Keeping skin healthy all year-round takes some effort. Each season presents its own set of unique environmental conditions that can cause damage to the skin, but taking an active approach in preventing lasting effects of damage will pay off over time.

Skin is a person’s most visible feature, the first thing people notice about you. Your skin not only helps you feel good when it looks good, but its purpose is that of protection. Skin helps our bodies stay warm or cool, protect the rest of the body from coming into contact with infectious particles and helps provide our bodies with vitamin D. Not only that, skin provides us with the experience of touch.

What are some ways to keep skin healthy, nourished and protected?

1 – Sun protection. It’s a common method to avoid sunburn and prolonged skin damage from the sun’s harmful UV rays. A few recommendations fall into this area of keeping healthy skin all-year round. Using a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 that is broad spectrum is advised. Generously apply the lotion or spray and repeat every two hours. The higher the SPF the better. It’s wise to use sunscreen throughout the entire year since damaging UV rays lurk even on the cloudiest of days.

Avoid direct sunlight between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The sun’s rays are the most intense during this time of the day.

Full-coverage clothing might seem burdensome on a hot day, but light fabrics like these that cover your neck, chest, arms, and legs will go the distance in protecting your fragile skin from the sun’s rays. Think sunglasses, long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and long pants with light material.  There are also laundry additives that provide another level of protection from ultraviolet rays. The additives are designed to last for a certain number of times in the washing machine.

Moreover, consider sun-protective clothing that is meant to block UV rays.

2 – Don’t smoke. Not only is smoking horrible for a person’s health internally, but it wrecks havoc on skin, too. It causes premature aging and wrinkles of the skin due to very small blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin not getting enough blood flow. It’s that blood flow that enables oxygen and nutrients to flow to the skin, a key factor in maintaining healthy skin. The nicotine habit does serious damage to collagen and elastin, which are fibers that contribute to the skin’s endurance and elasticity.

3 – Clean skin gently. Limit hot water on skin from baths or showers. Extremely high temperatures of water can strip skin of oil and dry it out. The same is true for harsh soaps that are high in toxins not recommended for sensitive skincare. These types of chemicals may include triclosan, dioxane, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), diethanolamine (DEA), formaldehyde, and various artifical fragrance. A good way to avoid these types of ingredients in soaps is sticking with high-quality bar soaps, liquid castille soap (instead of antibacterial and scented soaps), and opting for organically-made soaps (made free of toxins).

4 – Retinoids. Available only by prescription, retinoids consists of the medications Retin-A, Renova, and the generic brand Tretinoin. The topical solutions come in the form of cream or gel. Retinoids are said to unplug pores, help eliminate acne, lessen the effect of fine lines, increase the body’s production of collagen, minimize the appearance of brown spots and freckles, and give skin an overall even texture. It’s an anti-aging regimen that doctors favor in helping patients maintain healthy skin.

Retinoids are a strong and must be used in gradual amounts because they can easily cause dry, flaky, and reddish skin when first used. A tiny pea-sized amount of gel or cream is recommended every few nights until skin adapts to this strong chemical.

If an over-the-counter version of retinoids is preferred, a reduced level of the ingredient can be found in creams, gels, or serums. These will be found in the cosmetics department in the skincare area that consist of wrinkle repair, overnight creams, and corrective serums. A variety of major brands will carry these with some degree of retinol in them.

5 – Sleep. Getting plenty of rest renews the human body and one of its benefits is healthy skin. Sleep reduces stress hormones, which otherwise increase inflammation of the skin. Stress hormones innately result in wrinkles and more acne. Sleep is highly beneficial as one of the ways to keep skin healthy year-round because it helps the body to stay hydrated and rejuvenated. The skin is further able to protect itself from damaging chemicals and other environmental impurities.

When you travel, you might feel limited in what survival gear you depend on, because you can’t always take your important items with you. If you’re flying on an airplane, TSA has strict guidelines regarding the type of products and their sizes that you’re allowed to carry on board and pack.

Review the following checklist for survival items you can take on an airplane. The good thing is that these items don’t take up much space and whether you travel regularly or just once in a great while, you’ll feel better knowing that you can be far from home and still be prepared.

1. Sunblock. Sunblock is an essential everyday item to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. If something unexpected happens — especially in a sunny or tropical location —  sunblock will be a lifesaver. Take a small bottle with you, no more than 3.4 ounces.

