Typhoons form in the Western North Pacific and tend to affect China, Japan, and the Philippines. At the extreme, typhoon wind speeds can reach up to 150 miles an hour, and gusts can reach 300 mph. Along with these strong winds come torrential rains and a devastating storm surge that can reach 20 feet above normal water levels. These tropical storms tend to dissipate when they can no longer get their energy from the warm water. When it moves over land, its energy source quickly disappears, and the storm begins to lose its power.

Unlike tornadoes, typhoons and hurricanes do not form suddenly. It takes several days before a minor storm becomes a major typhoon. Normally starting as a normal thunderstorm, the right conditions can build them into intense weather disturbances. Thanks to modern satellites and communication systems, it is easy to spot and track typhoons. Weather bureaus can, therefore, inform people well before a typhoon event that the danger is approaching.

Most countries subject to frequent tycoons have established safety procedures and plans to help people prepare and prevent injuries and property damage. By the time a typhoon is close, local authorities will already have issued warnings, anywhere from 24-48 hours before the predicted landfall. People in the area should follow these tips to stay safe:

* Store enough fresh drinking water and food for several days. The typhoon’s destructive power may make it impossible to return home right away or to get to groceries or markets. Further, the storm may destroy local water delivery systems.

* If you are caught outdoors during the storm, seek high ground and find some type of durable shelter.

* If your home is not strong enough to withstand powerful wind gusts and rapid flooding, seek cover at a designated evacuation center or shelter. Don’t risk your life by staying in a poorly-constructed building.

* If you do stay home, turn off and unplug electric appliances and equipment to avoid possible electrical shorts and fires. Frequently, your local utility will cut off power to prevent additional emergencies.

* Make sure you have adequate protective rain gear to keep warm and dry in case you need to flee the area.

* If you are indoors during the storm, stay there. Going outside may expose you to fallen power lines or flying debris that is extremely dangerous.

* Make sure you have a battery-powered radio to monitor the situation through local news services whether the community’s power is on or off.

Man hasn’t learned how to prevent typhoons, but we can anticipate their direction and power soon enough to find safety and survive. Being well-prepared will spare you the emotional stress of panic and avoid making possibly deadly mistakes. Fear and panic are responsible for many lost lives, and that is one condition you can control.

Source by Abhishek Agarwal

The post Surviving A Typhoon – 7 Vital Tips To Brace Yourself During A Typhoon Alert appeared first on American Survival Gear.

Emergencies that need first aid are challenges when people around know first aid and have a first aid kit nearby.

Without those saviors, the same situation can be a helpless nightmare.

It is critical that you not only know basic first aid but that you also have a kit that is well stocked in your home, office, backpack, and car. It can be the difference between life and death. If not all that then the bill is certainly better than a visit to the doctor or hospital.

In fact, just the other day my wife cut her hand deep in the kitchen. I step in with the first aid kit and a few days later you can barely see a mark. This

would have been a $500 trip to the hospital and a risk of her getting something worse with an open wound there.

I am not saying to avoid the care of physicians. If you ever think that a doctor can help then GO! Do not EVER attempt to do ANYTHING that you are not 100% SURE will not do harm or make anything worse.

• When a person breaks or dislocates their arm, a simple sling and a stick can become a sling to immobilize the arm and reduce the strain on it. That will buy you time to get to help.
• A venomous snakebite is one of the worst things that happens on a camping trip. There are really cool snake bite care kits that will help keep a person stable while seeking medical treatment. Another aid in this situation is to have a local animal identification guide with nice pictures in it. If you can ID the type of snake then you will better know how to go ahead.
• You should not ever attempt to suck out the poison from a snakebite. If you know what you are doing and have been trained to do this then it is whatever you and the bite victim decide. I really suggest that you get a snake bite kit and carry it (even if you do know how to suck venom which is very dangerous except in the movies).
• Winter weather bring the threat of hypothermia in many locations. Even in the Summer, some locations can get very cold at night. first, know where the heck you are going and read about its average and extreme temperatures, including the wind chill factors for that time of year. If it gets cold where you are heading bring plenty of layers of clothing sleeping bags or at least some emergency blankets. Stay dry at all costs if you are getting cold. Make a fire ASAP and stick near it till the sun comes out to warm you up again. If you are in a wet place then keep a set of clothing dry and change into it after getting your shelter, fire and water situation squared away.
• Everyone gets minor cuts are scrapes when hiking in the great outdoors. This in not a problem most of the time. Your cut it is a perfect breeding ground for all kinds of nasty organisms. Best to clean and over the cut to stay on the safe side.
• Splinters can be easily removed with a pair of tweezers and some good hands free lighting. The head lamp is a must item for me because if I can’t see, I can’t help. The tweezers that I carry have a magnifying glass attached to them making the setup portable and simple to use.

