Hot Disaster Preparation Posts
How To: Tie a bowline knot
The bowline knot is called the king of knots, and is perhaps one of the most important knots you could learn how to tie. It's used for making a loop at the end of a line. It's very strong, and doesn't diminish the strength of the line much, but is still easy to untie. Watch this video survival training tutorial and learn how to tie a bowline knot.
How To: Fall down safely to minimize possible injury
Sometimes, there's no way to avoid a fall. If you are aware of the inevitability of a fall, you can at least prepare properly to fall. Watch this video safety tutorial and learn how to fall down the correct way forwards or backwards, all the details on how to do it safely to reduce the risk or lessen the severity of injury.
How To: Tie a hangman's noose looped knot out of rope
Learn how to tie the hangman's noose, it has more purposes than you may think, it is great to bundle items together, especially when you need to loosen and re-tighten the rope without having to re-tie the whole thing. Be responsible with any kind of noose. This video is for information only, and is not responsible for any kind of misuse. Watch this video survival training tutorial and learn how to tie a hangman's noose.
How To: Use a watch as a compass to navigate when lost
Are you lost? This how to video teaches you a simple way to turn your watch into a compass. An analog watch is even more effective than a compass because it is not influenced by the earth's magnetic fields. You'll never be lost again as long as you have an analog watch with you.
How To: Use lint and wax to make fuel for a fire
No need to spend money on fire starter logs and such items, with free lint from your dryer and some wax from a candle you can create a great item to start fires while camping, hiking and so on. Dryer lint and wax are both small and lightweight so they're easy to pack and carry around. Watch this video training tutorial and learn how to make flame fuel from dryer lint and wax.
How To: Use fire paste to spark a fire quickly
Fire paste is a handy tool to help start a fire out in the wild. This is a great supply to pack along on any camping or hiking trip. Never hassle with flint again. Watch this video outdoor safety tutorial and learn how to use fire paste to start a fire quickly.
How To: Use a mirror or compass for signaling
When lost out in the wild, or even just trying to get someone's attention, you're going to need to signal for help. A mirror, compass, or any reflective surface will do the trick. Watch this video training tutorial and learn how to use a mirror or compass for signaling.
How To: Make a milirary bugle cord
Bugle cords are used as elaborate leashes on bugles and trumpets, and make for snazzy ornamentation on military band uniforms. Tying It All Together shows you how to make one. The technique for making one is relatively simple. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to make a military bugle cord.
How To: Survive being shot, stabbed, or wounded
Whether you, or someone you're with has been shot,stabbed, or are facing a life-threatening wound, HOW TO SURVIVE instructs you to lay down and be still, keep breathing, and control bleeding to stay alive. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to survive after being shot, stabbed or wounded.
How To: Survive a biological or chemical attack
In the case of a biological or chemical attack, quick thinking can keep you safe. HOW TO SURVIVE advises moving cross wind out of the area, decontaminating, and minimizing contact with others in order in order to survive. Watch this video anti-terrorism tutorial and learn how to survive a biological or chemical attack.
How To: Survive kidnapping
Domestic and foreign kidnapping is on the rise, and when in captivity, there are a few things that will keep you alive. Nearly 8,000 citizens are kidnapped each year, so while it may not feel like a likely possibility, protect yourself. Watch this video survival training tutorial and learn how to survive a kidnapping.
How To: Survive against large predators in the wild
Big predators pose a big threat unless you know what to do under attack. HOW TO SURVIVE advises making lots of noise, freezing when confronted, and playing defense in order to survive. Watch this video outdoor safety tutorial and learn how to survive an attack from a large predator, like bears or cougars.
How To: Survive a volcano eruption
When the mountaintop blows there's little time to waste, so HOW TO SURVIVE instructs you how to dodge falling debris, listen for a Lahar roar, steer clear of ash, and find shelter in order to survive. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to survive a volcano explosion.
How To: Survive a fire
Whether a house fire or a forest fire, when a blaze catches you off guard, you have precious little time to react. HOW TO SURVIVE outlines the best ways to get out safely! Watch this video tutorial and learn how to survive a fire, whether in the home or in the wilderness.
How To: Survive a hiking trip in the woods
Out for a leisurely hike in the woods? Well, don't leave home without a few simple supplies or you could be facing a survival situation out-of-doors. Make sure to take supplies along with you, like a compass, but make sure you know how to use it. Watch this video outdoor safety video and learn how to survive a hiking trip in the woods.
How To: Survive driving into water
If your car goes careening into the water there are but a few ways to make it out alive and survive. Submerged vehicle crashes have a higher mortality rate than head on collisions. Don't die of drowning while trapped in a sinking vehicle. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to survive driving into water.
How To: Make hurricane shutters for a home
Protecting a home from any hurricane damage can be difficult to do but you can minimize it by applying shutters to windows. Watch this how-to video and get tips for installing hurricane shutters to the exterior of your home. This project is very simple to do and it could prevent hurricane damage from happening to your home.
How To: Prepare for severe storms with an emergency kit
Preparing for a severe storm can be the key to your survival. Get ready for hurricanes and other disasters with a home emergency kit. Watch this how to video to learn what you should put in an emergency kit in case of a severe storm.
How To: Build a survival lean-to shelter
Building a lean-to shelter can be the difference between survival and not coming home. Learn to build an emergency shelter with this free wilderness survival video series.
How To: Survive a Zombie attack
Learn how to detect zombies, avoid them, and use weapons like guns, bows, and swords to kill them in this free parody video about defending yourself against zombie attacks.
How To: Navigate wilderness areas
Wilderness survival experts use various methods to navigate wilderness areas. Learn how to use a compass, maps, moss, running water, and the Sun to navigate in the wilderness in this free video series on wilderness survival.
