Using What's Around You

I think it's a great idea to take stock of everything around you and make an actual list of what is available and useful. I am talking about things in your house and outside of your house. What native plants are edible near you? What items are nearby that could be gathered and used for fuel? Are there any natural secluded "safe places" you could go to hide out for a while? I think it is best to gather this info before real crisis hits. I like knowing there is a plan because it sets my mind at ease a bit.

 

I have to agree. Keeping yourself updated about the availability of resources is a smart move. It's also a must for overall preparedness. I personally keep a notebook of my inventory and have rudimentary doodles of my surroundings with important places scribbled down. You can even seen where you are lacking in certain amenities, like for me, because I live in the city, edible plants outside are very hard to come by. There's vending machines, but in the event of a disaster, I'm pretty sure those will sell out quickly or become prime mugging locations. There's "green" zones, but those will attract people. Knowing these things, as you said, is key to survival.

 

I think using what's around you can be a very useful skill, no matter what the environment. Situational awareness has to be one of the most valuable assets a person can have in a survival situation. For example, if you end up in a dangerous situation with an animal or another human, knowing the best escape route, and anything that can be thrown/used as a weapon can be insanely valuable. You should always know your way out though.

 

That's time and effort well spent!
but isn't your motto "Stock it or do without it" so you should not need that map!

 

What you mean is "situational awareness" taught to me in the military, albeit must be developed. Also always have an exit strategy which is inherent with situational awareness.

 

LOL, When I fly I can tell you exactly how many rows of seats are between me and ALL of the various exits. In the event of an emergency I will go "overland" to the exit even if it is dark or in a smoke filled cabin. I always know where the exits are and generally sit near one in a restaurant or bar with my back to the wall.

Knowing ahead of time where and HOW to make a fast exit can make the difference between getting hurt and getting away. I try to ACT and not just react. That means I have to know ahead of time where and how to go before I need to go.

 

HERE'S A GREAT IDEA....PLANT AN EATABLE PLANT, FLOWER, EVEN A GREEN VEGETABLE OR ROOT CROP, OR MEDICINAL PLANT EVERYWHERE YOU CAN...MARK WHERE THEY ARE, AND WHENEVER YOU GO BY THEM, CHECK THEM OUT. THIS WAY, IF YOU HAVE TO LEAVE IN A HURRY, GET STUCK OUT, OR ANY REASON AT ALL, YOU WILL HAVE SOMETHING NO ONE ELSE HAS OR KNOWS ABOUT.