These are just a few examples of situations that can be minor bumps in the road if you have the proper training and gear. There is no better time than now to get started and Learn to Last!

Source by Adam Malnove

The post First Aid Tips in the Wilderness With the Use of a First Aid Kit appeared first on American Survival Gear.

Here are 5 unbelievable uses of aluminum foil for camping and the outdoors:

Multi-Use Kitchen Tool

Heavy-duty foil is great for outdoor kitchen use. Use it to cook foil packet dinners over your campfire or to wrap your leftover food. One great property of foil is that it can be shaped easily into anything. If you run out of a bowl or plate to eat out of or you need an extra “pan” to cook over a campfire, you can those using foil! You can even create a makeshift cup, spoon or a bigger bowl to collect rainwater.

Windbreaker

Is the wind interfering with your campfire fun? Use a wall of foil to create a windbreaker and place it around the campfire to help break wind. Not only will it keep your campfire up and roaring, but will also help you keep warm when the night is cool as it will help radiate the warmth back to you!

Bait for Fishing

Is there a lake nearby where you camp and want to go fishing? If you weren’t able to bring a bait, no worries – take out some aluminum foil, wrap some at the hook of your fishing rod to make an instant and effective fishing lure. Remember, fish are attracted to shiny objects!

Sharpen Knives

A crumpled piece of aluminum foil can do so many wonders. You can use it to sharpen dull knives or scissors. You can also use it to scrub dirty pots and pans to remove any soot or dirt that regular dishwashing soap can’t remove. You can also use a ball of foil to remove rust.

For Emergencies

Because of the foil’s reflective property, it’s ideal to use as a signal for emergency situations. Just tie a piece of foil to a tree branch or anywhere that can be easily spotted to locate you from both air and land.

Bring some extra heavy duty aluminum foil the next time you go camping – you never know when it might become handy! It may save you from a bad situation!

Source by Daniel J. Smith

The post 5 Unbelievable Uses of Clothespins For Camping And The Outdoors appeared first on American Survival Gear.

To ensure a smooth-sailing first hike, avoid these common hiking mistakes that first-timers usually make:

Choosing the wrong backpack

Many first-time hikers make the mistake of choosing a backpack just because it’s light, and that’s it. A good pack makes a big impact on your hiking adventure. You should consider the size and fit, quality and usability.

When choosing a backpack for hiking, take into consideration the weather, season, how long your trip is and how far you’re going.

Wearing the wrong clothes

You’re thinking, it’s only a day hike and you shouldn’t put much thought into what you’re going to wear – wrong. A short or a long hike, appropriate clothing is important to ensure comfort on the trail. Cotton fabric, even lightweight ones, take a while to dry from sweat (or rain). This increases the risk of hypothermia.

Opt for wicking fabrics instead like polyester and wool. Don’t forget to wear comfortable socks and footwear, too!

Not bringing a first aid kit

The outdoors is accident-prone and if you’re a novice in hiking, you should come prepared in case of medical emergencies, may it be a scrape, a splinter, an allergy or a snake bite. Pack a first aid kit that’s appropriate for the length of your trip and the size of your group. If there’s an item you don’t know how to use, make sure you learn beforehand. Safety should be your top priority.

Not eating breakfast

Breakfast indeed is the most important meal of the day. Before your hike, you need all the energy you can get from a healthy and balanced meal. Opt for fiber-rich foods and proteins to keep your metabolism going and to energize you. Smoothies, yoghurt with fruit and granola or some eggs are good examples.

