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What's the first thing you should do if you find yourself stranded or lost somewhere?

Britt Edelen
Outdoor Educator
Britt Edelen was an active member of his local Boy Scouts troop near Athens, Georgia from ages 8 to 16. As a Scout, he went on dozens of camping trips, learned and practiced many wilderness survival skills, and spent countless hours appreciating the great outdoors. In addition, Britt worked as a counselor for several summers at an adventure camp in his hometown, which allowed him to share his passion for and knowledge of the outdoors with others.

Britt Edelen

Outdoor Educator

Expert Answer

If you're trying to survive, the first thing you're going to need to think about no matter what situation you're in—you could be in a snowy forest or a hot desert—is finding water. That will depend largely on the environment you're in.

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Question

If you get lost in the wilderness, how do you find your way home?

Britt Edelen
Outdoor Educator
Britt Edelen was an active member of his local Boy Scouts troop near Athens, Georgia from ages 8 to 16. As a Scout, he went on dozens of camping trips, learned and practiced many wilderness survival skills, and spent countless hours appreciating the great outdoors. In addition, Britt worked as a counselor for several summers at an adventure camp in his hometown, which allowed him to share his passion for and knowledge of the outdoors with others.

Britt Edelen

Outdoor Educator

Expert Answer

You're actually more likely to be found if you sit and stay put. A lot of people tend to think, "Oh, I need to try to figure out where to go to get back to where I was," but that can actually be counterproductive. If you're ever lost, like on a hike, you shouldn't try to move around. You should just sit and figure out a plan, especially if other people knew where you were going. It's way more likely that you'll be found that way.

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Question

How can I find safe drinking water in a survival situation?

Britt Edelen
Outdoor Educator
Britt Edelen was an active member of his local Boy Scouts troop near Athens, Georgia from ages 8 to 16. As a Scout, he went on dozens of camping trips, learned and practiced many wilderness survival skills, and spent countless hours appreciating the great outdoors. In addition, Britt worked as a counselor for several summers at an adventure camp in his hometown, which allowed him to share his passion for and knowledge of the outdoors with others.

Britt Edelen

Outdoor Educator

Expert Answer

Try to get to higher ground. Rivers and creeks are more likely to be found at higher elevations, and they flow downward. Follow the river or creek upward to find the source of the water, which will be cleaner since it hasn't been contaminated by anything going down.

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Question

To make a fire, do I just have to rub the two pieces of wood together quickly?

Lorena Lease

Community Answer

Not exactly. First, find a dry place. Set up a teepee using big (dry) logs. Get dry leaves and set them under the teepee. You will need two flint rocks, then rub them together over the teepee until you get sparks. Next, blow on the sparks to get a fire started. Remember to get more wood to keep the fire going.

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Question

Where do I get flint rocks to start a fire?

Galasy4969

Top Answerer

Flint is a black, smooth, semi-shiny rock found just about anywhere. You can buy flint strikers in most outdoor supply stores.

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