2. Portable water filter and pouch. The pouch is a container that can give you filtered water in case of an emergency. Taking these survival items on a plane is ideal because it consumes minimal space when empty.

3. First aid kit. Take a basic first aid kit with you that includes common medication and wound care items.

4. Hand sanitizer. Small bottles of hand sanitizer will pass TSA screenings. For obvious reasons, this product will make traveling more sanitary by helping you keep the germs in check of the billions of travelers have touched multiple surfaces you’ll encounter. An extra bonus to hand sanitizer is that it’s highly flammable and can assist in starting a fire, a major survival tool in emergency situations. Keep the size limit to 3.4 ounces.

5. Baby wipes. If a situation arises in which you can’t shower or bathe, baby wipes will suffice for hygiene. Take a small package with you on the plane.

6. BIC disposable lighter. This brand is highly advised since it’s more dependable than other “flimsy” lighters, according to The Preppers Dome. Fire is a vital part of survival, so you’ll want something reliable.

7. N95 masks. Respirator masks will help you avoid contracting contagious diseases and shield you better from harmful particles in the air following a disaster. The masks are good at preventing the inhalation of smoke and many other trace particles.

8. Compass. A compass can aid in navigation when you’re in a place you aren’t familiar with. You’ll at least know which direction you’re heading with a compass in hand.

9. Space blanket. These blankets fold into small squares and go far in keeping you warm, and shelter you from the elements. It has a dual purpose in that it can be used to alert search planes with the shiny side that reflects light. Invest in a high-quality blanket because the dollar store brands are prone to tearing the first time you use them.

10. SAS Survival Guide. This is a miniature guide that has 625 pages of clear, precise instructions for a variety of survival situations in a broad spectrum of environments. It’s a great survival item for preppers to take with them on an airplane.

11. Solar lantern. New models like the “Luci” light are plastic and inflatable. They deflate to a very compact size which makes them perfect for tucking into a suitcase.

12. Scissors. Check to see if TSA regulations regarding scissors change with time, but in the past they have allowed scissors with blades up to 4 inches.

Severe dehydration can cause life-threatening problems. Even mild dehydration can be serious, if you’re doing something like climbing or skiing or rescuing injured people. Your body and skin will tell you if you have enough fluids and you could really end up hurting yourself by ignoring it.

Several factors contribute to dehydration, such as rigorous exercise, exposure to hot weather, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, significant injuries or sores, and excessive sweating.

1. Extreme thirst. The most obvious sign, but one that needs to be taken seriously. Your body is craving fluids because it doesn’t have enough fluids to function on a normal basis.

2. Dehydrated skin in dry weather. In various stages of dehydration, there isn’t enough blood volume and that’s when dry skin occurs. Also, the skin is dry and not evaporating as well, and flushing of the skin will happen.

3. Decreasing electrolytes can lead to muscle cramps. When muscles work harder, they can absorb the heat itself. Changes in electrolytes, sodium and potassium may lead to muscle cramping.

4. Dry eyes or blurred vision is a symptom of dehydration. If you’ve been exercising for a prolonged period of time, your overall body fluids decrease, which may result in dry eyes or blurred vision. Since liquids are also in your eyes, dehydration will result in less protection for them.

5. Dehydration-caused headache. The brain is situated inside a fluid sack that prevents it from hitting against the skull. When the sack lacks fluid due to dehydration, the brain can push up against parts of the skull, which can cause headaches.

6. Dehydration can cause fever and chills. Although your body is severely dehydrated due to being overheated, you may experience symptoms of fever or chills. If your fever reaches more than 101°F, it’s recommended that you seek medical attention.

7. Check for well-hydrated urine. Light-colored urine that is straw-colored or a light yellow means you’re well-hydrated. Dark yellow or brown urine means you don’t have enough fluids in your system and need to stop any strenuous physical activity immediately.

Dehydration has the potential to be a life-threatening condition if not properly addressed. If you or someone around you becomes mildly to moderately dehydrated, stop activity immediately and rest. Seek shade. Remove unnecessary clothing and drink some water or a sports drink. For severe dehydration, seek medical help.

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Using this practical guide to saying safe in a lightning storm while camping may save your life. Lightning can strike anywhere when a storm breaks out. Depending on where you’re located outdoors, a thunderstorm could be potentially dangerous.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says that there is no safe outdoor place during a lightning storm. Their motto is, ‘When thunder roars, go indoors.” If that’s not possible, follow these tips to lessen your risk of lightning related injury.

