sharpening Steel
   4. Knife Hone
   5. Electric Knife Sharpeners
   6. Handheld Sharpener
   7. Serrated Knife Sharpener

Knife Sharpening Tools You Need to Know About

Knife Sharpening Tools for Sharp, Safe, and Effective Knives

Knives are an essential survival gear you can bring outdoors. It has been used since the dawn of time to help preppers survive the wilderness.

But, what is a knife without sharpening tools? A knife sharpening tool can easily bring a dull knife back to its tip-top shape.

You probably heard of the saying “A dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp knife” and you're probably wondering why. Handling a knife needs control and precision.

If you're using a dull knife, there's a chance of slipping on the material you're cutting, thus leaving you at risk of cutting yourself. However, if you work with a sharp knife, it is easier and faster to cut through things making it safer to use.

This National Knife Day, appreciate your handy tool and give it some knife sharpening with the help of these different types of knife sharpeners.

1. Sharpening Stone or Whetstone

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The whetstone is probably the most popular knife sharpening tool used. Normally, whetstones come in a rectangular block made of ceramic or natural sharpening stones.

Whetstones work effectively with an extremely dull knife, removing unnecessary materials from the blade. One great thing about this knife sharpener is it also works well with other steel products such as razors and scissors.

2. Sandpaper

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Using sandpaper is a cheap yet effective way to sharpen your dull knife. Try attaching the sandpaper to an old mouse pad to make the method more convenient.

If you're sharpening your dull knife with this method, use medium-grit sandpaper, probably around 800, until you work it up to fine-grit sandpaper. You can also do this method for putting final touches to your blade after you've sharpened it with a whetstone.

3. Sharpening Steel

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While the name says “sharpening” steel, this is actually a misnomer since this tool only hones the blade of your knife.

With that said, sharpening steels must be used only for maintaining the knife but not to sharpen an already dull one. A sharpening steel is long and narrow.

RELATED: Breakthrough: How to Sharpen a Knife Without a Sharpener

4. Knife Hone

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A knife hone works similarly to sharpening steels. As the name suggests, this knife sharpening tool hones the blade of your knife but it cannot sharpen a dull knife.

Knife hones are made out of steel or stone. It works by removing small amounts of material from the blade to sharpen it.

5. Electric Knife Sharpeners

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Normally, electric knife sharpeners come in a rectangular box shape, with three slots to place the knife's blade in. Using an electric sharpener is convenient due to its speedy process.

However, the downside of using this knife sharpening tool is you have less control over the knife and it's a bit bulky compared to the other tools. Additionally, electric sharpeners work more effectively with kitchen knives than survival, tactical, or hunting knives.

6. Handheld Sharpener

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Just like an electric sharpener, a handheld sharpener effectively and easily sharpens a dull knife back to its original, perfect cutting form.

However, handheld sharpeners have a limited slot to place a knife's blade in. The good thing about this knife sharpening tool is its small size, making it easy to carry anywhere you go.

7. Serrated Knife Sharpener

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This knife sharpening tool is specifically designed to sharpen knives with serrated blades. It would be difficult to sharpen serrated knives with most common sharpeners as they can damage the serrated blades.

Sharpening a straight blade is very much different with sharpening a serrated knife. Each serration needs to be sharpened individually for maximum effectiveness and this is what your serrated knife sharpener would do.

Watch this video from Dutch Bushcraft Knives for a six-step knife sharpening method:

Keeping your knife sharp is vital. Thus, it is of high importance to have a knife sharpening tool to help you maintain the original sharpness of your knives.

You must determine what kind of blade your knife has and find the best knife sharpening tool to use with it. Otherwise, you might end up with a broken blade. So this National Knife Day, may you have a knife day ahead!

What knife sharpening tool have you tried using? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Up Next:

• 23 Best Survival Knife Brands You Can Trust
• Ingenious Tool Hacks You Never Knew You Could Do
• The Ultimate Guide To Using Knives For Self-Defense

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***Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer.***

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on August 23, 2017, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

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Is Your Home Security System Spying On You?

Is Your Home Security System Spying On You? Find more on: Total Survival

Find out how hackers can turn even the best home security system against you with a cheap piece of hardware.

RELATED: Perfect Spots To Set Up Your Home Security Cameras

In this article:

1. Can Your Security System Be Hacked And Used To Spy On You?
2. How Hackers Can Spy On You
3. What Can We Do?

How Safe Is Your Home Security System Against Hackers?

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• BE HEARD WITH NEST: Nest Cam Indoor has a built-in speaker and mic, so you can hear what's happening at home. Or tell the dog to get off the couch.
• SET IT UP ANYWHERE: The compact size of the Nest Cam makes installation a breeze. Nest Cam Indoor's stand works in all kinds of homes, on all types of surfaces. Set it down on something flat, like a table or shelf. The Nest Cam has a built­-in magnet so you can stick it to something metallic. Use the removable wall plate to attach Nest Cam to a wall. Or you can unscrew the camera from the base and attach it to any standard tripod mount.

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Can Your Security System Be Hacked And Used To Spy On You?

Can you trust the home security system you have? Turns out, you really can't.

Recently, I switched security systems in my home. I quickly switched back when I felt the company controlling my home security system didn't have my best interest in mind.

Little did I know it wasn't them I had to worry about!

I have what was supposed to be the cutting edge of security systems for homes. I can control my alarm from my phone.

Also, I can turn lights on and off. I can even control my air-conditioned unit if I am feeling too lazy to get out of bed and change the temperature manually.

This high-tech security camera systems should protect my home and my family. I should feel safe knowing that should anyone enter my home without my permission, both the police and I will be notified.

Does it make any sense my entire security system can be compromised by a single $10 piece of equipment which can be bought on amazon.com?

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RELATED: Proven DIY Home Security Tips To Protect Your Family

How Hackers Can Spy On You

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An article published on Forbes.com exposed a massive flaw in most major home security systems:

He was able to play around with an ADT system thanks to the graciousness of his girlfriend’s father, who had one at home. The different vendors’ products all had the same problem: legacy wireless communications from the 90s that failed to encrypt or authenticate signals.

He could pick up the signals being sent from sensors on windows and doors to the main control system using a cheap SDR, meaning he could see transmissions from sensors—which are sent even when the system is unarmed—and track when people were opening and closing windows and doors.

With a more sophisticated SDR, he could interfere with transmissions, setting the alarm off falsely by telling it doors were opening when they weren’t or jamming the system so that it wouldn’t go off, even if doors did open. He could do this from 65 to 250 yards away—basically a house over.

Using his methods, a would-be tech-savvy thief could suppress an alarm while going in and out with your stuff; a prankster neighbor could set your alarm off, or someone could monitor when you’re active at the house. At the very least, someone with an SDR could determine based on signals being sent whether you actually have an alarm system, or have just planted a “Protected by ADT” sign in your front yard.

What is SDR? SDR stands for software-defined radio. It is a radio communication system wherein software takes over the tasks of the hardware.

What Can We Do?

We now know, more cameras and surveillance systems do not translate to a more secure place. Even some of the most high-tech and top home security system are susceptible to hacking.

There's a saying, “Love many but trust few”, which is perfect when it comes to your security. Be reasonably annoying towards your home security system provider and ask questions.

Take advantage of the competition in business. Look for home security system providers with your best interest at heart–who are one step ahead of potential hackers.

In this video, marketplace reveals how hacker uses technology to spy your home and family courtesy of CBC News:

How secure do you feel about your home security system now? Your guess is as good as mine.

Do you think we can still trust home security systems with cameras? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Up Next:

• 20 Home Security and Crime Prevention Secrets
• 7 Simple Home Security System Hacks To Save You Time And Money
• Conquering The Cornerstones: Self-Defense – The 4th Pillar Of Survival

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Editor's Note: This article was originally published on August 4, 2014, and has been updated for quality and relevancy

This Article Was First Found at survivallife.com Read The Original Article Here

Article Source Here: Is Your Home Security System Spying On You?

5 Prepper Uses for Pine Sap

5 Prepper Uses for Pine Sap was originally seen on http://totalsurvival.net

Could you live off of the land if you had to? For most people, the answer to this question is a hard no. But it doesn’t have to be a hard no for you.

