Safety - Scoutips

How to Purify Water in the Wild 5 Different Ways

6Feb

By Adi LNo Comments

Safety, Food, Outdoors, Survival

How to Purify Water in the Wild 5 Different Ways

Ever drank water from a fresh-running stream in the woods? You’re not alone. It seems clean and fresh enough to be safe for drinking, right? Nope. “Fresh” water can have traces of animal droppings, diseases, germs, chemicals, sewage, and runoff, among others. Doesn’t sound so appealing now, does it? You can learn how to purify water in the wild to get rid of unwanted bacteria in your body. To know how to purify water in the wild is one thing, but to know many other ways is even more important to accommodate and be prepared for all possible situations. NOTE: It is recommended that you first filter the water with a clean cloth before performing any of these processes. Method 1: Iodine/Chlorine Tablets or Droppers To start of on how to purify water in the wild, we'll l...

How to Survive an Animal Attack: 30+ Tips

17Jan

By Adi LNo Comments

Outdoors, Safety, Survival

How to Survive an Animal Attack: 30+ Tips

Learning how to survive an animal attack is important, in spite of all the preventive measures you took to keep animals out of your campsite. Let’s say an animal still manages to wander into your path or onto your trail. You don't need to panic; they will likely run away at the first sight of you. But in the rare event that a bear, mountain lion, wolf, hornet, snake, bee, or other animal approaches you, here's how to survive an animal attack Note: These are safe methods for the most common types of animals you will see. Please refer to your local park's website to find specific animals you might encounter and how to prepare yourselves against them. For bears, mountain lions, and wolves: If it doesn’t see you, stay quiet and calm, and don’t make any sudden movements.DO NOT ...

10 Ways to Keep Animals out of Your Campsite

26Nov

By Adi LNo Comments

Safety, Outdoors, Survival

10 Ways to Keep Animals out of Your Campsite

We don't hold "exclusive rights" to nature; we share it with countless other critters, big and small. Animals are often best viewed from afar, but when they get too close to you, especially in your campsite, bad things start to happen. That's why it's crucial to learn how to keep animals out of your campsite. There are many animals you can encounter in the wild, but we will go over how to keep out the most common ones you will see. Note: Be sure to check with the park agency for information regarding animals usually seen in your area. Common animals you will find in the wild include: Bears RaccoonsRodentsSnakesWolves/Coyotes Luckily, you can use the following preventive methods for all the animals listed here. Use bear canisters or bear boxes to keep your ...

How to Identify Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac

17Oct

By Adi LNo Comments

Safety, Outdoors

How to Identify Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac

Our perception of “living off the land” has been romanticized; we imagine using our outdoor know-how to masterfully concoct meals from our natural surroundings (and maybe impress our friends too). But throwing caution to wind in situations like this isn’t going to end well. Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac have quietly permeated nearly all of America's wilderness. Their effects can cause quite the unpleasant surprise. Would you like to pass out? Maybe vomit? How about some painful rashes? We didn’t think so. Read on to make sure any of this doesn’t happen to you. Learn how to identify poison ivy, oak, and sumac Many types of poisonous plants occur throughout the United States, and they vary by region. We will go through the plants you will most likely see: poision ivy, poison oak, and poison...

How to Get Emergency Assistance in 3 Likely Places: Home, the Outdoors, and on Water

27Sep

By Mo LNo Comments

Safety, Outdoors

How to Get Emergency Assistance in 3 Likely Places: Home, the Outdoors, and on Water

We scouts all love the outdoors and all it has to offer. But unfortunately, we often forget to consider all of the different ways that the outdoors can cause us injuries. This is inevitable—it's one of the many realities of life. But we can be ready for when fate strikes and can get help quickly. Read on to learn how to get emergency assistance at home, in the outdoors, and on the open water. Home In the case of an emergency at home, you should call 911 or directly take the victim to the nearest hospital (if possible). You should perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) in the case of unconsciousness or trouble breathing. Remember that CPR should only be performed if you know the proper technique. Put the victim in the shock/recovery position (leaning on one’s side) or a comfort...

How to Put Out a Fire With Safety and Care

27Aug

By Adi LNo Comments

Outdoors, Safety, Survival

How to Put Out a Fire With Safety and Care

Now that you've started a fire with How to Build and Start a Fire and enjoy it safely with Managing a Campfire, it's time for the fun to end. By this, that means we need to put out the fire. Putting out a fire can be very simple, but is important to know nevertheless the proper technique; you don't want to be the cause of a forest fire or worse! Step 1: Let the Fire Burn Out It is highly recommended that you follow this step and only put out the flame once it is dosed; it is much safer this way. This also makes your life easier, as it takes less effort to actually clean up. It also doesn't waste your wood. Step 2: Spread Out the Remains of the Fire Spreading out the fuel ensures no ember is left smoldering after you douse the fire, and saves water and time. Step 3: Dou...

What to Do Before Starting A Campfire: The Best 4-Step Checklist

26Jul

By Adi LNo Comments

Outdoors, Safety, Survival

What to Do Before Starting A Campfire: The Best 4-Step Checklist

Learn about what to do before starting a campfire. Gone are the days when we would ignorantly throw a pile of wood on the ground, pour a liter of oil on top, and light a fire ablaze. One, that isn't safe or environmentally friendly, and two, that is inefficient. We now have a responsibility to take care of nature and our loved ones by using safe and sustainable methods of fire-starting. But don't worry; we've assembled a simple four-step procedure for what to do before starting a campfire, for safety, convenience, and effectiveness. What to do Before Starting a Campfire: Step 1: Check your area. Be sure to pay attention to where you are camping to mitigate potential forest fires and to be considerate to nature. Any flammable materials of some sort should be as far away as p...

19Jul

By Adi LNo Comments

Outdoors, Safety, Survival

Campfire Safety: 8 Important Things to Keep in Mind

Ah, the epitome of the outdoors; the campfire. Sitting around with friends and family, roasting smores, and smelling the fresh pine smoke. But beware! Without proper campfire safety, the flames can inadvertently go out of control, setting your tent or the ground ablaze. Read on to learn to learn about campfire safety and start a fire without burning a forest down! Here are the best ways to stay safe with fire in the outdoors: Prepare the desired location for the campfire. It is of utmost importance to choose and fix a location that allows you to make the safest campsite possible. Check out 4 Steps You Need to Take Before Starting a Fire to ensure your campsite is ready to roll. Learn how to start a fire properly and safely. This is a no-brainer. Definitely when it come...