How to Meet Your Basic Needs When Lost

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Nobody aims to get lost in the forest; however, some of us will find ourselves in just that position at some stage of our lives. The most important thing to remember is, not to panic. Stay calm, and concentrate on the four necessities of basic survival: Heat, shelter, water and food. Read on for more information.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Lint from your pockets
Stuffing from your jacket
Dry leaves from under a tree
Dry twigs and sticks
Matches or a lighter

How to Meet Your Basic Needs When Lost

Step1

This step covers your basic need of heat. Empty your pockets being careful not to drop any of the contents on the damp ground. Lint from your pockets is usually nice and dry and easily catches fire when placed under a small pile of dry twigs and sticks. As the fire catches the twigs, place more sticks carefully on top of the fire, until the fire is blazing nicely and giving off some warmth. Keep feeding the fire with more tree limbs. A fire will usually keep wild animals away, as well as to keep you warm and toasty. There is no point in wandering around the woods aimlessly, getting more and more lost overnight.

Step2

If you have no tent with you, a makeshift shelter can be made from a crude frame of dead and down wood constructed like a lean-to, with branches of pine trees laid thickly on top to keep out the weather and act as a wind-break. Relief from the wind or a blizzard is comfort in itself.

Step3

Boil some water on your campfire using an old food can or what ever you can find lying around. Make a hot drink for yourself, even if you have to scrape the inner bark of a pine tree to make some basic tea. The warmth will soothe you and help you sleep. Stay calm and don't worry. Stay positive.

Step4

You may be getting low on drinking water by now, so finding potable water is paramount at this stage. Don't forget to keep your campfire going in the day, too, to signal to rescuers that you are there. If it rains, then this has made your search efforts for water much simpler. Just place any receptacle you can find under anything that drips. This is good drinking water.

Step5

If you got lost without a gun or a bow and arrow, then digging for roots and grubs may sound really gross, but will save your life if you aren't found for a prolonged period of time. Sometimes moths may be eaten and are said to have a nutty flavor when fried, but don't quote me. Insects are now your primitive food source and should be looked upon as such. All the while stay positive and concentrate on your survival. Stay at your campsite and do not waste energy wandering around looking for a better spot. You have all your four basics right there, to ensure your survival. Gather firewood during the day and keep that fire burning. You will be found eventually.