Tent Tips

Do whatever you can to avoid setting up your tent under an isolated tree, or the tallest one. Stay away from broad open areas, high peaks, ridges, hilltops, elevated terrain, and metal fences. As pleasing as these camping spots might be, if a storm sweeps through, you’re not safe in your tent. Lightning is attracted to higher ground and tall objects. Research shows that lightning can be fatal up to about 30 feet from where a lightning strike hits the ground.

If you hear thunder, that means lightning is within striking distance. Leave your tent for a safer location immediately. Your safest bet is a fully constructed building with plumbing and wiring to ground out a strike, or an all-metal automobile (not a convertible). If you do shelter in a car, avoid touching the external metal of the car or the car parts that make contact with the external metal, such as the steering wheel or door handle.

If you’re in the backcountry and there are no buildings, move to lower ground and avoid the things that attract lightning. Also, if you’re camping in an open area, set up in a valley, ravine, or other low area.

Unsafe Structures and Buildings

Some structures you may encounter while camping are unsafe, such as picnic shelters and outhouses. The shelters have open sides and lack a method to ground lighting strikes. Outhouses don’t have the wiring or plumbing to ground the lightning strike.

Seek shelter in a low-lying area. Steer clear of tall objects like trees, electric poles, wires, and fences. It’s also advised you keep your distance from wet items, ropes, metal objects, and water. While these things don’t attract lightning, they’re prime conductors of electricity! The current from a lighting flash has the ability to travel far distances.

Wait Until it’s Safe To Go Back

Once the thunderstorm is over, wait at least 30 minutes before returning to your camping area or resuming your hike. Stay in a safe location for 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.

A large number of people have been killed because they didn’t wait long enough after the storm before resuming outdoor activities. Similarly, many people were struck by lightning because they did not seek shelter soon enough.

If in a Group, Spread Out

If you’re camping in a group, don’t huddle together even though that may be comforting. Spread out to avoid the lightning’s current traveling between people.

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Summer heat presents all types of hazards in regards to sensitive items and chemicals that don’t like extreme temperatures. In some scenarios, dangerous items have warnings posted on them because they may burst, explode, or have an otherwise unfavorable affect that can be harmful to people or surroundings. This is especially true when certain items are contained inside a car, where heat is even more prevalent because it can’t escape. Temperatures can rise to 140 degrees or more within an hour-and-a-half.

See why these 10 items are dangerous inside a car on a hot summer day and why it’s best to keep them out when temperatures get over 120-degrees.

1 – Lighters. Lighters are filled with flammable liquid. They aren’t meant to be exposed to extended sunlight or escalating temperatures. If they’re left inside a car on a hot summer day, they can explode and cause damage to the interior by leaving behind particles or burning holes.

2- Pens. These small objects can burst and leave ink all over the car. Cleanup can be a challenge, leaving stains everywhere.

3 – Batteries. Heat can make acid in batteries prone to leaking. If this happens, acid can cause people to have eye, skin, and respiratory infections.

4 – Electronics. Memory cards and lenses on cameras may get ruined if exposed to prolonged heat in a car during the summer. This can be costly for the owner.

5 – Canned carbonated beverage. This is a sneaky one that can be left in a car on a hot summer day without realizing it. This goes for beer as well. Cans can roll under a seat, hide in a trunk, or get lodged under a floor mat. If left inside the vehicle in blistering heat, a canned carbonated beverage can blow up. Since these canned items are compressed to keep air locked inside the container and maintain bubbles in the soda, there is no way for heat to escape.

The metal in the can conducts heat into the liquid inside. A rise in temperature on the outside of the container will also result in a rise of the liquid’s temperature inside. Liquid components expand as heat spikes and that causes undue pressure inside the canned beverage. The car’s motion will shake the soda around, leading it to explode. Not only can this do damage to your car, but it can inflict serious injury on the driver or passenger.

6 – Milk. A closed gallon or half-gallon of milk left exposed to the hot elements in a confined car will cause it to explode. This will leave a horrendous stench and mess that isn’t for the faint of heart.

7 – Wine. Wine shouldn’t be left in heat greater than 78-degrees because it not only changes the composition and complexity of the liquid, but a cork could pop out of it, or the bottle can explode.

8 – Perishable foods. While many of these may not explode, unlike milk, perishable foods should not be left inside a car over an hour in 90-degree heat, according to the USDA. Food can be dangerous to consume after that time.

