How to Survive on a Deserted Island

While it's important to hope for the best in life, it's also important to plan for the worst. While no one expects to land on a deserted island, the fact of the matter is that it can happen. There are a handful of key skills and activities you should be aware of if you want to survive on a deserted island.

Instructions

1

Decide that you are going to do whatever it takes to survive. You're going to have to set aside just about every custom and preference you have if you're going to live for more than a few days on a deserted island.

2

Identify a clean source of fresh water. Safe drinking water is your first priority. If you don't have clean, safe drinking water within 3 to 4 days, you'll die. The further inland you go, the more likely you are to find fresh water.

3

Prepare to eat some strange things. After water, food is your next priority. You can safely consume most animals and seafood, provided they are cooked and not diseased. Snakes, crabs and even insects can provide the vital nutrients you need.

4

Find or make shelter. Before too long, you'll need some protection from the elements. A cave can be an acceptable shelter, assuming there aren't any dangerous animals that already occupy the cave.

5

Make a fire. It is extremely difficult to make a fire without matches or a lighter. Still, there are several methods of natural firemaking, from the bow method to the stereotypical rubbing together of sticks. Creating a fire will provide you comfort, warmth and a way to cook your food.

6

Let other people know where you are. Whether that's with a satellite phone that happened to survive the wreck along with you, or whether it's by placing rocks in a large "HELP" pattern on the beach, figure out ways to let planes and ships know you're in distress.

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While it's important to hope for the best in life, it's also important to plan for the worst. While no one expects to land on a deserted island, the fact of the matter is that it can happen. There are a handful of key skills and activities you should be aware of if you want to survive on a deserted island.

Instructions

1

Decide that you are going to do whatever it takes to survive. You're going to have to set aside just about every custom and preference you have if you're going to live for more than a few days on a deserted island.

2

Identify a clean source of fresh water. Safe drinking water is your first priority. If you don't have clean, safe drinking water within 3 to 4 days, you'll die. The further inland you go, the more likely you are to find fresh water.

3

Prepare to eat some strange things. After water, food is your next priority. You can safely consume most animals and seafood, provided they are cooked and not diseased. Snakes, crabs and even insects can provide the vital nutrients you need.

4

Find or make shelter. Before too long, you'll need some protection from the elements. A cave can be an acceptable shelter, assuming there aren't any dangerous animals that already occupy the cave.

5

Make a fire. It is extremely difficult to make a fire without matches or a lighter. Still, there are several methods of natural firemaking, from the bow method to the stereotypical rubbing together of sticks. Creating a fire will provide you comfort, warmth and a way to cook your food.

6

Let other people know where you are. Whether that's with a satellite phone that happened to survive the wreck along with you, or whether it's by placing rocks in a large "HELP" pattern on the beach, figure out ways to let planes and ships know you're in distress.