How to Deal with a Forced Cost of Living Crisis 

Survival Basics

Suitable drinking water -

A water filtration system is the oldest and most commonly used method to purify water.

An example of this is a life straw.

Boiling water is commonly used yet is not as efficient as a filtration system. Boiling water can make it safe to drink by killing a majority of microorganisms. Boiling is often safest when used with a filtration system rather than on its own.

Distillation is a water purification process that has water evaporated and then allowed to condense in a separate container. This can be a long process and take a long time to complete.

Distillation results in water being completely devoid of all contaminants.

Solar disinfection can kill microorganisms in water by using ultraviolet radiation emitted by the Sun. Doing this for a length of time is said to be just as good as any chemical or boiling. All you need is prefiltered water poured into a clear container or bottle with a cap or lid on it and then left in direct sunlight for about half a day, or the whole day.

Coriander /Cilantro Purification is believed to be effective and also pulls out heavy metals too. The process takes about 24 hours to complete. Place the fresh cilantro in your water source, bottle, jug, container, and leave to actively purify. It is probably advisable to use along with another form of filtration to stay safe.

Basil / Tulsi/ Holy Basil works much the same way for de-fluoridation of the water.

Desalination is the process of removing salt from salt water. Making the water then fresh and safer to drink. Typically, this process is done on a large industrial scale to supply water to coastal communities. Various companies now produce smaller, portable, or semi-portable desalinator’s that can allow seawater to be made safe to drink through a single process.

Water Purification Tablets or steri-tabs are widely used by the military. They can purify questionable water sources and make them safe or at the very least safe to drink. Popular options contain chlorine, troclosine sodium, and sodium dichloroisosyanurate. These tablets do not eliminate harmful chemicals, dissolved solids, or heavy metals, and adding too much could be harmful so be careful when using them.

Iodine is effective and through when it comes to water purification so long as too much is not added. Iodine is only effective against biological threats, it will not protect against dangerous chemicals, heavy metals, or other particulate contaminations. It also can stain the skin and clothing so be careful when using it.

Ultraviolet Steri-Pens can kill germs in the water and on the surface too. It works by bombarding the water with intense ultraviolet radiation that can destroy viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

Bleach is available and inexpensive and can be used to purify water. By adding just a small amount then giving it time to work, the chlorine in the bleach will kill all the germs present in the water. The bleach must be regular chlorine bleach without ant additives, thickeners or performance enhancing chemicals in it.

Just a standard sodium hypochlorite bleach will do the job. To every gallon of water, a very small amount must be added only. Print off or copy out the correct formulas before doing this and keep them handy for when you need to purify the water. Bleach works best in clear water, so prefilter the water first. It also will not remove chemicals, heavy metals, or dissolve solids in or from the water.

No matter the situation, in order to survive it, clean water and plenty of it must be available. A situation will become a whole lot worse if contaminated, and not properly purified water is digested and taken into the body.

Foraging –

Many famous chefs have in recent years made foraging and using local wild grown ingredients trendy. More awareness is happening around the need to be more sustainable and producing less of a carbon footprint.

Not only this but when we know what to look for, we can save money, eat well and maybe even survive hardship too. The UK is lucky to have a rich variety of things to collect. We have ancient woodlands, large hedgerows, wild meadows, and riverbanks.

Things such as blackberries, elder and sloe berries, wild garlic, mint, mustard, nettles, dandelions, and roses are found easily and are readily available. These are all things even the most inexperienced forager can collect and prepare. It is always best to start with things you recognise and are sure will not make you sick.

We have become disconnected from nature and our natural instinct and intuition when it comes to wild plants, and their potential to nourish and heal us. It is very important when we forage to use our senses. To look closely at the plants and what can be found all around us.

We also need to work on being more respectful, only taking what we need. To not disturb the land too much and find ways to give back in gratitude and appreciation. To protect the land, and make sure the wild remains unspoiled, and left well preserved.

Cooking –

Firstly if you are cooking meat, or reheating food its best to overcook rather than undercook. Also be sure to dispose of all waste appropriately.