9 – Hairspray and sunscreen. Women may carry a can of aerosol hairspray in their car, in addition to touch-up with makeup. While cosmetics may get sticky and melt, hairspray is a dangerous item to have inside a car. If temperatures reach above 120 degrees, the pressure inside the container will build-up and explode. It’s not just hairspray, but other aerosol canister products that will explode in a car (WD-40, Fix-A-Flat, etc.).

Sunscreen is useful to have in a car during the hot summer months, but the plastic bottle an quickly heat up and burst, leading to a sticky mess that may never be completely cleaned up.

10 – Explosive medications. Certain medications and supplies are dangerous inside a hot car. Albuterol inhalers, for instance, shouldn’t be in temperatures above 120 degrees or they may burst. Formoterol inhalers have the same impact. Any medication available in an aerosol can may burst as well under these temperatures.

Summer has several dangers for pets that people may not think about. Like humans, dogs and cats get dehydrated and overheated. Providing adequate water and shade are a given, but what about the hidden dangers that summer poses for pets?

1 – Heat stroke. It’s not unprecedented for animals to suffer heat stroke, and there are several types of dogs that have an increased risk for this. Breeds with shorter noses like bulldogs, Boston terriers, and boxers aren’t able to cool themselves as efficiently as other breeds. Active breeds, such as the Labrador retriever, get so focused on their rigorous activities that they don’t stop long enough to cool off.

Dogs have an normal body temperature that is already slightly higher than that of humans–100 to 102.5 F. Their internal temperature can rapidly reach 109 F in the summer months. When this happens, dogs may develop multiple organ dysfunctions and it can be fatal. Signs of heat stroke include panting, excessive drooling, lack of urine, and rapid heart rate.

If your pet shows signs of a heat stroke, cool them down by putting them in a shaded water and offer cool water. Don’t force them to drink, but offer it. Place a fan directly on your pet and put water or wet towels over their neck, back, underarm area, and groin area. Whatever you do, don’t put ice or ice water on your pet because it can cause blood vessels to shrink and not effectively cool the inner body.

2 – Other animals or insects. This is another hidden danger of summer for pets. Bee stings, spider bites, and venomous snakebites aren’t unusual this time of year. A bad reaction can leave a dog with a swollen muzzle and an untreated wound can lead to necrosis of the skin.

If your dog gets a bee or insect sting, attempt removing a visible stinger by scraping it out of the skin with a credit card. A cool compress to the area with a mixture of baking soda and water will aid in neutralizing the venom.

Keep an eye out for your pet swiping its paw across its face, which could mean it has a bite or other irritation that you can’t see. If your animal’s face swells or your pet has difficulty breathing, seek a veterinarian’s help immediately. In the event of a snakebite, a veterinarian can administer an anti-venom shot.

The number of fleas and ticks greatly increase during the summer months. Be sure that your pet is receiving effective flea and tick prevention treatment.

3 – Sunburn. Even though pets are covered with fur, pets aren’t immune to sunburn, especially when the sun is exposed to areas of the animal that has minimal hair, such as the belly and tip of the nose.

For dogs, there are specific types of sunscreen made for them. Human sunscreen can be dangerous since it contains zinc, which is toxic if it’s swallowed.

4 – Burned paw pads. Cats and dogs have a hard time handling extreme temperatures. We walk around wearing shoes, so we don’t often notice the temperature of the surfaces we walk on. Dogs and cats, of course, are walking right on the heated surfaces with no protection. With the sun baking hard surfaces like asphalt and cement, it can be painful for pets to walk on. Add to that, the potential of chemicals or hazardous objects like glass shards presenting a problem during summer parties.

If you notice your pet is limping or stumbling, take it to a veterinarian for examination. Try keeping your dog or cat on the cooler grass instead of hot surfaces like asphalt and cement.

5 – Bacteria or algae in still water and puddles. A danger to pets during summer in stagnant water or puddles is a condition known as Giardiasis. It results from a parasite known as giardia lamblia found in still water areas. Giardiasis is an intestinal illness with symptoms of diarrhea, dehydration, and upset stomach. Some lakes and small bodies of water can develop a toxic algae in the summer months that is toxic to both humans and animals if consumed. Be aware of any health reports that may affect water near you.

