In a survival situation, having access to the right resources can make all the difference. This article highlights four often-overlooked resources that can significantly enhance your chances of survival: swimming pools, vehicles, corn fields, and mailboxes. Each of these resources can be repurposed and utilized in various ways to meet your basic needs and increase your chances of survival.
Swimming Pools as Water Sources
Swimming pools can serve as a valuable water source during a crisis. Residential pools, both in-ground and above-ground, typically hold between 10,000 to 20,000 gallons of water per unit. This water can be used for drinking, cooking, and sanitation, but it requires proper filtration before consumption.
Locating Pools
Use Google Earth to locate pools in abandoned properties. Zoom in on neighborhoods and look for the distinctive shapes of pools. Once you’ve identified a pool, assess its condition. If the pool is in good condition, it’s likely to contain a significant amount of water.
Filtering Pool Water
To make pool water safe for drinking, you need to filter it through multiple stages. Start by using a sand filter to remove large particles. Next, use a charcoal filter to remove smaller particles and impurities. Finally, boil the water for at least one minute to kill any remaining bacteria and viruses. If you don’t have access to a filter, you can use a cloth or a coffee filter to strain the water before boiling.
Non-Potable Uses
Pool water can also be used for non-potable purposes like sanitation. Use it to wash your hands, clean wounds, or flush toilets. If you have a garden, you can use pool water to water plants, but avoid using it on edible plants unless it has been properly treated.
Emergency Water Reserve
Consider installing a low-cost pool as an emergency water reserve. This can be a simple above-ground pool or a larger in-ground pool. Fill it with water and cover it to prevent contamination. This way, you’ll have a reliable source of water in case of a crisis.
Vehicle Repurposing
Vehicles can be repurposed into temporary shelters and used for various survival purposes. Whether it’s a car, truck, or SUV, you can convert it into a makeshift shelter using tarps, debris, or insulation materials.
Shelter Conversion
Cover the vehicle with a tarp to create a shelter. Use branches, leaves, and other debris to insulate the vehicle and protect it from the elements. If you have insulation materials, use them to line the inside of the vehicle for added warmth.
Fire-Starting
Car parts can be used for fire-starting. For example, you can use wires and fuel lines to create a spark. Alternatively, you can use the battery to create a spark. Collect dry leaves, twigs, and other flammable materials to start a fire.
Water Storage
Store water in vehicle containers for transportation or emergency use. Use plastic containers, jugs, or bottles to store water. Fill them with water and label them with the date and the source of the water. Store them in a cool, dark place to prevent contamination.
Power Needs
Vehicle batteries can be used for short-term power needs. Use them to power a small generator or a portable solar panel. This can provide you with a source of electricity for charging your phone, radio, or other essential devices.
Corn Field Utilization
Corn fields can be a valuable resource during a survival situation. Dry corn cobs make effective fire starters, and corn stalks can be used for weaving shelters or insulation. Corn can also be harvested for food, but it must be cooked before consumption.
Fire Starters
Dry corn cobs can be used as fire starters. Collect them and store them in a dry place. When you need to start a fire, use the corn cobs as kindling. They will ignite quickly and provide a good base for your fire.
Shelter Construction
Corn stalks can be used for weaving shelters or insulation. Collect the stalks and use them to create a shelter. You can weave them together to create a sturdy structure or use them to insulate your shelter.
Food Harvesting
Corn can be harvested for food. However, it must be cooked before consumption. Cook the corn over a fire or in a pot. Avoid eating raw corn as it can cause digestive issues.
Composting
Corn byproducts can be used for composting or soil enrichment. Collect the husks, cobs, and other waste materials and use them to create a compost pile. This can provide you with a source of fertilizer for your garden.
Mailbox Repurposing
Mailboxes can be repurposed into portable stoves or heat-retaining cooking units. Metal components can be used for tool handles, storage containers, or signaling devices. Paint mailboxes for visibility or to mark locations during emergencies.
Cooking Units
Transform mailboxes into portable stoves or heat-retaining cooking units. Use the metal components to create a stove or a cooking unit. You can use the mailbox as a base and add a stove top or a cooking surface.
Tool Handles
Use metal components from mailboxes as tool handles. Collect the metal components and use them to create tools like knives, axes, or hammers. This can provide you with essential tools for survival.
Signaling Devices
Use metal components from mailboxes as signaling devices. Collect the metal components and use them to create a signaling device. You can use the mailbox as a base and add a signaling device like a mirror or a whistle.
Conclusion
By repurposing these resources, you can increase your chances of survival in a crisis. Whether it’s using swimming pools as water sources, repurposing vehicles for shelter and power, utilizing corn fields for food and shelter, or repurposing mailboxes for cooking and signaling, each of these resources can be used in various ways to meet your basic needs.