10 Survival Hacks That Could Save Your Life • Fishishere™ 2023

Introduction

Imagine being stranded in the wilderness with no rescue in sight. Do you know how to live? From finding water to starting a fire, there are essential skills that can make the difference between life and death. In this article, we will explore 10 survival hacks that can save your life in a difficult situation. So, let’s dive in!

Hack 1: Starting a Fire with a Battery

Materials Needed

• One battery (AA, AAA, or 9V)
• Steel wool or aluminum foil
• Tinder (dried leaves, twigs, or paper)

Fire Starting Steps

1. Stretch the steel wool or aluminum foil so that it is thin and has a larger surface area.
2. Press the positive and negative battery terminals with steel wool or foil.
3. As it heats up, transfer the hot material to your tinder and gently blow on it to start a fire.

Hack 2: Making a Solar Still

How Solar Stills Work

A solar still is a simple way to collect and purify water using the sun’s energy. As the sun evaporates water from the ground, it condenses on the inner surface of the still and drips into a container.

Building Your Own Solar Still

1. Dig a hole in the ground about 2 feet deep and wide.
2. Place a container in the center of the hole.
3. Cover the hole with a clear plastic sheet and secure it with rocks or dirt around the edges.
4. Place a pebble in the center of the plastic sheet to create a slope for the water to drain into the container.
5. Leave the still in direct sunlight for a few hours and collect the cleaned water.

Hack 3: Using a Watch as a Compass

Analog Watches

1. Hold your watch horizontally, with the clock hand pointing toward the sun.
2. Find the midpoint between the hour hand and 12 on the watch face.
3. This center point represents the north-south line, with the direction away from the sun being north.

Digital Watches

1. Picture an analog time hand on your digital watch, pointing to the sun.
2. Follow the same steps as above to find the north-south line.

Hack 4: Making a Fishing Hook

Materials and Tools

• A small piece of wood, bone, or hard plastic
• A knife or tool with a sharp blade

Creating Your Hook

1. Carve the material into a V-shape, with one pointed end and a slightly wider opposite end.
2. Cut a small notch near the pointed end to secure your fishing rod.
3. Tie your line to the wider end and you’re ready to fish!

Hack 5: Signaling for Help

The Mirror Method

1. Hold a mirror or any reflective surface toward the sun.
2. The reflection is angled so that it flashes across the sky in a repeating pattern.
3. This will get the attention of anyone nearby, alerting them to your presence.

The Way of Fire

1. Create a steaming fire by burning green twigs or leaves.
2. Smoke can be seen from a distance, increasing your chances of being noticed.

Hack 6: Building a Shelter

The Lean-to Shelter

1. Find a sturdy branch or pole, and prop it up at a 45-degree angle against a tree or rock.
2. Place smaller branches along the support at an angle, creating a wall.
3. Cover the branches with leaves, grass, or other debris for insulation.

The A-Frame Shelter

1. Create a tripod structure using three sturdy branches or poles.
2. Place additional branches horizontally along the structure to create walls.
3. Cover the walls with debris for insulation and protection from the elements.

Hack 7: Making a Water Filter

Materials Needed

• A plastic bottle or container
• Sand, gravel, and activated charcoal
• A cloth or coffee filter

Making a Water Filter

1. Cut the bottom of the plastic bottle or container.
2. Place a layer of cloth or a coffee filter around the neck of the container.
3. Add a layer of activated charcoal, followed by sand and gravel.
4. Pour the water through the filter and collect the purified water in another container.

Hack 8: Navigating by Stars

Northern Hemisphere

1. Find the North Star (Polaris) by looking in the Big Dipper constellation.
2. Follow the two stars at the end of the Big Dipper’s “bowl” in a straight line, and Polaris will be the bright star in that direction.
3. The North Star is always aligned with true north.

Southern Hemisphere

1. Look for the Southern Cross constellation.
2. Extend an imaginary line along the long axis of the Southern Cross.
3. The point where this line intersects the horizon is due south.

Hack 9: Creating a Rain Catcher

Materials Required

• A large tarp, plastic sheet, or garbage bag
• Rope or rope
• A container to collect water

Setting up a Rain Catcher

1. Tie the corners of the tarp or plastic sheet to nearby trees or poles, creating a slope.
2. Place the container at the lowest point of the slope.
3. Rainwater will collect on the tarp and flow into the container for easy access.

Hack 10: Identifying Edible Plants

Universal Edibility Test

Before consuming any plant in the wild, use the Universal Edibility Test to reduce the risk of ingesting toxic substances:

1. Separate the plant into its individual parts (leaves, stems, roots, and flowers).
2. Smell each part for any strong or unpleasant odors.
3. Place a small piece of the plant on your inner elbow or wrist and wait 15 minutes. If irritation or reaction occurs, do not eat the plant.
4. Chew a little herb and hold it in your mouth for 15 minutes. If it tastes bitter, sour, or causes a burning sensation, spit it out and do not eat the plant.
5. If no adverse reaction occurs, swallow the plant and wait a few hours. If you feel well, the plant is probably safe to eat.

Common Edible Plants

• Dandelions
• Cattails
• Wild berries (be careful and only eat them if you are sure of their identity)
• Wild garlic and onion

Always do your research and learn to identify plants in your local area before venturing into the wild.

Conclusion

Survival in the wild requires knowledge, resourcefulness, and adaptability. These 10 survival hacks can make all the difference when you’re faced with a life-or-death situation. Remember, preparation and practice are key to making sure you can rely on these skills when you need them.

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FAQs

Q1: Can I start a fire with a smartphone battery?

A: While it is possible to start a fire with a smartphone battery, it can be dangerous, as puncturing or short-circuiting the battery can cause it to explode or leak toxic chemicals. Stick to using AA, AAA, or 9V batteries for a safer option.

Q2: How long does it take for the solar still to produce water?

A: Solar usually takes a few hours to produce some water, depending on sunlight and humidity conditions. It is important to set it up early in the day to maximize water production.

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Q3: Can I use a digital watch as a compass if it doesn’t show an analog clock face?

A: Yes, you can use a digital watch as a compass even without an analog display. Just visualize an analog hand pointing to the sun and follow the same steps as you would with an analog watch.

Q4: What can I use instead of activated charcoal in a homemade water filter?

A: If you don’t have activated charcoal, you can use crushed charcoal from a campfire as an alternative. It may not be as effective, but it can still help remove some impurities from the water.

Q5: Are all plants that pass the Universal Edibility Test safe to eat?

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A: While the Universal Edibility Test is a useful tool, it is not foolproof. Some plants can still cause gastrointestinal upset or have long-term toxic effects. Always do your research and learn to identify plants in your local area before eating them.

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