6 – Leptospirosis is another danger to pets as well as humans. It’s a bacterial infection that can affect many animals, including dogs. It may cause liver and kidney damage — and possibly organ failure. The Centers for Disease Control reveals that the occurrence of Leptospirosis is more commons in pets than it has been in the past. The bacteria that cause Leptospirosis are spread through the urine of infected animals, gets into water or soil and can survive there for weeks to months.

7 – Allergies. Animals are more likely to suffer from summertime seasonal allergies, which commonly cause ear infections and itchy skin. Dogs and cats can get hay fever like humans, but their symptoms are usually itchy skin and bad ear infections rather than sinus issues.

One way to treat ear infections is by cleaning the ears with a veterinary prescribed ear-cleaning solution once a month, or as recommended. The solution is meant to prevent wax buildup, which makes the infection worse. Refrain from using cotton swabs in your pet’s ears.

While you’re out having a good time this summer, keep an eye out for these hidden dangers, and keep your pet safe!

Certain fabrics keep you cooler during the summer months, while other fabrics do the opposite. When you’re outside in the scorching heat, you want to be comfortable, yet also protected from bugs and sun.

These 5 fabrics are the best if you want to stay cooler outside this summer.

1. Cotton. This fabric is lightweight and comfortable. Cotton likes to absorb water and is breathable. The fact that it absorbs water makes it not a good choice in the wintertime, when the fabric holds water in and doesn’t evaporate. In the summertime, if you’re sweating a lot, this aspect can make cotton an uncomfortable choice.

2. Linen. Linen consists of a porous weave, enabling heat to leave your body. It is also lightweight. This fabric is great for summer because it’s very absorbent, removing moisture from your skin quickly. Even if it’s stiff, it’s cling-free on your body.

3. Silk. Silk is a fabric to wear during the summer because it’s soft and luxurious, and has a thin, light feel. You can wear something with full coverage like a silk pantsuit and not feel as though you’re wearing bulky clothing. While silk absorbs moisture, it helps stay you dry. Silk is a delicate fabric, and since the fibers have a tendency to break down in sunlight, it’s a better option for evening wear.

4. Crinkled textures. These fabrics don’t cling to the body. Cotton crepe is fabric consisting of yarn that’s twisted extra-tight so that it has a crimped texture instead of a straight and smooth finish. Crepe rests nicely on the body, but doesn’t directly touch the skin, because of the “crumples.” Crepe cotton is a lighter fabric than linen, and is one of the most absorbent fibers to wear during summer. It pulls moisture away from the body.

5. Mesh and eyelet. Eyelet has holes embroidered in the fabric that allows air in and out to cool off the skin. It’s this movement over the skin that keeps you cool during the scorching heat. Mesh is similar to eyelet. Athletes favor this fabric. It has a lot of holes, which makes it lightweight compared to solid fabrics. Mesh and eyelet are considered superior choices for summer over sheer because it can too revealing to be worn alone.  Moreover, you’ll wear double the layers for coverage. It’s also noted that a good bra is suggested for these summer fabrics that keep you cool!

 

Summertime is fun, but bee stings aren’t. There are some crazy simple tips that can prevent most stings from bees and wasps.

1– Avoid wearing perfume or cologne. Some scents attract bees. Nectar-seeking bees and wasps will be especially attracted to anything floral, even from a distance. When the bees figure out you’re the source of the scent, they land on your body and before you know it, you might a bee sting!

2 – Don’t wear brightly-colored (or dark brown) clothing. This tip is related to the first one. Looking like a flower is as risky as smelling like one. Beekeepers wear white for this reason. Good colors to stick with are white, beige, khaki, or other light colors to avoid a bee sting. Bears are a natural enemy to bees, so wearing dark browns, especially when you’re near a hive, can make them defensive.

3 – Be cautious with sugary foods and drinks. Bees and wasps love food with sugar in them. Check your can or glass of soda before taking a sip from it in case a bee might be just inside it for a taste! Also, ripe fruits can attract stings from bees. Refrain from leaving your peach pits or orange peels lying around.

4 – Don’t wear loose-fitting clothes. Bees and wasps are good at going up loose clothes and onto your skin. To avoid this, wear clothes with tighter cuffs, pants that aren’t too breezy, and tuck in shirts.

5 – Rinse food containers and empty soda and beer bottles. Bees and other stingers like yellowjackets also land on food residue build-up on your garbage cans. Be sure to rinse them well now and then, and be diligent about putting tight-fitting lids on them to keep wasps away from your garbage. This also cuts down on the numbers of stinging insects hanging around your yard.

