In the world of survival, misinformation can be dangerous. With so many myths circulating online and through popular media, it's easy to fall for advice that may seem logical but could lead to dire consequences in a real emergency. In this blog post, we'll debunk some of the most common survival myths and provide you with the facts you need to stay safe when it matters most.
Myth 1: You Should Prioritize Food Over Water
The Myth:
In many survival scenarios, people often assume that securing food is the most important task. After all, you can go weeks without food, so stocking up on food supplies should be your first priority, right?
The Reality:
While food is essential, water is far more critical to your immediate survival. The human body can survive up to three weeks without food, but only about three days without water. Dehydration can set in quickly, especially in hot or dry environments, leading to fatigue, confusion, and eventually death. In a survival situation, your first priority should be finding a safe and reliable source of water.
What Works:
Always carry water purification tools in your emergency kit, such as portable filters, purification tablets, or a personal water filter like a LifeStraw. If you're in the wilderness, look for natural water sources like streams or rivers, but always purify the water before drinking it. If you're in an urban environment, identify potential water sources like water heaters or pipes, and purify as needed.
Myth 2: You Can Drink Seawater in Small Amounts to Stay Hydrated
The Myth:
Some believe that drinking small amounts of seawater can help stave off dehydration in an emergency, especially if you’re stranded at sea or near the coast.
The Reality:
Seawater contains a high concentration of salt, which actually dehydrates your body more quickly. Consuming seawater forces your kidneys to work overtime to process the excess salt, using more water than you're taking in. This accelerates dehydration and can lead to kidney failure or death.
What Works:
Instead of drinking seawater, collect rainwater using a tarp, plastic sheet, or any other material you can find. If you're stranded at sea, consider using a solar still or desalination device designed for survival situations. These tools can remove salt from seawater, making it safe to drink.
Myth 3: Rubbing Two Sticks Together is an Easy Way to Start a Fire
The Myth:
We’ve all seen movies where the protagonist heroically starts a fire by rubbing two sticks together. This method, known as friction fire starting, is often portrayed as a quick and easy way to get a fire going in the wild.
The Reality:
While it is possible to start a fire using friction, it is extremely difficult and requires the right materials, perfect conditions, and a lot of skill. For the average person, this method is more likely to end in frustration and wasted energy than in a successful fire.
What Works:
Always carry reliable fire-starting tools, such as waterproof matches, a lighter, or a ferrocerium rod. These tools are lightweight, easy to use, and significantly increase your chances of successfully starting a fire, even in challenging conditions. In addition, carrying some dry tinder or a fire-starting gel can help you ignite a fire quickly, even if the surrounding environment is damp.
Myth 4: Moss Always Grows on the North Side of Trees
The Myth:
It's a common belief that moss always grows on the north side of trees, making it a reliable natural compass for navigation in the wilderness.
The Reality:
While moss often prefers shaded areas, it doesn't exclusively grow on the north side of trees. Moss growth is influenced by various factors, including moisture, shade, and wind direction. In dense forests or areas with little direct sunlight, moss can grow on all sides of a tree, making it an unreliable navigation tool.
What Works:
Instead of relying on moss, learn to use more reliable navigation methods, such as a compass and map. If you don't have a compass, the sun can be a useful tool for determining direction during the day. In the northern hemisphere, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, with the sun generally located in the southern part of the sky around noon. At night, you can use the North Star (Polaris) to find true north if you're in the northern hemisphere.
Myth 5: You Can Suck Venom Out of a Snakebite
The Myth:
This myth, perpetuated by countless movies and TV shows, suggests that if someone is bitten by a venomous snake, you can save them by sucking the venom out of the wound.
The Reality:
Sucking venom from a snakebite is not only ineffective but can also be dangerous. The venom spreads through the victim's bloodstream almost immediately, so attempting to suck it out won't remove enough venom to make a difference. Additionally, you risk introducing bacteria from your mouth into the wound, leading to infection.
What Works:
If someone is bitten by a snake, keep them calm and immobilize the affected limb to slow the spread of venom. Do not apply a tourniquet, as this can cause more harm. Instead, seek medical attention immediately. If you're in an area where snakebites are common, it's wise to carry a snakebite kit, which can help provide initial treatment while waiting for medical help.
Myth 6: Shelter is Less Important in Warm Climates
The Myth:
In warm climates, people often assume that shelter is less critical because they won’t face the dangers of cold exposure.
The Reality:
Even in warm climates, shelter is crucial for survival. Exposure to the elements, such as sun, wind, and rain, can lead to dehydration, heatstroke, or hypothermia if temperatures drop at night. A proper shelter can protect you from insects, animals, and other environmental hazards that could threaten your safety.
What Works:
Always prioritize building or finding shelter in any survival situation, regardless of the climate. In hot environments, seek out shade and create a shelter that allows for airflow to prevent overheating. In colder areas, focus on insulation and protection from the wind.
Myth 7: Boiling Water Always Makes It Safe to Drink
The Myth:
Boiling water is often touted as a foolproof method for making any water source safe to drink, eliminating all potential contaminants.
The Reality:
Boiling water is effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and parasites, but it does not remove chemical pollutants, heavy metals, or other toxins. If the water source is contaminated with chemicals, boiling will not make it safe to drink.
What Works:
In addition to boiling, use a water filter that can remove chemical contaminants, or purify water with a combination of methods, such as filtration followed by boiling or chemical treatment. Be sure to know the source of your water and avoid areas that may be contaminated by agricultural runoff, industrial waste, or other pollutants.
Myth 8: You Can Outrun a Dangerous Animal
The Myth:
When faced with a dangerous animal, some people believe that they can simply outrun it to escape danger.
The Reality:
Most wild animals, including bears, mountain lions, and wolves, are much faster and more agile than humans. Attempting to outrun them can trigger their predatory instincts, making the situation even more dangerous.
What Works:
The best course of action varies depending on the animal you're facing. For example, with bears, it's often advised to stand your ground, make yourself look larger, and speak loudly. If a bear charges, playing dead might be your best option. For mountain lions, maintaining eye contact and slowly backing away while appearing confident can help deter an attack. Research the specific animals in your area and learn the appropriate safety measures.
Conclusion
Survival is about more than just having the right gear—it's also about having the right knowledge. By debunking these common survival myths, we hope to equip you with the facts you need to stay safe in any emergency. Remember, preparation is key, and having the correct information can be just as important as having the right tools. Stay informed, stay prepared, and always be ready for whatever challenges come your way.