Here are some ways to cook food in a survival situation.

Makeshift grill –

Once you have mastered starting a fire you can easily turn a fire into a grill pit for cooking on. You can place a metal grate/rack over the coals / embers once the flames have died down and start cooking.

Earth Oven –

Dig a pit and start a fire. Burn it down to a smoulder. Cover the fire with large stones. Throw a layer of vegetation over it for moisture and add your food. Then put a layer of vegetation over the top too. Fill with dirt to cover holes and bury. Allow at least a half day to a whole day for cooking.

Stone Oven –

Make three walls and a top. Build a small chamber big enough to put your food in. A space at the bottom is needed for the fire then a box shape to cook the food in. The fires heat will warm the stones enough to cook whatever you put in the oven.

Dehydrating food – The easiest way is to leave the food to dry in the Sun. Lay the food out in the Sun to suck out the moisture. You can also slowly bake over a heat source like a campfire until crisp.

Emergency stove –

They come in many different sizes, shapes, prices and can easily be put into an emergency travel bag. Some examples are an emergency pocket stove, Jet boil wilderness stove and solo stove lite.

Dutch Oven Stove –

This is very durable and reliable yet very heavy.

Sun Oven –

You can cook any meal with the power of the Sun alone. Maybe an idea for the UK summers but not sure it would do too well in our wet, grey, dull and dark autumn/winter months. But it is an example of what can be used if needed.

Wood Stove –

If you are lucky enough to have a wood burner in your home it is a great alternative to an electric stove top or oven. If the power goes out, you have both heat and a way to heat up food too.

Think about what is best for your situation and lifestyle. Be open to adapt to whatever life throws your way. Part of surviving is being able to overcome the obstacles you are faced with.

Think about what resources you have available. Improvising is a survival skill that will do you well in any situation. Be prepared as well. If you do invest in a new way of cooking food, practice, practice, practice. And remember even the best stove will not be 100% reliable to have a few different methods to fall back on.

Staying warm -

In any survival situation it is vital to stay warm, this needs to be a top priority. When we are not able to keep our bodies warm, we can get into trouble very quickly.

We can become sluggish. This is where are body cools down and we become sleepy and short of energy.

We might experience brain fog. This happens when the blood cools down and slow down. It causes confusion and we are unable to make good decisions in this state. It can then lead to shivers, this is the first real sign the cold is getting to us. It makes it difficult to take care of survival essentials.

In very extreme cases the water molecules in our body begins to freeze. This leads to frostnip and frostbite. This causes irreversible damage to the skin, muscles, and nervous system.

When our body dips to below 95 Fahrenheit/ 35 Celsius, Hypothermia sets in.

Here some basic Winter Survival Rules -

Cover up your mouth.

This prevents freezing air from entering your lungs.

This is very important if you have breathing issues, asthma, or a cold.

Stay dry as wet clothes will lead to hypothermia and frostbite if you have to stay out in the cold for long periods of time in them.

Have at least two extra sets of clothes so you can change if needed. If you are sleeping outside be sure you have a dry set of clothes to sleep in.

Do not overdo it, overexertion will make you sweat. Sweat will cause you to become hypodermic much quicker than just staying warm.

Do not stay still for too long, inactivity will slow down your heart rate, cool down your limbs and lead to the cold setting into your body.

Try to keep moving for a reasonable amount of time.

Wear loose fitting layers, as layers trap air between them. This makes you warmer than when you only wear one thick layer.

Wear three to five layers, its best to have a top layer that is wind and waterproof.

An unexpected change in weather could leave you lost or stranded too far from base. So, stay close to your base location. If you are waiting for help to arrive, stay where you are. If the weather has turned nasty, stay where you are. If visibility is lost stay where you are until it is clearer, and you know you will be able to find your way back safely.

Never sleep directly on the ground, it might be wet and cold the next morning and this will make you extra wet and cold. Put at least one layer between you and the ground. Even a plastic bag is better than just going directly onto the ground to sleep.