Over-exerting yourself

Always choose a trail that’s right for you. If you’re a beginner, hike some easy trails first, preferably with a guide. Properly pace yourself and rest when you’re tired. Don’t feel pressured about keeping up with the other hikers.

Save yourself from trouble – avoid these common hiking mistakes!

Source by Daniel J. Smith

The post 5 Common Hiking Mistakes That First-Timers Should Avoid appeared first on American Survival Gear.

Here are 5 effective ways to sleep easier while camping:

Choose a comfortable spot to set up camp

Where you pitch your tent impacts your comfort while sleeping, especially if you’re prone to physical discomforts. Choose a spot that is flat, preferably over some grass if possible. Be sure to do a sweep and remove rocks, twigs and other debris that will cause you discomforts (and puncture your tent). Feel free to lie down and wiggle around to test the spot and see how it feels.

Pitch your tent near bathroom facilities and be sure to stay away from potentially noisy neighbors.

Buy a high-quality sleeping bag

Having the right sleeping bag will do wonders for your bedtime at camp. It’s important to use a sleeping bag appropriate to the season and weather of your trip. This makes sure that you are warm when needed or not too warm when the temperatures rise.

Invest in a comfortable camping pillow

You may be warm enough, but are you comfortable? Are your head and neck properly supported? You can bring your pillows from home, however, if you need to pack light or you’re going to do some travelling, you’re going to need a lightweight but durable pillow that will give you the comfort and head/neck support you need.

You can choose between a compressible and inflatable outdoor pillow, whichever caters to your personal needs.

Pack some ear plugs

If you’re used to silence to get sleepy, you won’t get that in the woods. Nature is noisier in the real world. Add the noise from your camp neighbors and it won’t really be easy to fall asleep. Bring earplugs or download a white noise machine on your phone to help drown out the noise from the surroundings.

Keep bugs and insects away

You won’t be able to sleep with a constant buzzing in your ear or if you have to keep scratching insect bites. Keep the insects, bugs and mosquitoes away by using citronella, lavender and other bug spray. You can also bring along a mosquito net for extra protection.

Follow these steps to sleep easier while camping, and you’ll fall into a deep, refreshing sleep outdoors from now on!

Source by Daniel J. Smith

The post 5 Effective Ways To Sleep Easier While Camping appeared first on American Survival Gear.

Pack only necessary items. Always try to avoid excess luggage, and carry clothing items that can be reused. Comfortable casual clothes are ideal for the daytime. Pack your bag with extra pairs of swimsuits, gym clothes, long-sleeve and short-sleeve shirts, rainwear, shorts, and sweaters. Passports, birth certificates, cruise documents, and tickets are among the essential things that must be included while packing for Bahamas cruises. Always take an extra copy of these documents. Take along home cards with your home address and telephone number. Do take pack accessories such as snorkel gear, ponchos or rain gear, hiking boots, and fleece jackets. Try to leave expensive jewelry and other valuable items at home.

Don’t forget to add all your medicines and prescriptions. In addition, receive an extra prescription from the doctor for any medications you are currently taking and carry them with you. A camera or video camera is a necessary item to take. Most of the cruise lines feature 110-volt outlets in cabins, so you can also pack travel irons, hairdryers, electric shavers, and hairdryers. If necessary, bring suntan lotion, a hat, and sunglasses. If you are planning to take your child with you for a Bahamas cruise, then make sure to bring all the necessary clothing and accessories. Also, remember to include a carry-on bag, folding bag, and large- or medium-sized suitcase.

In addition to the above, a wireless telephone, important telephone numbers, toothbrush and toothpaste, umbrella, business cards, batteries, and emergency items are some other requirements to be included when packing for Bahamas cruises.

Source by Seth Miller

The post Packing for Bahamas Cruises appeared first on American Survival Gear.

Here are some important solo hiking tips on how to stay safe on the trail during a day hike:

Be prepared

Before your trip, you should feel confident about taking on the trails and paths you’re about to face, as different trails have different levels of difficulty. This means you should be in shape physically and you’re equipped with the right clothing and gear to avoid possible injuries and mishaps.