Living off the land is all about using the numerous resources at your disposal to help yourself stay alive. One such resource that could be of high value to you is pine sap. In fact, pine sap is one of the most versatile natural resources in the world. The Native Americans used it often for a variety of purposes, and you can, too.

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Today, we’ll go over what pine sap is, how you can procure it from a tree, and how to use it for survival.

What Is Pine Sap?

Pine sap is simply a secretion from pine trees. Sap will secrete from broken limbs or by cuts in the tree trunk. Basically, pine trees secrete the sap in order to seal damage done to the tree and help it heal.

When sap has been exposed to the air long enough, it will begin to harden and crystallize, but it can be softened by warming over a fire.

The term ‘pine sap’ is often used interchangeably with other terms such as pitch and resin. In reality, these three are not exactly the same thing.

Sap is the liquid form of a pine tree secretion, with a quality very similar to honey or syrup. It’s the initial form of the secretion.

Resin is the crystallized sap and the most hardened form it can take. It’s basically the direct opposite of the seeping liquid form of the sap.

Pitch is usually used to refer to the intermediate form in between the sap and the resin, where it’s more crystalized like the resin but still runny and viscous.

How Do You Collect Pine Sap?

Pine sap is not very difficult to collect. For example, if the sap has already spilled out of the tree and has hardened into resin or pitch, you can simply remove it physically with a knife or similar object. If you need it to be runny like syrup, you can heat it over a fire or a source of heat.

Specifically, look for broken branches on the pine tree or cuts on the tree. This is where the sap will be oozing out, because again, the pine tree is attempting to heal physical injuries.

Another method that you can use is to ‘tap’ the tree. Tapping the tree will do damage to it, and thus it can expose it to disease. Therefore, only tap the tree if you cannot find any other resin, pitch, or sap spilling out already.

In order to tap the tree, use a knife or hatchet or a machete to cut multiple lines in a twelve-inch line downward in the shape of a V. Place a metal container at the bottom of this V-shape. Sap will now begin to ooze out of the tree and will collect in the container. Leave the tree alone for several hours, and then come back to see the sap that you have collected.

What Are The Best Survival Uses For Pine Sap?

There is an abundance of survival uses for pine sap, including each of the following:

1. Bandage A Wound

Pine sap is already used by pine trees as a makeshift bandaid to keep the broken branches or cuts in the tree cut off to insects, pests, and other foreign infections. Therefore, who says you can’t do the same?

If you sustain a cut or a scrape in the wilderness, it will be vitally important to keep it sealed off from the outside in order to prevent infections. You can use sap as a bandage by applying it over over the site of the wound. Just make sure you have thoroughly cleaned the wound site as best you can before applying the sap.

On top of this, pine sap also has antibacterial properties. In other words, it will inhibit the growth of bacteria on the site of an open wound, regardless of whether you add a physical bandage or gauze pad. And because of its very sticky nature, the pine sap will also help slow down if not outright stop the flow of blood.

In this regard, pine sap will act as a bandage, stitching, and anti-bacterial ointment all at the same time. Pretty cool, right?

Besides cuts and scrapes, you can also use pine sap to help treat blisters and burns. Each of these will require the same level of attention.

2. Improve Breathing

Did you know that pine sap is edible? After all, you do eat syrup on your pancakes and waffles for breakfast, right?

In fact, in the colonial days, pine sap was used as medication. Resin would be mixed with water and then ingested to help prevent ulcers, breathing problems, and excessive coughing.

Take note that pine needles are often used to help make tea in the wilderness. Simply add the pine needles into the water so the water takes on their flavor.

One very critical note: Don’t just eat the sap the moment you collect it from a tree. It may not be safe to ingest right away. Instead, boil it first. This will remove any bacteria and impurities, just like how boiling water works.

Furthermore, boiling the sap will make it even more viscous, so it will be easy to ingest as well. Also, if you notice any negative reactions after ingesting the sap, stop immediately. It is wiser to only ingest a very small amount at first, and then work your way up from there.

3. Waterproof Clothes

Pine sap is completely invulnerable to water. As a result, it can be used to make objects far more resistant to water. If you have a backpack or a tarp with a tear in it, you can seal it shut with sap, and it will also keep water out. You can also use this method for shoes and boots.

Just make sure you always heat the resin to make it as runny as you can before applying it. Be careful here because resin is highly flammable, so don’t bring it too close to the fire. The best method would be to heat the resin over coals to bring it back to the runny form of the pitch.

4. Make Glue

This method would be obvious, but sap is incredibly sticky so it’s essentially nature’s form of glue. In fact, you can carry hardened resin crystals with you, and then when you need it as glue, you simply heat it over hot coals like we just discussed.

What are some instances where glue could come in handy? Several. You may need to harden the ends of spears, bolts, or arrows in order to keep them from splintering up. You may need to repair your clothing or backpacks, close a cut, or you may need to repair a shelter, to name a few different things.

5. Fire, Light, and Heat

As we mentioned, pine sap is incredibly flammable. If it’s raining or damp outside, and if you’re cold and wet and need to get a fire going right away, pine sap will work just like cotton balls and vaseline would. Apply pine sap over your kindling, then bring it into contact with a spark to convert it into a flame. Add more kindling and fuel, and you’ll have a fire going very quickly.

In this regards, you can also use pine sap as a torch. Simply take a stick, then wrap the top with a piece of cloth. Apply pine sap to the cloth, and light it up.

Conclusion

Many people may find tree sap to be annoying more than anything. While hiking or hunting, we’ve all had that experience where we rest our backs against a tree, only to later find the entire back of our shirt or jacket completely covered in sticky sap.

That being said, pine sap is far more of a blessing from nature than it is a curse, as this article has hopefully proven to you.

As one final piece of advice, make sure that you search for pine trees that are already damaged before collecting the resin or sap. This is because otherwise, you will have to tap or cut into the tree yourself, and this will only inflict damage that could leave it vulnerable to things such as disease or pests.

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Running Zigzag: Is It Actually Effective In Threat Evasion?

The following post Running Zigzag: Is It Actually Effective In Threat Evasion? is courtesy of http://www.totalsurvival.net/

Running zigzag in self-defense may have been effective in some cases of threat evasion, but is it generally effective? Read on to know more!

RELATED: Active Shooter Training: How To Prepare For An Active Shooter

In this article:

1. Running Zigzag Tested for Effectiveness in Threat Evasion
2. Zigzag Run Test Results
3. Conclusion

Running Zigzag: A Self-Defense and Survival Technique?

Running Zigzag Tested for Effectiveness in Threat Evasion

For my entire life – literally – since I can remember, I’ve heard countless people say when evading a threat you should run in angles and random patterns.

I just assumed this was a natural defense to make it harder for an assailant to catch you. Like a leftover evolutionary instinct to help us escape the jaws of saber tooth tigers.

And there is plenty of evidence in nature to support this theory.

If you watch a rabbit run away from you or try to evade a predator they don’t run in a straight line. They zig-zag back and forth to throw off and wear out their chaser.

This behavior can be observed among many different species of animal on probably every continent.

So it seems plausible that this is an effective way to evade capture or danger right? Well, I recently came across some interesting information from the President of Active Response Training, Greg Ellifritz.

Greg is a full-time firearms and defense training office for an Ohio police department as well and probably knows a thing or two about evading an assailant.

Recently he performed an experiment to see if running serpentine could help you escape being hit by an assailant with a gun or active shooters and the results were surprising.

RELATED: Throat Strike Tutorial – Lesson 1: Simple But Effective Self Defense

Zigzag Run Test Results

For the test, he used experienced shooters and had people run away from them in a straight line, in the crouch position, and in a zigzag pattern.

The test used simunitions, fired from a live round in real Glock 17 pistol.

What Are Simunitions? These are training ammunition used by military forces and law enforcement agencies. They are usually made of wax and it allows trainees to use the weapon they are actually carrying to do their job.

The shooter started with their back turned and the person escaping had to make a 30-yard distance and get behind cover without getting hit. Here are the results.

So what can we conclude from these results?

I think that we can conclude that running in a zigzag pattern isn’t as effective as we thought.

It may help slightly but with the advent of modern weapons, it leaves our evolutionary instincts for survival ineffective.

Here are the key takeaway points that Ellifritz concluded from his study.

