• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

Fatherhood Factor

For all the "dealings" of dads...

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Guest Post?
  • Review?
  • Stats

Outdoor Safety

Making A Wilderness Survival Kit: The Complete Checklist

February 20, 2018 By Bill Perkin Leave a Comment

It is common practice to ignore the importance of emergency preparedness during camping and hiking trips. While it is true that most people would never get lost or stranded in the wild, being prepared for the worst is important.

Sure, there is a very small chance of you getting lost or injured while camping with the family, but being prepared is going to pay off when the going gets rough. Preparing your best wilderness survival kit is essential before venturing out into the wild. However, the survival kit is only as effective as the elements it contains. Below is a list of elements that are absolutely integral to a wilderness survival kit and you can find a grouping of some great survival kits at: https://www.globosurfer.com/best-survival-kits/.

Container 

Making sure you have a waterproof container is a great idea. Making a waterproof bag for your wilderness survival kit container is a better idea, as it allows for better portability.

Water Purification Tablets

When it comes to survival, having access to clean drinking water is the foremost consideration. Water purification tablets are great for this purpose. They are easily available, simple to use, and inexpensive. Water purification tablets contain chemicals that kill the harmful microorganisms present in natural sources of water.

Keep in mind you will a separate container to collect water to purify it. Make sure you pack a steel container like a cup. Stainless steel containers don’t catch rust easily, and are highly durable unlike their plastic counterparts.

Bushcraft Knife

Knives are known to be the most important and versatile survival tool out there. They can be used for anything from shaving wood to preparing game and cutting cords and ropes. Experts recommend fixed blade survival knives for wilderness situations as they are extremely durable if cared for properly.

Rope

A rope can come in handy for setting up a makeshift shelter in case of emergencies. Moreover, you can cut the rope into smaller pieces to use as markers to help you find your way back.

Navigation and Signalling Tools

While most people want to avoid using electronics on a camping trip, it is essential to keep a GPS enabled device and a cell phone close to you. Calling for help would be a lot easier with these devices.

However, for places where you don’t get cellphone reception, keeping a few other navigational tools in your kit is important. These include a waterproof map, a compass, and flares to send out signals.

Flashlight

Flashlights offer dual functionality. They help you find your way in the dark and can be used to send out signals during emergencies. Always remember to carry an extra set of batteries for the flashlight.

First Aid

There are many ready-made first aid kits available with any local pharmacist. Make sure your kit contains the following elements:

  • Adhesive Bandages
  • Antibacterial Ointment
  • Medical Tape
  • Iodine Solution
  • Pain and Allergy Medication

Cigarette Lighter and Matchsticks

Getting a fire going the old-school way may not always be an option. Moreover, having a lighter helps you save a lot of time.

Space Blanket

A space blanket is not only great for keeping you warm. Blankets made of wool don’t get wet easily and make for a great first line of defense against rain.

High Energy Snacks

Waiting for help to arrive can make the best of us hungry. Unless you plan on hunting the local wildlife when you are already lost, pack a few Granola bars to keep your energy levels in check

Conclusion

Getting lost in the woods is easier than we presume. Moreover, most of us have grown up in cities, and are extremely unaware when it comes to survival in the wilderness. Being prepared gives you a necessary advantage in such situations.

Fun Tips to Keep Kids Safe Outside

September 1, 2015 By David Reeves Leave a Comment

It’s wonderful to see your kids put down the video game controller, shut off the computer, and get outside for some fresh air, but there are a number of hazards that can pop up in the great outdoors. These tips help you prepare for common outdoor dangers, and to field unexpected challenges, from bugs and burns, to broken swing sets.

Pack a First-Aid Kit

Before you set foot outside, do a quick inventory to make sure you have everything you might need to prevent ­— and treat­ — minor cuts, bites and other injuries. These items don’t take much space, and they can be very helpful in an emergency:

  • Hand sanitizer
  • Band-Aids
  • Peroxide
  • Bug spray
  • Antibiotic lotion
  • Calamine cream
  • Sunscreen
  • Allergy medication

Dress for Success

Try to avoid open-toed shoes and loose-fitting clothing, which may get caught in playground equipment, or cause your child to trip and fall over loose branches. Comfy sneakers can protect tiny toes from bees, burs and blisters. If there’s a chance of rain in the forecast, pack an umbrella or raincoats and galoshes for longer excursions. Sunscreen and bug spray add an extra layer of protection against the elements — especially in warmer months.

Play it Safe

There’s nothing quite like pushing your kid on a swing set, watching him or her soar through the sunlit sky with the wind blowing through his or her hair. Swings and slides are standard fare when it comes to playgrounds. Nevertheless, you’ve probably noticed that play yards have changed a lot since you were young. Nowadays, they include safer, softer ground surfaces, and more durable plastic equipment. It’s still best to err on the side of caution. The majority of playground-related injuries happen at public parks, so it’s best to take some preventative measures before letting your kids run wild. Check all the equipment for the following:

  • Rusty nails and screws
  • Loose bolts
  • Jagged edges
  • Missing or damaged guardrails

Keep Your Eyes Peeled

Even if you’re reading a book while the kids are at play, be sure to look up frequently to make sure they’re within your field of vision. Inform your children ahead of time about the risks of talking to strangers.

Excessive heat can also be problematic for kids as they frolic outdoors. Keep snacks and water on hand, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion or discomfort. Remind your tykes to rest for a little while and drink some water if they seem tuckered out.

Clean and Safe Surroundings

Forest preserves and parks are generally clean, but you may run across a play area that’s less than pristine. Try to find fenced-in spots, but be on the lookout for discarded appliances that children might try to explore, or even hide in. Here are a few more things to be mindful of in backyards, neighborhoods and wooded areas:

  • Abandoned refrigerators
  • Open sheds and garages
  • Gas and charcoal grills
  • Trash and animal waste

Leaves of Three, Leave Them Be

If your kids are playing in a wooded area, make sure you check for harmful plants, and show them how to identify poison ivy, oak and sumac. This handy guide offers a few quick tips to spot leaves that could cause a nasty rash if your son or daughter comes into contact with them.

Make an Emergency Phone List

Write your local numbers for these important contacts down, or program them into the phone for easier access:

  • Poison control
  • Local police
  • Names of friends’ parents

Playing outside should be fun for your children, but it shouldn’t cause you additional stress. If you keep these guidelines in mind, you can reduce the risk of injury and keep things enjoyable and worry-free for everyone involved.

Copyright © 2009–2023 FatherhoodFactor.com · Powered by: LaunchBlot Media, LLC

  • Facebook.
  • Twitter.
  • Instagram.
  • YouTube.
  • LinkedIn.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT