The right survival tool can be the difference between life and death. Crisis situations demand a tool that is both versatile and reliable. You might have to be on the move for miles or to be hunkered down in a shelter for several days. Hatchets and tomahawks are survival tools that should be on your packing list.

What is the Difference Between a Hatchet and a Tomahawk?
A casual observer may see hatchets and tomahawks as being the same tool. A more intensive search reveals that this is not the case. Both tools are unique in their own ways, and each are worth investigating. Both hatchets and tomahawks can serve very useful roles in your survival arsenal.

  • Hatchets serve as dependable and sturdy camp tools. They should be on hand at any campsite and backpacking journey. Building a suitable fire for warmth and protection is made much easier with a hatchet. Larger pieces of firewood can be made much more manageable with a hatchet, not to mention the creation of effective kindling.
  • Those larger logs and branches can also be wrangled more easily for constructing a shelter in an emergency situation. Many hatchets come equipped with a flat poll (back) that serves as a hammer head opposite of the cutting edge.
  • In hunting situations, the short blade is maneuverable for dressing  game, as well as sturdy for breaking apart bones.
  • Look for a hatchet with full tang construction, or with the steel head and handle made as one continuous piece. Full tang construction increases the strength and durability of this useful tool. Ranging from around 1 or 2 pounds and 16 to 24 inches, a hatchet can fit in easily with gear and be very light to carry over distances.

The Aggressive and Dynamic Tomahawk
The image of a Native American wielding a tomahawk for hand-to-hand combat or throwing is part of many popular films and stories. The tomahawk has been used in many combat situations since, but the role hasn’t changed much over time.

  • The tactical tomahawk gained popularity as a combat tool in various military campaigns, the Vietnam War most notably. The small size and lightweight construction makes it effective for personal protection. The aggressive design of a tomahawk clearly conveys its ultimate purpose.
  • A tomahawk also meets additional needs like breaching doors and windows for dynamic entry and for opening crates. A smaller cutting edge is available, and a spike end is often the option opposite of the edge. This spike can host a few options like a serrated edge or a crowbar end, depending on the intended use of the tool.
  • The more streamlined handle and grip may decrease construction utility but in turn makes for a much lighter tool that is packable and, lest we forget, throwable. Yes, while not the best combat technique, throwing a tomahawk can be an option in crisis scenarios.

A well-constructed and reliable hatchet or tomahawk should be part of your emergency preparedness items. Its size and versatility are undeniable, and the usefulness of each tool will reveal itself in a survival situations. Use hatchets for keeping a safe and warm camp. Use the tactical tomahawk for personal safety and a situation that demands strength and aggression.

The winter season brings challenges for travel as well as weather that can wreak havoc. There are survival strategies that are unique to the ice, snow, and freezing temperatures. Ice storms can cause power outages that can last for days, traveling on roadways is a hazardous gamble, and unpredictable weather patterns require quick responses.

With all of the chaos that winter can bring, you can’t be over-prepared for emergency survival. Holidays mean that many people do lots of traveling in their cars and trucks. The nasty weather also means that many people choose to drive to places in their communities where they would normally walk or bike in more pleasant weather. Your car is the first place to equip when it comes to preparing for winter survival.

Items You Can’t Live Without
First things first, you’ll need to have a shovel in your car. Removing snow and ice from under wheels can be a crucial first step in removing your car from a precarious situation. Models of foldable shovels are out there to save space in your car, so there’s no excuse. After you’ve done your best to dig out of the snow, you’ll need a few blankets or sleeping bags on hand to stay warm. Running your vehicle too much not only uses up valuable gas, but can be hazardous if your exhaust is trapped in the snow as well. Be sure you can stay warm and still only run your car’s heat for maybe ten minutes per hour.

Staying warm requires body energy and heat, and that doesn’t happen without water and food. Good snacks to consider are items that aren’t perishable and will stay in your car for the winter without spoiling. Candy bars and protein energy bars are compact sources of quick energy that will be useful. Having clean water on hand is an undeniable need for winter survival.

Stay Alive with These Strategies
As you drive, keep your approximate location in mind. Note road signs you pass and know what direction you’re headed. If a call to 911 or to family needs to be made, it will help a lot to be able to give them your location. Don’t drive blind, know where you are at all times or at least how you there.

Along the same lines, if you’re headed out on the road in the winter be sure to let someone know where you’re going and about what route you’ll be taking. If someone hasn’t heard from you in a while or has been expecting you and you haven’t shown up, they’ll know when you left and may be able to find you on your route.

When you’re stranded in the car and waiting for help to arrive, keep in mind your warmth and safety. Avoid exerting yourself too much if you’re trying to dig your car out or walking for help. Winter weather is unpredictable and you don’t want to get caught too far from your vehicle. Take frequent breaks if you are trying to dig out or repair your car to prevent too much sweat or dehydration.

Keep these strategies in mind when you travel this winter and increase your odds of arriving at those holiday parties safe and warm. Preparing doesn’t require too much effort and can have big payoffs in case of a winter emergency.

Your car can be many things: a safe haven from the rain during a storm, your own concert hall when you’re driving by yourself, and what gets you from point A to B. We spend a lot of time in our cars. Unfortunately, that means there’s a lot that can go wrong while we’re in them. Some emergencies you may experience in a vehicle might seem obvious: getting stranded in the snow, an unexpected breakdown, or an accident. But, there are many other events that can either force you into utilizing your vehicle for shelter or disrupt your trip while you’re already driving.

Natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods mean that you and your family might need to evacuate your home. But, what happens if that disaster strikes while you’re driving? Will you have what you need to survive? In the event of an emergency, you may find yourself having to rely on your vehicle for more than just transportation, and that’s why you should be prepared to deal with any situation that may occur.

Prepare Your Vehicle

First things first: make sure that your car is always well maintained and fueled up. In an emergency, you need to trust that your vehicle will get you where you need to go without failing mechanically. Also, keep in mind that in a disaster situation that necessitates evacuation, fuel will quickly become scarce and stopping to gas up takes precious time you could be using to get to safety. Imagine that half a tank is your new empty and never let the level get below that. Get familiar with basic auto repairs and always keep a tool kit in your car. Check your spare tire to make sure it’s properly inflated and learn how to use the jack to change a flat if needed.

Other items you should include:

  • Your vehicle’s repair manual
  • Jumper cables
  • Battery charger
  • Fix-a-flat or other tire sealant
  • Extra motor oil
  • Gas can
  • Flares or a reflective triangle
  • Ice scraper
  • Work gloves

 

Items Essential For Your Comfort and Survival

Even in the best conditions, car rides can be uncomfortable. During an emergency, you never know how long you’ll be in your vehicle or what conditions you may face outside. While you could bring along everything but the kitchen sink, you should include items you absolutely must have in your car no matter the circumstances.

Tailor your list as needed, but here are a few things that you should keep in your car at all times to ensure your comfort and survival:

  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight and spare batteries
  • High calorie, portable food (MRE’s, protein bars, etc.)
  • Wool blanket
  • Survival knife
  • Drinking water
  • Matches or other fire starter
  • Spare clothes
  • Duct tape
  • Note pad and pen
  • Folding shovel
  • Backpack to carry everything above if you have to leave your vehicle

 

Your Preparedness Matters

No matter what gear or tools you have, the most important aspect is your own mental preparedness. Staying calm and knowing what to do during an emergency can be the deciding factor in your survival. Take the time to study essential skills and learn about different types of emergencies. Get started today at Shadow Fox.

 

It is crucial to human survival. Without it, humans can’t go on for more than three or four days. Our cells need it and it helps regulate our body temperature. Go too long without it, and our decision making abilities falter and our moods swing. Water. Survival in emergency situations depends on it.

The human body is about 60% water. It needs a constant supply in order to keep running smoothly. In times of stress and danger, water keeps our heads cool and our brains functioning correctly. If there are other dangerous elements resulting from something like a natural disaster, don’t sabotage yourself by failing to keep clean water available.

Make a plan for storing clean water that you can access in the event of an emergency. When a natural disaster like a flood or hurricane put water supplies at risk, you will want to have a supply ready. Communities rely heavily on a dependable and sanitary water supply, so if an event puts that in danger there could be panic. Avoid the rush to local markets for water by having a safe supply in store nearby.

The containers that you choose to hold the water should be clean and sanitized before filling. Try to use only new containers when you start the process, since there can be a risk of elements left behind in containers like milk jugs that are tough to spot. These can have significant effects on the cleanliness of the water. If you are choosing plastic containers, be sure to use food-grade plastics. These are identifiable by the recycling arrows and a number between 1,2,4,and 5. Carefully consider using a 1 grade container, since they are generally meant for only single use.

Glass and stainless steel containers are also options for water storage. Glass carries with it the danger of shattering, so weigh your options in this case. Glass does allow you to see inside and gauge the safety of the water visually, and that can go a long way. Stainless steel containers are an excellent option as well. You may find that these containers are more expensive than plastic, for a very similar effectiveness. Consider also the possible need to move or travel with your containers. Sturdy designs, handles, and accessible sizes are crucial if your reserves need to be relocated.

In order to determine how many containers to purchase, you’ll want to rely on the suggestion of about one gallon of water per person per day. Your supplies of water will need to keep you and anyone else with you healthy and hydrated for as long as you plan on utilizing the storage. Consider the ages and medical needs of your loved ones as well, as the younger and elderly populations are more vulnerable to the stresses that a lack of water can produce. During an emergency, water is useful for more than just drinking. It is necessary for washing any dishes, cleaning wounds, and bathing.

Finally, find a cool and dark place to keep your water stored. Any exposure to sunlight can rapidly decrease the shelf life of water, so be sure that the location is free from temperature fluctuation and light sources. The water should be stored in an orderly fashion and well labeled so that a count can be made easily. Water should be changed out at least every six months, so clear labels can be very effective.

In the event of a natural disaster or event that puts your local water supply in danger, have a cache of clean water accessible. Water is an absolute necessity for human survival and cannot be overlooked. In times of danger and stress, water keeps human bodies functioning well and keeps moods and decisions regulated. Plan out the location and the types of containers you’ll use. You can’t afford to overlook the importance of water storage for emergency situations.