I decided awhile back that to preserve the most important how-tos that I may need to reference, I will create double-sided tutorials, print a few of each and laminate them. I keep each set in binders – one in each car, one in my bug-out bag, one in the safe and one in my outdoor cache. I recommend you do the same. I’ve already referenced a couple of them.
First Aid and CPR How-To
You already know how to perform CPR and offer fist aid in an emergency, but even the best of us can get confused in a stressful situation or even be susceptible to a shock so do everyone a favor and carry a short visual tutorial with you with key information highlighted.
Fire Starting How-To
There are so many ways to start a fire with different things you may have on hand! As different circumstances and environmental conditions present themselves, you will need to reference different methods. You may not be the only one to need that tutorial – think about your family members. What if you are not around? Will they know to use steel wool? Star fire with ice? You get the picture.
Deer Skinning How-To
Depending on where you live and what options you have, deer may become a major food source for you. If you don’t hunt, but plan on it, you better have deer hunting tips laminated, too.
Canning How-To
If the end of the world as we know it happens in our lifetimes, preserving food from our gardens will become a survival necessity. While I am fairly confident in my canning skills, I know that getting a big head kills people, so I prefer to have a guide on hand, detailing the proportions, processing times and other important stuff.
Natural Remedies How-To
Medical care may not be at your disposal in a survival situation, so I recommend printing off an instructional that shows how to remedy various ailments at home (or in the field). There are lots of natural medicines for dental issues, skin conditions, cold and flu, etc.
Recognizing Edible Plants
Hopefully you have a garden and have food stored up – it is a much more efficient option than gathering food, but just in case, it is a good idea to research what edible plants are native to your area and learn to recognize them. I urge you to print this how-to in full color (this one will take more than one sheet of paper, too). In any case, keep in mind that eating wild plants and especially mushrooms is a dangerous undertaking, so you better be 100% sure that you know what you are doing.
Water Filtration and Purification Methods
Suppose you run out of water purification tablets. What filtration and purification options do you have? I’m sure you know to boil your water, but what if you don’t have a suitable dish for boiling? There are actually a few techniques that you can employ. Creating a how-to will help you remember the details.
I’m sure that you will find other how-to topics as you continue to grow as a prepper. At this point, I urge you to buy a laminator.
To your survival,
Joseph Wilkinson
