Q&A for How to Survive on a Desert Island

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How do you get food if it's just an island of sand?

Community Answer

You need to fish around the shallow waters surrounding the island for food. Most islands will have some sort of foliage in it, even if they are arid.

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Question

Would it be better to be stranded by yourself, or with ten other people? More people would mean more food would need to be gathered, but more people would mean more work could be done.

Community Answer

Ten other people. In addition to the benefit of extra sets of hands, there is a lot to be said for the mental health benefits of having other people around.

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Question

What is most important for survival? Water or shelter?

Community Answer

Water, because you will die without water but can suffer and live without shelter.

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Question

What happens if the makeshift boat I'm on sinks?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

In such a scenario, there are only three things that can happen. 1) you make it back to your island or a different island, 2) you manage to tread water until rescued, 3) you drown and die.

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Question

What would I do if an animal, like a fox, approaches me?

Community Answer

The animal is probably more scared of you than you are of them. Be sure to keep a fire going, and try to be in an enclosed space near the fire. However, if you find yourself without fire or shelter, it might be a good idea to wave your arms and speak in a loud, level voice. Never turn your back, but still back away slowly and diagonally. Do not run if the creature can see or hear you.

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Question

What if I can not find anything apart from cacti?

Community Answer

Most cacti are actually edible and contain a significant amount of water. If that's all you have, go head and dig in.

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Would I be able to eat a candy bar I found in my pocket to survive?

Community Answer

As long as the candy bar is sealed and not expired, you can eat it for some quick energy.

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How can I get food if it is up a tree?

Community Answer

You can climb, cut it, get it down, or you can throw it out of the tree to crack it if it has a hard shell.

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Can you boil salt water to drink?

Butterfly

Top Answerer

No, you cannot. Boiling saltwater will just make it hot. It will not reduce the salt or other mineral content. (Desalination involves not only boiling water but collecting condensed water vapor.)

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