When it comes to prepping, there are survival skills everyone should know. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the gear, gadgets, and “survival hacks” out there. But let’s face it—fancy tools are only as useful as the skills behind them. Whether you’re a new prepper or have been stockpiling supplies for years, developing survival skills is key to thriving in an emergency. And here’s the best part: many essential survival skills are simple to learn and can be practiced without a ton of time or money.

In this post, I’m going to talk about the core skills to master to feel confident and self-reliant when things go south. This isn’t about doomsday bunkers or extreme measures; this is commonsense prepping that anyone can—and should—do.

1. Water Sourcing and Purification

Water is essential, and during an emergency, it can quickly become scarce. You need to know where to find water and how to make it safe to drink.

Key skills:

• Finding water: Learn where to find natural sources in both urban and rural areas, like public fountains, rivers, and rainwater.
• Purification: Boiling is the easiest method, but be prepared with alternatives like water filters or purification tablets.

Pro Tip:

A basic water filter and purification tablets can be lifesavers, and they don’t take up much space in your kit.

2. Fire-Starting Techniques

In an emergency, being able to start a fire is crucial for warmth, cooking, and sterilizing water.

Key skills:

• Fire without matches: Practice using tools like Ferro rods or even a magnifying glass. The more you practice, the quicker you’ll be in a real situation.
• Tinder and kindling: Learn to gather materials like dry leaves, pine needles, or even pocket lint to get the fire going.

Pro Tip:

Keep a small fire-starting kit in your vehicle. You never know when you might need it.

3. Basic First Aid and Medical Skills

Accidents can happen anytime, and knowing how to handle them is key. You don’t need to be a doctor, but you should know the basics.

Key skills:

• First aid: Learn how to deal with cuts, burns, and sprains. Knowing how to use a first aid kit properly is a must.
• Common conditions: Be able to spot signs of dehydration or hypothermia and know how to act fast. Having knowledge of using medicinal plants is another handy skill to have in your first aid aresonal.

Pro Tip:

Take a basic first aid class. It’s an easy way to gain confidence in an emergency.

4. Food Preservation and Storage

Canned goods and dried foods are great, but you need to know how to store and preserve them properly to make sure they last.

Key skills:

• Preservation methods: Get familiar with canning, dehydrating, and vacuum sealing.
• Proper storage: Keep food in cool, dry places and rotate your supplies to avoid spoilage.

Pro tip:

Start by dehydrating easy foods like fruits and vegetables. It’s simple and gives you a taste of preserving food for later use.

5. Navigation and Orientation

In a crisis, GPS might not be available, and you’ll need to rely on old-school methods to find your way.

Key skills:

• Map reading and compass use: Make sure you know how to use a compass and read a map. These are skills that never go out of style.
• Evacuation planning: Have a few routes ready in case you need to leave your home in a hurry.

Pro tip:

Practice your navigation skills on your next camping trip. It’s good training and fun at the same time.

6. Self-Defense and Situational Awareness

Sometimes, staying safe means being able to defend yourself and knowing when to avoid danger altogether.

Key skills:

• Self-defense basics: Take a class and learn a few techniques that can help in a tight situation.
• Situational awareness: Always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid risky situations whenever possible.

Pro tip:

Being aware of what’s happening around you is half the battle when it comes to self-defense.

7. Gardening and Foraging for Food

When supplies run out, being able to grow or forage your own food is a huge advantage.

Key skills:

• Gardening basics: Even a small garden can make a difference. Focus on easy crops like potatoes, carrots, and herbs.
• Foraging: Learn to identify wild edibles in your area to supplement your food stores.

Pro tip:

Get the family involved in security planning so everyone knows what to do.

8. Home and Perimeter Security

In a crisis, your home is your castle, and you need to know how to secure it properly.

Key skills:

• Reinforcing entry points: Strengthen doors and windows to make your home more secure.
• Simple security measures: Motion sensors, tripwires, and even gravel paths can help alert you to intruders.

Pro tip:

Get the family involved in security planning so everyone knows what to do.

9. Basic Repair and Handyman Skills

When things break, you won’t always have a repairman around. Knowing how to fix things yourself is essential.

Key skills:

• Using tools: Make sure you know how to use basic tools like hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches.
• Quick fixes: Learn to patch leaks or make temporary repairs to keep things running smoothly.

Pro tip:

Take on small DIY projects around the house to sharpen your skills.

Conclusion

Prepping isn’t just about having the right gear—it’s about having the right skills. Take the time to learn and practice these skills now, so when an emergency hits, you’re ready to handle whatever comes your way.