1. Speed is key. The faster you can get out of range or behind cover the safer you’ll be. Running in a zigzag pattern can take longer to get away.
2. Running in zigzag should not be the default plan for everyone.
3. Zigzag running may not be recommended for people with weak knees or ankles or people carrying a lot of extra weight – either from extreme obesity or heavy packs and armor.
4. Running in a zigzag pattern tends to make hits less serious.
5. Don’t run in a crouched position either straight or in a zigzag pattern while in the open. Only crouch when you are staying low behind cover.
6. For those that can’t run fast, the zigzag is likely the best option.

Conclusion

Based on the information from his study I believe that a zigzag pattern could be more effective than running in a straight line, but only slightly.

However, if you’re a great sprinter, then running in a straight line could benefit you more.

Unfortunately for me, an ankle accident a few years back killed any aspirations I might have had at being a good sprinter.

This video from Jim Wagner will show you how running zigzag away from an active shooter could be an effective self-defense technique:

While generally ineffective as a self-defense strategy, you can still consider running zigzag as a way to escape a threat. One slightly effective self-defense plan or strategy is better than nothing at all.

So what about you, will you run away in a straight line or a zigzag pattern? Let me know why you choose your preferred method of flight from danger in the comments section below!

Up Next:

• 7 Self-Defense Martial Arts For Personal Safety And Survival
• In The Line Of Fire | How To Protect Yourself From Mass Shootings?
• Physical Preparedness: Run Like Your Life Depends On It; One Day Soon… It Just Might

For more awesome SHTF survival items, you can’t make at home, check out the Survival Life Store!

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on December 27, 2013, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

This Article Was First Found at survivallife.com Read The Original Article Here

Originally Published Here: Running Zigzag: Is It Actually Effective In Threat Evasion?

WOODEN BATHTUB: What an incredible design!

The article WOODEN BATHTUB: What an incredible design! is courtesy of Total Survival

These art pieces are completely stabilized, waterproof and smooth to the touch. NK Woodworking developed a unique, maintenance-free wooden bath that is not affected by extreme humidity, dryness, or common liquid cleaning products and are designed for daily use. These wood bathtubs offer you the luxury of fine art furniture as the centerpiece of your bathroom and a luxurious soak.

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4 Heat-Related Illnesses and How to Avoid Them

The following article 4 Heat-Related Illnesses and How to Avoid Them Find more on: Total Survival

Heat-related illnesses are a legitimate concern during the summer season. Not only do they delay lives but they are also a major cause for hospitalization each year. The Center for Disease Control reports that over 600 people die each year from extreme heat-related conditions. Heat-related illnesses occur when one has an abundance of heat or humidity exposure with little to no hydration or cool air by either hot weather or direct sun exposure. Those most susceptible to heat-related illnesses typically live in hot climates and may be very physically active in the summertime.

Children and teens are more at risk due to the way their bodies process heat. Because they do not sweat the way grown adults do, they are less efficient at cooling themselves down. When the body temperature rises too high and too quickly, risks such as brain damage and damage to other vital organs may occur. Additionally, children do not tend to feel as thirsty as adults do when in need of water. Because children are so active between play and sports activities, it is important that parents and caretakers are aware of heat-related illness symptoms and the precautions that help to avoid them altogether. This does not mark all adults safe from danger. Adults who are overweight, on certain medications or who have been drinking alcohol are also very susceptible to heat illnesses as well.

These emergencies can happen in two different ways. One, exertional heat illness happens when overexerting oneself physically in a hot environment. The second way is non-exertional heat illness happening when one is trapped inside of a hot environment. For instance, this can occur when camping in very hot weather with little shade and no air conditioning or a child who is left inside of a vehicle on a hot day. Check out these four common types of heat-related illnesses and how to avoid them.

1. Heat Rash

A heat rash is not life-threatening but can be very uncomfortable. It occurs when the skin becomes irritated during hot and humid weather. Anyone can endure a heat rash but it is most common in young children. It can appear in red, pimple-like bumps or blisters on the chest, neck, groin and elbow creases. The only way to avoid this type of heat-related illness is to stay in cooler temperatures indoors and keep the skin areas dry. Dusting powder can be helpful for comfort and to keep the skin from moisture.

