Active Outdoor Safety Posts

How To: Survive falling into icy waters on seemingly frozen lakes

The normal body temperature in humans is 98.6 degrees. At 95 degrees, hypothermia has already set in. At 86 degrees, you're unconscious. Next, is death. So, when you're on an frozen-over lake, use extreme caution on that seemingly solid ice, because if you fall through, it just might be your last swim.

How To: Make wooden snow goggles to prevent snow blindness in a blizzard

If you get caught out in a blizzard, snow blindness is just one of the many dangers you face. If you want to keep your vision, which will be very helpful in escaping, and don't have goggles with you, follow the steps in this video to make wooden temporary goggles that may save your eyes.

How To: Build a lean-to if stranded in bad weather while hiking

The lean-to is one of the most basic shelters imaginable, but if you're out in the wilderness and bad weather strikes unexpectedly one can save your life. This video will teach you how to use supplies you have in your backpack to build a lean-to shelter.

How To: Make a homemade fire extinguisher with items from around the house

If you're planning on making a fire and don't have a big fire extinguisher laying around, you may think that you're all out of options. But if you've got a water bottle, some baking soda, vinegar, dish soap and a little water you're all set to go! This video shows you how to create a short term, home made fire extinguisher and also demonstrates its effectiveness.

How To: Create a fixed loop using a locked brummel splice

This video tutorial will show you how to create a fixed loop knot using a piece of amsteel, and the locked brummel splice. This type of knot comes in very useful, especially when you're camping. You've got to be prepared for anything and everything! Just follow along, and you'll be making fixed loops like nobody's business.

How To: Survive a shark attack

Sharks. The first thing that comes to mind is "Jaws", Steven Spielberg's horrifying shark film that scared generations of young adults from entering the ocean waters. But not all sharks are as violent (and hungry) as "Jaws", so jump in the water and know a few guidelines to stay safe. Escape a shark’s jaws of death with these lifesaving strategies.

How To: Make natural rope from Douglas Iris leaves

This video demonstrates how to make natural fiber rope using Douglas iris, a plant which is found along the Pacific coast from Santa Barbara from to Oregon. Before beginning, you should know that Douglas iris is poisonous when eaten, but it should be safe when you are handling it. The plant blooms every spring and dies every winter and has a brighter green color on top and a duller green towards the stalk, with a dark purple tint near the roots. You should collect plants which have died from ...

How To: Solo camp in the Brazilian Bush with minimal equipment

Solo camping is a scary and exciting prospect. Alone in the woods at night, no one can hear you scream. But for those who crave solitude and love the wilderness, there can be no greater thrill, no greater connection to the primitive part of yourself. In this nine-part video, we learn all kinds of useful survival and camping skills by watching our host Colhane experience a three-day solo camping trip in the Brazlilian bush. You will learn how to cook, how to make fire, how to prepare a campsit...

How To: Handle food safely when camping

Memorial Day signifies the unofficial kickoff for outdoor activities like camping. Camping can either be a flurry of fun and adventure, or a miserable few days of getting sick in the bushes and being dehydrated. Every summer, thousands of people set out on these camping adventures, and every summer, many become stricken with food borne illnesses or a parasitic infection. Watch this how to video to keep this from happening to you.

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: Wrap a tagelmust /shemagh /keffiyeh /pashmina to protect from the sun

What's the best way to learn how to tie an efficient and sturdy pashmina/shemagh? Why, ask someone who ties one every day, of course. Take a gander at this helpful tutorial to learn how to tie one of these babies on your head quickly from your Middle Eastern instructor.

How To: Tie an Arab-style shemagh two different ways

A shemagh, or a keffiyeh, is a traditiona Arab headdress that's worn by Arab men. Made from a square scarf, it protects their heads and face from desert wind and sun. It's also multifunctional - warm at night and lightweight during the day. These scarves have even become adopted by the U.S. Cavalry to protect themselves during long treks outdoors.

How To: Drink water while wearing a Guy Fawkes mask without showing your face

If you've ever participated in a Anonymous protest against scientology or celebrated Guy Fawkes day, you probably know that drinking through a Guy Fawkes mask is tough, especially if you're keeping your identity a secret. Watch this video to hear an Anonymous member explain how to drink water without compromising your anonymity.

How To: Construct a shelter out of tarp, string, and trees

If you ever find yourself stranded in the woods, then making a shelter is one of your biggest priorities. ITS Tactical created this detailed and approachable video on how to rig a shelter in woods out of only a tarp, a ball of heavy-duty string, and four metal tent-posts, three items that anyone, wilderness inclined or not, should keep in their car at all times. It goes over the necessary knots in great detail, and should make it unnecessary for any of us to sleep unsheltered outdoors again.

