26 Practical Survival Skills Life Hacks for Everyday Emergencies

Everybody's talking about survival skills and life hacks to help get through difficult situations, but have you ever taken the time to learn them yourself?

When an emergency happens, can you handle it?

Will you know what to do, or will you be left struggling?

It’s easy to assume we’ll be fine until something unexpected happens, but being prepared can really help you get through it.

In this article, I’ve put together over 26 practical survival skills life hacks that could help you handle a range of emergencies.

So, now let's get into it!

1. How to Start a Fire

Sometimes, we don't realize how important something is until we really need it, and fire is one of those things.

I’m trying to say, if you know how to start a fire regardless of the materials available on hand, it can definitely help you survive any situation.

Flint and Steel

If you don't have matches or a lighter, you can use flint and steel to start a fire. Flint is a type of rock that creates sparks when struck with steel.

To do this, hold the steel against the flint and strike it. The spark that flies off will land on dry tinder (such as grass or leaves), which will catch fire.

Battery and Steel Wool

Another method you can adopt is by using a battery and some steel wool. Steel wool is the fine metal mesh often used for cleaning.

Simply rub the steel wool against the battery terminals (the metal ends of the battery).

The connection will cause the steel wool to spark and start burning. You can use this spark to ignite dry twigs or paper.

Cotton Balls and Petroleum Jelly

One of the easiest and most reliable fire starters is cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly.

Petroleum jelly is a thick, greasy substance often used for moisturizing or healing skin. Simply dip cotton balls into the jelly until they’re fully coated.

These cotton balls will catch fire quickly and burn for a longer time than regular cotton, making them great for starting fires, especially when it’s cold or damp outside.

Having the right survival gear can make fire-starting much easier, especially in emergency situations.

2. How to Filter Water

Water is a basic need, and you don’t want to run out of it during an emergency. That's why it's important to learn how to filter water to make sure it's safe to drink.

DIY Water Filter

You can actually make a simple water filter using a plastic bottle.

What you’ll do is cut off the bottom of the bottle and place it upside down.

Fill the bottle with layers of charcoal, sand, and gravel. The charcoal helps remove odors and some chemicals, while the sand and gravel catch larger particles and dirt.

Once the water passes through the layers, it will be cleaner and safer to drink, though it’s still a good idea to boil it if you can.

Use a Bandana for Filtration

If you don't have a filter, you can use a bandana or cloth to filter out debris and dirt from water.

Just pour the water through the cloth, and it will catch larger particles like leaves and dirt.

While this won’t purify the water, it can help make it cleaner and easier to drink, especially when you need to remove visible debris.

3. How to Improvise Shelter

Of course, shelter is one of the most important things you can't overlook in a survival situation. Without it, you’re exposed to the elements, which can make everything else harder to manage.

Tarp Shelter

SAVE IT

A tarp shelter is an easy way to protect yourself from the elements.

To set it up, tie a rope between two trees (or any sturdy supports) at a height you can reach. Then, fold the tarp over the rope, draping it like a tent or awning.

Make sure the edges of the tarp are secured to the ground with rocks or sticks to keep it in place.

This shelter will keep you dry during rain and provide shade on hot days.

Using Trash Bag

In an emergency, a heavy-duty trash bag can be a life-saving shelter. These large, thick bags are durable and waterproof.

Simply cut a hole in the bottom of the trash bag for your head and arms to go through, turning it into a makeshift poncho or sleeping bag.

You can even stuff leaves, grass, or other materials inside for extra warmth and insulation.

This is a lightweight, compact shelter that’s easy to carry with you and can help keep you dry and warm in survival situations.

4. First Aid Life Hacks

You never know when someone might get injured, so knowing how to do basic first aid can be really helpful.

Even if you don’t have the right supplies, understanding how to use things around you to treat wounds or injuries can make a big difference until you can get proper medical help.

Honey as an Antiseptic

Thanks to honey’s natural antibacterial properties, it can help clean and protect cuts or burns.

Simply apply a small amount of honey directly to the wound, and it will help prevent infection and may even speed up the healing process.

Use Saltwater to Clean Wounds

If you don’t have access to antiseptics, saltwater can be a simple but effective alternative for cleaning cuts and scrapes.

To make it, mix a small amount of salt in clean water until it dissolves. Then, gently rinse the wound with the saltwater to remove dirt and bacteria.

The salt helps to clean the area and can reduce the risk of infection by drawing out impurities.

While it’s not a replacement for proper medical treatment, it can help keep the wound cleaner until you can get proper care.

Blister Treatment with Duct Tape

Blisters are painful, but you can treat them quickly with duct tape.

Who knew it could be used not only for fixing things but also as a lifesaver for blisters?

Simply cover the blister with a piece of duct tape. The tape will protect the blister from rubbing and friction, allowing it to heal without getting worse.

You can also use it to cover the area around the blister to reduce pain when walking.

Bandana as a Tourniquet

A bandana (or any cloth) can quickly be used to stop bleeding. If you don’t have a real tourniquet, this simple hack can help.

Fold the bandana and tie it tightly above the wound (on the limb), ensuring it’s not too loose. This will apply pressure to slow or stop the bleeding until proper medical help is available.

Be sure to watch for any signs of restricted blood flow in the limb and avoid leaving it on for too long.

