Rules For Survival - Art Of Survival by Papa Bear Whitmore [SOSH 20]

This information is taken from The Art of Survival Pamphlet
prepared by Papa Bear Whitmore. It is meant as a guide only
and perhaps an inspiration to look further into the art of
survival. It is designed to make you aware that something
indeed could happen to you. Graveyards are full of people
who said, “It could never happen to me.”

The information was secured by actual survival trips into
Colorado’s high country in winter weather and sub-freezing
temperatures.

Preparation for the Trip

With all the four-wheel drive vehicles, snowmobiles and trail bikes, survival is a problem
that any outdoorsman may have to face. Transportation may break down in a remote area.

There is no pat answer to survival because no two situations are alike. However, there
are some basic points which help to explain why some people pass a survival text but
others fail.

We distill our philosophy of survival down into two words – “STAYING ALIVE.” Therefore we
must have some basic rules for survival.

RULES FOR SURVIVAL

1. ALWAYS tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. If you
   change your general area, tell someone of that change.
2. Never go into a wilderness area by yourself. Unavoidable accidents do happen.
3. Wear proper clothing and take proper equipment. The weather can and will change.
4. If you do get lost or stranded, STAY PUT. We will find you if you have followed rule
   No. 1.
5. Learn how to use a compass, take a map of the area and orient yourself before
   leaving camp.
6. Always carry a survival kit and know how to use it. A survival kit in the hands of
   someone who does not know how to use it can kill.
   To keep yourself alive in the wilderness, you must have given some thought to the
   possibility before the situation comes up. Survival is 80 percent attitude, 10 percent
   equipment, and 10 percent skill and knowledge to use that equipment.
   Survival is also a very personal thing. You are like no one else in the world. Survival may be
   seasonal, and definitely is geographical. Equip yourself for the three necessities – Shelter,
   Fire and Signal - no matter who you are, where you go or at what time of year. Let’s call
   them THE BIG THREE."

Brought to you by the SOSH 20 Team