It’s also ideal that you do research about the trail you’re about to take on, even if you’ve hiked it once or twice before. Know where to get help, if there are any wildlife in the area or if there are any bodies of water you have to cross. Also familiarize yourself to the trail markers. Knowing these things will help you get prepared better and safer on the trail.

Share your hike plan with someone

Make it a point to know what time the sunset will be that day so you can plan your hike accordingly (you should be back before dark) and know how long your hike would take. Let someone responsible know your plan – what trail you’re hiking and what time you’ll be back. This will serve very useful in case you get lost.

Pack light

The heavier your pack is, the slower you’ll be. Make it a point to bring only the essentials like sufficient food and water, a change of clothes, first aid kit and navigation tools.

Stay on the trail

Take the time to take in the beauty around you but always stay on trail. You might be tempted to check out that waterfall nearby but it’s crucial to follow your plan and stay on schedule to avoid problems. Also observe how busy the trail is. If you encounter hikers every 5 minutes or so, then you won’t have any problems with getting help in case of emergencies.

Always stay safe on the trail whether it’s a day hike or a longer trip. Follow these essential hiking tips!

Source by Daniel J. Smith

The post Solo Hiking Tips: How To Stay Safe On The Trail For A Day Hike appeared first on American Survival Gear.

Also, don’t forget to bring essential gear to maximize the experience – pack a camera, binoculars and telescopes!

Look into any of these 3 best state parks for viewing wildlife:

Bald Eagle State Park (PA)

Located at the heart of Pennsylvania is the beautiful Bald Eagle State Park. It is 5,900 acres of fields, forests and wetlands inhabited by a very diverse wildlife. If you want to view wildlife, this is one of the best locations to do so!

Depending on the season you visit, you are very likely to encounter an abundance of animals living in their natural habitat. Monarch butterflies, squirrels, rabbits and woodchucks are a common sight. At Bald Eagle Mountain, porcupines and turkeys thrive. Red-winged blackbird and white-tailed deer frequent the wetlands. If you’re lucky, you might even encounter the elusive snapping turtles!

And of course, this is also the perfect place to spot the majestic bald eagles!

Buescher State Park (TX)

Buescher State Park is considered to be a wildlife haven. It is blessed with a very diverse environment inhabited by over 250 bird species (perfect for bird watching!) It is home to the large pileated woodpecker, armadillos, bobcats, rabbits, raccoons and white-tailed deer.

Not only that, Buescher State Park also has a wonderful selection of flora with many flowering plants, pines, oaks and grasslands.

The park also houses a lake perfect for fishing. You can also enjoy biking and hiking here.

Snow Canyon State Park (UT)

If you love outdoor fun and scenic adventures, Snow Canyon State Park is a good choice for a trip. Some activities that you can try here include hiking, wildlife viewing, horseback riding and nature studies. There are also plenty of nice photographic opportunities here for family photos.

Snow Canyon boasts of 5 miles of equestrian trails and 18 miles of landscape trails (of lava rock and Navajo sandstone) that are inhabited by unusual wildlife like the protected desert tortoise.

Wildlife viewing is truly an incredible experience that children will remember for a long time. Just be sure to follow the rules of the park regarding interacting with the animals. Plan a trip now and visit any of the 3 best USA State Parks for viewing wildlife!

Source by Daniel J. Smith

The post 3 Best USA State Parks For Viewing Wildlife appeared first on American Survival Gear.

1. Spyderco Delica 4

This knife took first place and for a good reason. The Spyderco Delica 4 is made from high quality VG-10 steel that is shipped razor sharp from the Spyderco factory. With a blade length of just under 3 inches this knife makes a great EDC that is legal to carry in most states. The FRN handle is ultra durable and grips like crazy. If you were looking for a pocket knife in 2010 there is a good chance you took a look at a Spyderco. A majority of these knives are under $50 which means you didn’t have to spend a fortune to get a great quality knife. The lightweight model of the Delica 4 was the most popular of the 2010 Delica product line.

2. Buck CSAR-T Knife

For the knife collectors that wanted a knife that was fierce and worked great in a wide variety of situations they picked the Buck CSAR-T. The CSAR was originally designed by a military operator for field use making this knife super strong. A modified tanto blade and G-10 handle give this knife amazing strength when prying and in tactical situations.