2. Heat Cramps

These are the mildest form of heat-related illness and can be resolved fairly easily. Symptoms consist of muscle cramps and spasms either during or after strenuous activity and sweating excessively in hot temperatures. This happens due to the imbalance and loss of salt in the body from excessive sweating. The skin may be flushed and moist. If this occurs, it is important to move to a cool place out of direct sunlight and take some time to rest. Discontinue physical activity. You can cool down by removing clothing and placing wet cloths over the body. Have a cool drink that contains salt and sugar which will help balance electrolytes and restore some hydration. Sports drinks are best if available. To help sore muscles, slow and gentle massaging and stretching is best.

3. Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is more intense than heat cramps and marked by some more concerning symptoms. You may feel muscle cramps and also have pale and most skin as well. In addition to this, there is typically a fever above 100.4 forming alongside some nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, paleness, headache, weakness, fatigue, feeling faint and even anxious feelings. Not all symptoms have to be present to have heat exhaustion. It is important to get to a cool place right away. Let your body rest and remove any clothing possible and cover the body in cool, wet cloths. A sports drink is advisable and even a trip to the emergency room if symptoms do not ease up quickly, you may need fluids through an IV catheter to rehydrate. People who work in outdoor environments and hot temperatures are typically vulnerable to this type of heat illness.

4. Heat Stroke

Heatstroke is the most severe and life-threatening form of heat-related illness. The skin will feel warm and dry to the touch with no sweat indicating dehydration. A high fever above 104 degrees is common. Other symptoms consist of a rapid heart rate, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue, lethargy, throbbing headache, confusion, stupor, agitation, seizures, coma, and even possible death. If any of these symptoms occur, move to a cool place and rest. Call or have someone call 911. This is a medical emergency and needs to be addressed by medical professionals quickly. While waiting for medical attention, remove clothing and pour cool water over the body and fan the skin. If ice is available, place ice bags under armpits and groin area to bring down the temperature. If able to drink, consume fluids. Heatstroke can cause brain damage, liver and kidney damage, permanent disabilities and even death.

Bonus Tips:

Heat-related illnesses can go from mild to severe in a short period. To help avoid overheating during the summer months, here are some tips.

• Drink plenty of fluids when outdoors and more so on extremely hot days
• Drink water and sports drinks with electrolytes, avoiding alcohol and caffeine to stay as hydrated as possible.
• Avoid physical endurance on hot days when possible or take breaks often to cool down and hydrate in a shady area
• Wear cool, breathable and light-colored clothing
• For every 15 minutes of physical activity, one cup of water should be consumed.
• Allow yourself time to warm up before and cool down after physical activities
• Wear loosely fitted clothing avoiding materials that hold heat
• Avoid being outdoors for long during high heat and humid days
• If you do not have air conditioning, use a public location that does
• Call your local health department to find heat-relief shelters
• Take a cool bath or shower
• When indoors, avoid using the stove
• Exercise and take walks early in the morning and later in the evening when the temperature is cooler
• Wear sunscreen to avoid sunburns which make it hard for the body to cool down
• Do NOT leave children, pets or elderly in cars on a hot day, even with the window cracked
• Avoid hot and heavy foods and beverages

Parents and caretakers should take high caution with babies, young children and teens to ensure that they are drinking enough fluids and taking adequate time to rest outside of the heat. Those who take medications for blood pressure, insomnia, depression, circulation related needs or diabetes are even more prone to heat-related illnesses. These risks are avoidable and with a little caution can be avoided completely.

When spending extra time outdoors this summer, keep these precautions and warning signs in mind. During long days outdoors, it is best to have a buddy system for people to check in with one another to make sure they are remembering to hydrate and take some downtime. Pre-pack extra water and sports drinks in a cooler on extra hot days. Use the ice packs from the cooler to cool off from time to time. When on vacation or camping, set a “cool-down” time each day that requires everyone to meet in a spot, relax, hydrate and cool off for 30-60 minutes at a time. It may kill some outdoor time but it will keep everyone safe and able to enjoy the rest of the day together. Remember, hydrate often, cool down and take it easy!

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