The Importance of Survival Skills: Eight Skills to Develop


Survival is not just about prepping or the amusing antics of a television survivalist. Every day, real people find themselves in situations where comfort, if not survival, hinges on their ability to be prepared with the skills and knowledge to get through natural disasters, accidents or other emergencies. Learning these useful survival skills now can save you later.


  1. First Aid

    Accidents happen every day, everywhere. Having a solid foundation in first aid can help you help others before professional help can be found. Books, classes and supplies can give you the knowledge to do good when it is needed.

  2. Starting a Fire

    Starting a FireFires are not just for warmth, although warmth is a necessity in winter conditions. Fires can help keep predators away, cook meals, boil water and provide comfort in a stressful situation. In normal life situations this can seem like a less important skill to have mastered, but in a wilderness situations this is a crucial skill that is needed to stay alive.

  3. Building Shelter

    Knowing how to build shelter from whatever materials may be at hand can help you keep dry and warm in wet, cold conditions. Tree branches, grasses and man made materials can be used to build a cozy shelter to keep you out of the elements.

  4. Hunting/Trapping/Fishing

    Being able to procure food is essential to survival if you are unable to reach standard supplies. Learn to set snares, build traps, fish with various lines and methods and hunt to ensure you can stay nourished in a survival situation.

  5. Gardening/Foraging

    In addition to hunting, foraging is a critical survival skill. Invest in a book about edible plants local to your region or find a mentor to show you what plants are safe. In a long term survival scenario, knowing how to garden will be one of the most useful skills you can obtain.

  6. Physical Fitness

    Whether you are surviving in the wilderness or in your back yard, there is no question that surviving can be incredibly taxing on the body. By getting fit now, you will be better able to work and less likely to suffer from illness and injury by having an unprepared body in an emergency.

  7. Resourcefulness

    Making do is an underrated skill. Practice making things with scraps and supplies you have on hand. Practicing allows you to develop an eye for the usefulness of different items, allowing you to use your ingenuity to survive with supplies others might overlook as useless.

  8. Defense

    Defending your home, family and yourself is important in any survival situation. Sign up for a martial arts class, a home defense class or to take shooting lessons at a gun range. Houston natives take advantage of local classes and instructors from institutes such as Memorial Shooting Center. In a widespread emergency, chances are good that someone else will want or need what you have.


Survival is about more than being prepared with physical objects. Having the skills and a preparedness mentality will allow you utilize whatever resources are at hand, giving you an edge in nearly any emergency situation.




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