3. Cold Steel Bushman

What is said to be one of the strongest survival knives for around $20 the Cold Steel Bushman made its way to the number three spot easily. Made from a single piece of high quality SK-5 the Bushman provides increased strength over other hollow handled knives. With a 7 inch blade the razor sharp Cold Steel Bushman is a great camping knife for the outdoorsmen on a budget.

4. Gerber LMF Tactical Knife

The Gerber LMF tactical knife is a fixed blade tactical knife that is quickly becoming a must have for anyone who works in the field. Tested by field personnel this knife can cut through a wide variety of objects like fuselages and seat belts. With a sheath that easily sharpens the blade and can be attached to a vest for quick access the LMF tactical is the go to fixed blade of 2010.

5. Spyderco Sage

Coming in at number 5 this is the most expensive knife on the list. With a carbon fiber handle and USA made CPM-S30V steel the Spyderco Sage C123CFP is a mixture of high quality materials and cutting edge knife design. This mid-sized folder has a 3 inch blade that is flat ground to a sharp edge making it a great EDC knife for all knife users.

Source by Matt Heeb

The post Top 5 Knives of 2010 appeared first on American Survival Gear.

Mini Pizzas

These are easy to make using English muffins, a packet of pizza sauce, and cheese. The English muffins can be rewrapped in tinfoil, while the pizza sauce can be put in a small plastic container, and the cheese in a zip lock bag. When you are ready for this meal you simply add the pizza sauce and cheese on top of the English muffin and wrap them in tin foil. In order to prevent the cheese from sticking to the tin foil, make it loose on top. These can be cooked on top of a stove, or by leaving in the sun for an hour or so, just long enough to melt the cheese. Other ingredients, such as onions, mushrooms, or black olives can be added for a more flavorful variety of toppings.

Biscuits & Gravy

The biscuits can be made at home. I pack them in a water bottle with a large opening on top, since this saves space. The gravy mix is easy to pack since most come in a powdered form than can be put in a Ziploc bag. I find mixes that only need water added, but you can also find one that needs milk, and bring along some powdered milk. When ready for this meal you can head some water and the gravy mix and pour it over the biscuits. The biscuits do not need to be reheated, since they will get warm from the gravy. You can also bring jelly packets and use any left over biscuits as a treat with jelly spread on them.

Noodles With Wild Mushrooms

There are many varieties of mushrooms that are sold in their dried form. These can be purchased at most grocery stores, and an assorted pack of wild ones can provide a wonderful variety of tastes. The noodles can be any type, but I find the flat varieties most efficient for space and durability. Other than the noodles and mushrooms, a couple tablespoons of butter, as well as salt and pepper, are needed. The dried mushrooms need to soak for a couple of hours before being cooked. The liquid used to soak them is reused to cook the noodles in. After the noodles are cooked, they need to be mostly drained, with a slight amount of liquid left in. Add the mushrooms, butter, salt and pepper. Another great addition is some Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

Backpacking Recipes That Don’t Need Cooking

Pita Pockets with Hummus

This is a quick, filling, and versatile meal. Pita pockets can be found at most grocery stores, and are ideal for packing since they are flat and compact. Hummus is great because it provides a lot of protein and flavor, and can be purchased in powdered form where water is added to reconstitute it. The hummus can be spread inside of the pita pocket, and cucumbers and olives can be added to enhance the flavors.

Tuna Fish on Tortillas

This is a great meal that is easy to make. The tuna fish can be purchased in a pouch. Sweet relish should be packed in a leak-proof plastic container, and mixed in with the tuna during preparation of this meal. The tuna and relish mixture is then heated and served on top of a small tortilla. A slice of cheddar cheese can be put on top of the tuna, and will melt slightly from the heat of it. The tortilla can then be folded in half, or rolled up. This is surprisingly good tasting and very filling.

While there are many more ideas for tasty backpacking recipes, this is a sample of how simple and scrumptious cooking for the back country can be. Enjoy!

Source by Sarah J Holt

The post Five Backpacking Recipes appeared first on American Survival Gear.