6 – Wear close-toed shoes while outside. Don’t go barefoot while outdoors or you might accidentally step on a bee. They huddle down in grass, especially when visiting low-growing plants such as clover, and will sting you when you least expect it.

7 – Use caution while mowing the lawn or trimming vegetation. These kinds of activities can arouse insects in a beehive or wasp nest.

 

The “survival pod” is a unique capsule designed to withstand any type of disaster. At least, this is what inventor and CEO of Survival Capsule, Julian Sharpe, claims.

The survival pod is made of metal, is covered in an aircraft-grade aluminum shell and is lined with a ceramic thermal blanket. It fits two people and comes furnished with harnessed seats, medical kits, air tanks, food and water.

Survival pods are being marketed as structures capable of riding out anything, including a tsunami, hurricane, earthquakes, storms or other major natural disasters. The key is jumping into them quickly enough to avoid the danger.

Sharpe explains that the capsule’s goal is to help people “ride out the tsunami rather than evacuate.” The invention is meant to be “installed in people’s garages or on a flat roof and tethered to a solid structure, meaning the capsule then becomes your shelter during the post-tsunami phase.”

Additionally, Sharpe describes the survival pods as a time-saver for rescue teams so that it can “allow them to focus on the critical casualties.”

Julian Sharpe studied at Loughborough University before pursuing a career at British Aerospace. He looks forward to seeing his invention become a life-saving aid.

As Daily Mail reports, the survival capsule features two small porthole windows so the occupants can see what’s going on around them. There are safety seating with four-point harness straps, storage space (sufficient for a 5-day supply per person), water storage, basic internal light, GPS (Global Positioning System), air supply tanks, solid, watertight marine door (opens from inside and outside) and marine standard window.

The capsule is said to be an alternative to families instead of “safe houses.”

Preppers can get these survival capsules in different sizes; they range from “two-person capacity, for family homes, all the way up to a 10-person capacity, which could be used for businesses and schools.”

If you want to go all out, the capsules can be customized to include surround sound music and the addition of a toilet.

Costs for the survival pods haven’t been revealed by the company, but pre-orders are being taken on its website.

Image courtesy of Survival Pod.

There are alternatives for catching fish other than sitting for hours with a fishing pole in hand. In a bug out situation, multi-tasking will be of the essence and your attention will be on other chores besides catching fish. With that said, check out some hacks for survival fishing.

Set hooks consist of a line (the inside of 550 cord works sufficiently), hook, sinker and bait. Tying the line off to a branch hanging above water needs to be adjusted according to its depth. Ensure that the line is strong enough to hold fish until your return, but is flexible enough to give fish play.

You can attach baits to the hook, such as worms, fish, etc. This method is great for most bottom-feeding fish, like catfish. One hook typically yields more than one fish. They tend to the same work as traps and snares.

Trot lines are another method to catch fish without manning a pole. They’re akin to set hooks, but are generally comprised of a long line (top line) with short lines positioned evenly along the long line with a hook attached to each short line.

Hooks on trot lines are baited identical to those on set hooks; the main difference is they’ll have 20-to-25 hooks on short lines that cover a wider area. The ends of the long line are connected to a sturdy tree or other tie-off point at each side of the body of water where the fishing is being done.

Using a boat optimizes this method of survival fishing because allows you to “run” and re-bait the hooks without the need of pulling the line from the water. If you don’t have boat, attaching one end of the long line to a weighted item — such as brick or stone — and throwing the long line into the water will do. Note that this technique is more successful with shorter trot lines since you can conveniently pull it in from the anchor point when checking it.

Fish traps can be constructed by using metal wire and natural materials. This technique is like a basket with a bait or attractant in the center and a narrowed down opening that enables fish to get inside the trap, but not escape out easily.

A host of variables are available here with fish traps, as they go from basic to high-tech in their build. If you want more fish, this method is preferred over set hooks or trot lines. They’re a better alternative if you’re in a bug in or stationery location and expect to remain there for a longer period of time due to its lack of maneuverability.

Natural poisons is a technique used strictly in a survival situation. Natural poisons are done in shallow areas of water to kill a large number of small fish in a brief period of time.

The following natural poisons are toxic to fish, but typically harmless to humans: nut husks from young walnuts; lime (can be made by burning seashells and crushing them up); and a variety of plants (this requires research based on the region you live in).