If you find yourself out in nature a shelter is going to be a good bet that you will survive the harsh weather conditions. Shelter should be a top priority to keep you dry and protect you from the elements. It also will serve well as a place to store your supplies and any gear you might have. The shelter must be able to withstand the worst winds, rain and snow so build well.

How to dispose of Waste -

If you are in the house even if you cannot flush the toilet, you can still make use of it.

Empty out the water from the bowl and tank. Put a double layer of bin liners inside. When the bag is full, seal them tight and place in a place just for human waste.

This will keep everything hygienic unto the sanitation services are back up and running again.

If the toilet has spilled over already and it is not an option to use, then another option is needed. You can use a potty of bucket as a makeshift toilet.

Do the same thing and use a double layer of bin liners before use.

You could even make a composting toilet by filling the bag up with sawdust, soil, leaves or cat litter. This helps to reduce the smell and keep flies and insects away.

Be sure to move full bags far away from living spaces and places where food is prepared and cooked.

If you are out in nature, then dig a cat hole or build a composting toilet. Again, make sure you are picking a place far away from where you cook and prepare food, and also any water sources too.

Basic First aid -

In order to think clearly and act quickly it is important to remain calm

Take a few minutes to fully assess the situation

If the persons condition is serious and you need medical assistance call emergency services immediately

For a bleed, apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage to stop the bleeding

If the person is injured stay with them and monitor their condition

If the person's body temperature is low, cover them with a blanket or get them to move inside as quickly as possible, if possible to do so

Cover any wounds with a clean cloth or bandages. Do not attempt to suck blood away from wounds.

Keep wounds clean, wash around the wound to keep clean too. This may prevent infection.

Keep dirt and germs away from wounds. Use a sterile dressing and keep dry. Change often.

If the wound does not heal properly seek medical attention

These are very basic tips. Take time to learn basic first aid it could save a life in an emergency.

Self–defence -

Unfortunately, violence is a fact of life in this current reality, and if we see civil unrest or a collapse in society, this will escalate very quickly.

Would you be able to defend yourself or protect you and your loved ones?

With some basic self-defence techniques, you will be much better equipped to handle situations like these if they ever happen.

It is advisable to practice these techniques with other people.

Join a martial arts academy or club. Find experts online, watch videos, get the whole family involved.

Off- grid communication -

If the grid is to go down for any reason or for any length of time then smartphones, tablets, and even the postal services will become useless.

The good news is there are many other ways to stay connected and communicate if this were to happen.

Communication will be a key factor to survival if disaster strikes. With a little planning and preparation by some people in each community staying in touch will remain possible.

Radio waves will still travel through the air even if the grid is down and so would be the best option for quick back up communication.

CB Radio systems were popular in the 70’s and probably the easiest method to instal and maintain.

FRS/GMRS both operate off UHF frequencies

Ham Radio is a complex and difficult radio system yet is the best option for versatility.

Sat Phones are a great option for off grid communication, they work well even in remote locations

Cell Phones might work for a while if the closet tower to you is still functioning, but they are not to be solely relied on if the grid does go down

The goTenna was developed after Hurricane Sandy, so it was designed to be reliable in difficult conditions and when the grid is completely unavailable.

It is an attachment you can fit onto your phone giving you the ability to text others within close range.

Smart Walkie Talkies turn cell phones into walkie talkies. With the use of Bluetooth, you can communicate with people at least ten miles away. Ans also make voice calls five miles away.

Working old school landlines are reliable services to have available and draw power from the phone cable and will still work even if all other power goes down.

We need to be prepared and ready to use alternative ways to communicate and stay in touch with each other. Today we have many apps on our smartphones and can text and call people all over the World easily. If the grid goes down that might no longer be available to us.

Navigation -

In order to deal with emergency situations, it is important to be able to use multiple methods of navigation.

The more primitive the method the less accurate it tends to be compared to a compass or GPS system.

Electronic devices tend to be prone to failure in more rugged environments. Having a few different ways will allow for back up when needed.