How To: Use plants & animals to survive in nature
Knowing how to prepare for a camping trip can be the difference between an enjoyable and safe experience and an experience that no one wants to repeat. Learn how to use plants and animals to survive in nature in this free outdoors video series.
How To: Use a SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus)
A self-contained breathing apparatus allows firefighters to breathe in hostile environments. Identify the different features of a SCBA from a fire captain in this free firefighting video series about SCBA harnesses, gages, regulators, masks and more.
How To: Tie basic firefighting knots
Firefighters use ropes to secure unstable objects, rescue victims and carry tools. Learn how to tie bowline, Bachmann, figure eight and other basic knots in this free firefighting video series from a fire captain.
How To: Use firefighting tools that firefighters use
See the firefighting tools that firefighters use and find out how firefighters use their gear in this free video featuring a professional firefighter.
How To: Start a survival garden in preparation for emergencies
This series of survival training videos discusses and shows methods of gardening "when it counts." Some of the pitfalls and perils to the common survival/preparedness thinking of "when my storage food runs out I'll just grow a garden." Intermixed throughout are also invaluable tips on gardening and food production for the homestead, survival retreat or backyard in suburbia. The first step in planning to truly grow food is to recognize the factors working against you, so you can plan according...
How To: Read a map while out in the wilderness
This video outdoor safety tutorials gives tips on how to read a topographical map and how to use a compass, Global Positioning System (GPS) and topographical map so they all work together. Directional equipment can be misleading and end in getting lost if not used properly. Watch this instructional video and learn how to read a map while out in the wilderness and use a compass and GPS in properly in conjunction with the map.
How To: Wash clothes without power or a washing machine
This short video tutorial series on washing clothes without power. In an extended emergency, it might be difficult to wash clothes without electricity or out in nature. All you'll need is a little bit of soap, water, and some buckets. Watch this survival training video and learn how to wash clothes in an emergency or disaster situation.
How To: Store food to prepare for a disaster
This short three-part video tutorial series shows how to store food in buckets for long term storage. From peak oil to survival and basic disaster preparation, this is the way to do it. Watch these survival training videos and learn how to store up and save a food reserve for an emergency or disaster situation.
How To: Make an emergency magnifier
Forgot your glasses? Can't read the print? You can use a technology that has been studied for over a millennium! By making pinholes in a piece of tape, make an emergency magnifier. Watch this video survival training and learn how to make a simple magnifying glass.
How To: Stop a flashover as a firefighter
If you're a firefighter, you probably know what a flashover is. If not, it's what it sounds like -- a fast spreading of fire, very rapidly, across a gap because of extreme heat.
How To: Rescue a downed firefighter out of a window
If you are a firefighter in Alameda, California, chances are you already saw this video tutorial. If not, you're in luck. This will show you how to rescue a downed firefighter out of a window. This is a step-by-step training video for removal of a downed fireman out of a window of a building or house. It's just like Backdraft, folks.
How To: Make a ghillie suit
Watch this video tutorial to see how to make a ghillie suit, cheap and easy. But wait, what's a ghillie suit? A ghillie suit, or yowie suit, is a type of camouflage clothing designed to resemble heavy foliage. It's 3D camouflage, primarily used by military snipers and hunters, or to hide from terrorists. These camo ghillie suits include burlap and natural vegetation. Pull tall grass out, break down trees, hide yourself. Grab the burlap for less time consuming ghillie suit construction.
How To: Make a tactical ninja matchbook igniter
This video tutorial will have you making your very own ninja tactical matchbook igniter. With this video, you will be able to make this cool, helpful matchbook ignitor for whatever you can dream of. Use a book of matches to make a couple of variable ignitors for fireworks, tripwires, smoke grenades, or whatever! If you need to survive in the wilderness, this is how you do it. Just matches and a few other things, that's it.
How To: Make your own fire piston
Watch this how-to video and make a lighter that never runs out of fuel and that's so simple, it can't break. It works just like a Diesel engine - as air is rapidly compressed it heats to over 800 degrees. You can make one for just a couple dollars. This video tutorial will show you how to be prepared in the wilderness, or the apocalypse. Just make your own fire piston.
How To: Walk safely around forklifts and at construction sites
This video tutorial, in dramatic style, puts you into the driver's seat and shows you how difficult it is for the lift truck operators to see pedestrians. The video then outlines simple ways pedestrians can help lift truck drivers see them - and avoid a serious or fatal accident. Learn how to walk safely around a construction site, especially around fork lifts, by watching this instructional video.
How To: Use a ladder safely at work
Ladder Safety is a video tutorial designed to highlight the important safety procedures associated with ladder use on construction sites. The video uses classic B&W comedic film footage and computer graphic simulations to illustrate safe ladder techniques. Learn how to use a ladder safely while on the job or at home by watching this instructional video.
How To: Tell directions without a compass
No compass or map? No problem. Figure your way out of the wilderness just by looking around you. You will need a stick, two rocks, and the ability to find constellations. Learn how to tell directions when lost without a map or compass by watching this video nature safety tutorial.
How To: Purify water
Thoreau said, “Water is the only drink for a wise man.” Here’s how to purify yours when you’re out in the wild. To purify water, you will need a camp stove or campfire, water purifier, water purification tablets, and a container to collect the clean water. Learn how to make safe drinking water while camping or out in nature by watching this video nature safety tutorial.
How To: Recognize and avoid poison ivy
Life is not always a walk in the woods, but when it is, make sure you don’t step in the poison ivy. Leaves of three, don't touch me or Leaves of three, let it be is a pretty good rule of thumb as poison ivy comes in many colors and varieties. This video nature safety tutorial shows how to look out for and prevent the uncomfortable burning that results from any contact with poison ivy.