How do you define "Survival"

Vegemite


When you think about survival, what scenario do you envision?

For me 'Survival' is the general strategy of getting alive out of a exceptional situation using basic options - preferably without depending on other person(s) or any administration.
      

The sharpness of their toys separate men from boys!

We've already said that the simple life isn't so enviable but the "survival" movies have the appeal of a clean simple purpose that can be achieved or not based you yourself.  Fighting the zombies might suck but it's a known objective and method.  Red Dawn might not have been realistic but it showed people with simple straightforward methods and objectives.  No tax man to tell them they were fighting against the invading force wrong.

Exactly.  And there is an element of possibility in it.  Just as in the old days there really was a likelyhood of shipwreck.   Today that is highly unlikely, but many feel there is a real possibility that SOMETHING in the complicated engine that is our modern society,  might break down.  Forcing us to return to the basics of food clothing shelter and self protection.   And sometimes when modern life gets overwhelming--that return to basics doesn't look so bad.  Especialy when we can forget details like a toothache with no dentist.
Taking out  your own tooth with an ice skate might take the fun right out of life.

"One loves to possess arms, though they hope never to have occasion for them."  Thomas Jefferson to George Washington. 1796

This is not to make light of the situation in Haiti.  Thousands have died, and more injured will die from lack of water and treatment.  I hope their suffering will end as quickly as possible.

From an AP article:

Broken infrastructure is hindering delivery of aid.
"People are almost fighting for water."
People are getting angry with U.N. vehicles trying to maintain calm instead of delivering aid.
Shops are being looted for provisions, but the supply will run out soon.
There is no police presence.

It seems like you need to be prepared for the first week, and hope aid comes.  If aid doesn't come, I guess that's when things really get ugly.

         Simple things are best.

         Current CS gear:
         True Flight Thrower, 18" Barong Machete, Special Forces Shovel

Very likely scenario for Californians.
I've got supplies for 1-2 months. Enough guns, ammo, knives for defense, but eventually if no help comes, I will have to travel, in uncertain roads.
Cities aren't the most ideal places for longterm survival.
I have 4x4 ground transportation, but don't have a safe haven to go to and won't know what the road condition will be like to get out of dodge.

That brings up something.  If you plan on bugging out eventually---or just think you might want that option--a couple jerry cans of gas on hand.   Of course they need to be rotated or stabilized else they will gel on you and really mess you up.  Corner gas station is closed and there you sit with a fine SUV and 1/8th tank of gas.

Where to go in that situation might just consist of looking for a place when the time comes   Since everything would be totally different.  And suppose you do have your Mtn cabin all stocked up and ready to move in---then you get there and find a group of squatters have occupied it whose only survival gear consisted of ARs and a ton of ammo.   And now all the stuff you thoughtfully provided for them.  Now you are in the same position as Wraith Blade---all packed up and no where to go.
You can call up incredible satellite maps of your area---Or any area--and put them in the 4WD and might just end up looking them over and looking for a good camp site.

"One loves to possess arms, though they hope never to have occasion for them."  Thomas Jefferson to George Washington. 1796

I always have gas on hand for the lawn mower and motorcycle.  It's amazing how far a bike can go on a few gallons of gas.  Likewise it's a beat up piece of junk from the 80's.  Built solid and goes anywhere with no maintenance.  In the years I've had it I've left it out in the snow, rain etc. and only now am having to do anything by way of maintenance (radiator leak).
     The best laid plans fail.  Your cabin may be taken over, your escape route blocked, etc.  Be prepared but also be flexible.

     As for Haiti, ouch.  Prayers, support, donations, and blood.  All things we can do to really make a difference there.  Even if we can't up and leave our jobs we can help.

fox


We've already said that the simple life isn't so enviable but the "survival" movies have the appeal of a clean simple purpose that can be achieved or not based you yourself.  Fighting the zombies might suck but it's a known objective and method.  Red Dawn might not have been realistic but it showed people with simple straightforward methods and objectives.  No tax man to tell them they were fighting against the invading force wrong.

Fox has nicely illuminated a major issue of survival - identify your objective and adapt your methodology. At this time, we have a front row seat to an objective of urban survival in Haiti. Keep in mind that due to the grinding poverty of the region, many have already honed their skills at urban survival and the successful survivors will have adapted themselves to a new, even more harsh reality.

Survival takes many forms and in my experience, urban survival can be one of the most difficult situations of all.

Thanks Al.
     I think one of the things that keeps these discussions going and us constantly renovating our kits is that we are trying to prepare for anything that we could realistically find ourselves in.  That's a lot of ground to cover.

If I can survive in a zombie apocalypse as long as this thread has, I'll be better off then most.

In regards to Haiti, imagine what it'd be like if the survivors had no hope of aid coming?  The machete gangs and looting/rioting would be turned up to the 'nth' degree.  These are people that are already used to living in a mostly failed state.  If that level of devastation were to happen in most parts of North America, conditions would likely be as bad.

"There is nothing in the universe cold steel won`t cut."

    -Conan of Cimmeria in "Beyond the Black River" by R.E. Howard

YouTube's Nutnfancy (yep, the guy that is disliked by Pocket Bushmen ) has made 3 movies about preparing for urban disasters. IMHO this clips are worth watching.

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVkntkChnnM
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOC901gcLng
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeNVsc3vvi4
 

The sharpness of their toys separate men from boys!

Knifezilla, thanks for the links.  Nutnfancy tends to be longwinded (he has some valid points, tho), so I'll wait till I have the time and patience to sit through them.

         Simple things are best.

         Current CS gear:
         True Flight Thrower, 18" Barong Machete, Special Forces Shovel

Knifezilla the first vid is 44 minutes long and thoughI am interested, he is just not very good at converying information in a timely manner. Glad you enjoyed it,I turned it off after 4 minutes, as he still had not gotten to anything of intrest to me.

To many hobbies, not enough time.