Matt Redhwak from My Patriot Supply on Survival Skills to Teach Children

As adults, preparing for an emergency or a crisis is a hard enough task. Now imagine just how difficult not to mention traumatic it is for children to experience a crisis. Many tend to think that they can take care of their children during emergencies and never stop to ask themselves what happens if they are separated. After all, we have heard of many stories in the media where families get separated during natural disasters, fires, and other emergency situations. To improve their chances of survival, Matt Redhwak of My Patriot Supply recommends teaching children the following survival skills.

Purifying water: Many of us take access to clean water for granted but it becomes a main concern when water isn’t available during a crisis. Teaching your children how to purify water will ensure that they drink uncontaminated water thus saving them from water-borne diseases.

Starting a fire: Fire is essential for human survival as we use it to boil water, keep water and more importantly, prepare food. It’s however unfortunate that not many people understand the basics of starting a fire and this puts them at risk during crisis. Ensure that your kids are equipped with survival fire starter equipment and that they learn how to start a fire using dry brush and sticks.

Using a map and compass: Google Maps and GPS help a great deal when we are lost but what about when there is no power or your car can’t start because it has no gas? And what if you are separated from home in the middle of a crisis? Children, like adults, should learn basic navigation skills to ensure that they can find their way no matter what.

Preserving food: There is always enough food at home but that changes when disaster strikes. Teaching your youngsters the basics of preserving foods will reduce the chances of starvation which in itself carries plenty of risks. Also teach them how to differentiate nutritious fruit from poisonous ones in nature, how to hunt as well as plant and grow fruits and vegetables.

Exit plans: No matter the nature of disaster, it is important to teach your children how to have an exit plan. They should learn to identify where all the exits are in malls, schools, cinemas and any other types of buildings, as well as how to exit quickly but safely. In addition, teach them where to go afterwards, perhaps the house of a relative, trusted friend or neighbor.

Other survival skills you should teach your children according to Matt Redhwak from My Patriot Supply include knowing where the emergency supplies are, how to treat injuries, how to stay safe during a crisis, and how to keep calm.

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