5. How to Signal for Help

There may be times when you're in an emergency and need help, but you might not have a phone or any way to communicate immediately.

In these moments, knowing how to signal for help can be crucial.

Simple methods like using a mirror, flashlight, or even making noise can help you get noticed and increase your chances of being rescued.

Build a Fire to Signal from Afar

If you’re stuck and need help, lighting a fire is one of the easiest ways to signal, as the smoke is visible from miles away.

Not only does it provide warmth and light, but it also serves as a clear distress signal.

To make it even more noticeable, set up three separate fires in a triangle shape, which is a common distress signal.

Use a Flashlight 

Got a flashlight?

Use it to signal for help when it’s dark. Flashing light is much more noticeable than a steady beam, especially at night.

A quick life hack is to use Morse code with the flashlight: just three short flashes, followed by three long flashes, and three short flashes again spells out SOS, the universal distress call.

It’s simple, effective, and can be seen from far away.

Whistle Your Way to Attention

A whistle is one of the most effective ways to signal for help in a survival situation.

It doesn’t need batteries, and you can keep it attached to your gear for quick access.

Blow three short bursts to signal distress (this is the recognized emergency signal).

Whistles can carry sound much farther than shouting, making them perfect for getting someone’s attention, even if you're far off the beaten path.

6. How to Navigate Without Compass

There may be times when you’re lost, and unfortunately, your GPS is dead, or you don’t have a compass. Fortunately, there are still ways to navigate and find your way without them.

Use a Watch to Find Directions

A watch can be a great tool for navigation, especially when you're out in the wilderness and need to find direction.

If you want to be even more prepared, check out our guide on wilderness survival hacks. It provides more tips and advice on how to survive in the wild.

Track the Sun’s Path

This method might be a bit complicated, but if you're left with no other options, it's worth trying.

The sun’s movement across the sky is a natural way to orient yourself. (In the morning, the sun rises in the east, and in the evening, it sets in the west.)

By simply knowing the time of day, you can use the sun’s position to determine basic directions.

If you know where the sun is rising or setting, you can estimate which direction you’re heading.

7. How to Improvise Weapons for Self-Defense

It's always better to be safe than sorry, so it's important to know how to defend yourself if you're attacked—whether you're walking alone at night or traveling and someone tries to harm you.

Throw a Rock for Self-Defense

Rocks are one of the easiest defense weapons to use. Look for a rock that fits comfortably in your hand and can be thrown with force.

Aim for the attacker’s face, chest, or knees to cause pain or distraction, giving you time to escape.

Throwing rocks is a quick and effective way to defend yourself when you’re out or don’t have any other tools available.

Use Keys as a Self-Defense Tool

If you're carrying keys, they can double as a makeshift weapon. Hold a key firmly between your fingers, using it like a small, makeshift knife.

You can use the sharp edges to jab at an attacker’s face, hands, or any other vulnerable area.

This survival skill doesn’t require any extra tools, and it can be deployed in seconds when you’re facing danger.

Broken Glass or Bottle for Defense

If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, a broken glass bottle can serve as a sharp weapon. Once broken, the jagged edges of the glass can be used to slash or stab if necessary.

8. Urban Survival Tips

In a city, survival may look different from being out in the wilderness, but tough situations can still arise without warning. You might face a fire, power outage, or a sudden emergency in a crowded area.

That’s why knowing some urban survival tips can help you stay safe and handle whatever comes your way.

Smoke and Stay Low

If you find yourself in a smoke-filled area, whether from a fire or another disaster, stay low to the ground.

Smoke rises, so the air is clearer near the floor.

Crouch or crawl to avoid inhaling toxic fumes. Move quickly but carefully toward an exit, and if possible, cover your nose and mouth with a cloth or piece of fabric to filter out some of the smoke.

Stock Up on Canned Food

SAVE IT

Items like canned beans, tuna, and soups can last for months without refrigeration and are easy to eat straight from the can if necessary.

Keeping a stock of these foods in your emergency kit ensures you have a reliable food source when fresh options aren’t available.

Just make sure you also have a can opener handy for those times when you need it most.

DIY Flashlight from a Bottle

What if there's a power outage and you’re left in the dark? You can quickly make a lantern using a plastic bottle and a flashlight.

Simply fill the bottle with water and place it over the flashlight’s beam. The water diffuses the light, creating a bigger, softer glow to illuminate the area.

This simple hack can help you find your way in low light or during power outages.

9. How to Protect Your Home in Emergencies

Your home should be a safe place, and knowing how to protect it helps keep your loved ones secure. That’s why it’s important to talk with your family or friends about safety strategies and how you can work together to stay prepared.

If you’re looking for more ideas, our Prepper Survival Network Guide offers detailed tips to get started.

Secure Windows with Dowels

For added home security during a crisis, you can use wooden dowels or broom handles as a quick and effective way to secure sliding windows and doors.

Simply place them inside the tracks, and they’ll act as a physical barrier, preventing the doors or windows from being opened.

This simple hack makes it much harder for intruders to force their way in, providing an extra layer of protection to keep your home and family safe.

Lock Doors and Block with Furniture

If you're in a potentially dangerous situation, barricade doors with heavy furniture or other available items to create an extra layer of security.

Pushing a couch or heavy table in front of a door can slow down an intruder, giving you time to prepare or escape.

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