How To: Make a fish hook from a bush

The video is about making a fish hook for the winter bushcraft national winter tutorial. The first step is to take a small stick and cut it so as to make it thin. Then an angle is cut at one end of the piece. The angle cut can be according to the maker's wish. Then cut out the part for catching. This small piece of stick is the hook. Take a piece of tree brush and wrap it around the hook. Wind it through the top and then the bottom of the hook until the hook is completely wrapped.

How To: Make a sleeping bag from a wool blanket

This video is about making a mummy type sleeping bag or an over bag for a hammock with a woolen blanket. The first task is to make coat rings and hooks. Take a piece of flexible wire and bend it into a ring of diameter 1 3/4 inch or 2 inches with a overlap of about 1 1/2 inches make 6 or 7 rings. Now take a small straight wire and make a hook of 1 or 1 1/2 inch, make the tips of the wire pointed so that it can penetrate. Overlap the edges of the blanket by 2to3 inches. Fix the rings with the ...

How To: Make a basic survival shelter from a Mylar blanket

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make a basic survival shelter using an emergency blanket. The materials required for this shelter are: an emergency blanket, paracord and duct tape. This is a basic shelter that would be great for certain conditions. This setup would be ideal for the following conditions: light to medium rain, low wind, and above freezing temps. This video is very descriptive and clearly explains all the instructions. This video will benefit those viewers who are c...

How To: Read a paper map

Have you ever found yourself lost in the Appalachian Mountains, or stranded in the Mojave Desert? Maybe it was because you couldn't read a map… a real map… a real hands-on, folding paper map. Reading a map is an important skill that may be lost in the internet and GPS era, but it' s a skill that everyone should have.

How To: Make fire with a magnesium fire tool

Do you want to learn how to make fire with a magnesium fire tool? Then all you need is a magnesium fire tool and this video. First of all, you need some kindling ready such as dry grass, small leaves, twigs, etc. Create a small pouch for the magnesium strips, then shave small pieces of magnesium into this pouch. Then, use your knife and move it against the flint side of the tool. This will cause a spark, which will catch on fire and the magnesium will assist in allowing this flame to grow. La...

How To: Navigate with a compass

Learning how to read a compass might just save your life one day! Know how to use a compass and you'll never get lost in the wild. Follow these simple steps & you'll learn this valuable skill.

How To: Prepare an emergency kit for your car

You may think you'll never be in an emergency situation, but you can never be too prepared! This video provides excellent tips on what to bring and do in an emergency situation.

How To: Survive a white-water rafting accident

Know what to do before you find yourself tossed around by a raging river. Step 1: Wear your life jacket

How To: Survive a killer bee attack

Africanized honeybees, also called killer bees, can be far more aggressive than other types. Here's how to survive when they're on the rampage.

How To: Protect yourself from stingrays

Death by stingray is extremely rare, but getting hit with their barb still hurts like hell – which is why you need to learn how to play footsie safely with these sea creatures.

How To: Survive riptides

A riptide can be terrifying. But if you keep your cool and know what to do, you'll stay safe. You Will Need

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: Choose an inflatable PFD personal flotation device

The best flotation device is the one you wear. There are many choices when it comes to picking the PFD that will keep you safe on the water. Now there is a new option, inflatable PFDs from Mustang Survival. There is one to suit just about every water activity from sailing, kayaking, paddling, boating, water skiing, wakeboarding or general pool fun!

How To: Survive a bear attack

Learn how to deal with a black bear or grizzly encounter with Shannon Davis and Ted the Bear. Black bears are distinguished from brown bears by lack of a prominent shoulder hump; a Roman profile or sloping nose and forehead instead of a dished forehead; and shorter, thicker claws for climbing versus longer, more slender claws for digging. Although brown bears are generally bigger, size is not a dependable indicator. Also, fetal position is often recommended as opposed to lying prone as shown.

How To: Avoid insect bites while hiking

Insects can be a big nuisance while you are hiking. Different parts of the country and different parts of the world have different kinds of stinging, nasty, biting insects. Preventing insect bites is easy with these tips. Get advice on backpacking, hiking, and the great outdoors in this how-to video.

How To: Treat poison ivy, oak, and sumac with jewel weed

Jewel weed is found in swamps lakes and wet places. This how-to video demonstrates using the jewel weed stems on the infected area until the bumps or blisters break open. Jewel weed has a chemical that neutralizes poison ivy, oak, or sumac oil, so it's okay to scratch with Jewel Weed. Jewel weed also works well on mosquito bites, burns, and skin diseases. Find out how to treat posion ivy, oak, or sumac with jewel weed by watching this video outdoor safety video.

How To: Survive a snake bite

Check out this instructional safety video to learn how survive a snake bite. Snakes are not uncommon in the continental United States. There is no region in the country where you'll be completely free from a venomous bite. When a snake bites out of hunger, it releases venom through glades in its teeth. But when a person disturbs a poisonous snake, it will attack with a dry bite, in which venom is not released. Watch this tutorial to learn all about surviving a snake bite. Survive a snake bite.

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 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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.