Finding Civilization 101

Today we want to talk about something that not a lot of people talk about when it comes to survival. It’s something that can easily help you if you are lost, and it really could give you the best chance of survival when a disaster strikes.

Finding Civilization 101

When you need assistance from other people in your survival situation and no one is around to help, how do you make your way back? Here are some quick tips to help you find civilization.

We covered how not to get lost in the woods. Start here to save yourself from getting into this nightmare in the first place.

The first key is not to panic. When you panic, your judgement becomes cloudy and you start to make bad decisions. The last thing you want to do is panic.

If we can keep calm and have a level head during this scary situation, we have a much better chance of survival and most importantly keeping everyone safe on our way to finding civilization.

When we panic, then our sense of direction and our decisions become distorted.

We want to make sure we are thinking clearly and not making a choice because we are in panic mode.

Where Do We Start?

The first option would be to make sure all the people with you are accounted for and ready to start. Make sure you come up with a plan of action together.

In a survival situation, you may need to take the lead to protect you and your loved ones, so you want to clearly communicate the plan.

The first thing you can do is try using your cell phone. Call 911 or the nearest friend or family member. However, you may find yourself without a signal or maybe the battery died. Now what?

If you’re in the woods or maybe in the mountains, look for water. If you can see running water such as a river or stream, then the best thing to do is follow the water downhill. Traveling downhill will be much easier on your body and when in a survival situation, you need to be mindful of saving your energy.

The added bonus to finding streams or rivers to follow is the fact that you know you always have access to drinking water.

If you find that no water is around, then the best option for you would be to get as high as you can. Go to the most elevated area so you can see your surroundings and map out the best way to start your journey.

Now if that elevated place goes through rough terrain or dangerous conditions, then it may be best for one in your party to take that journey, check surroundings and come back down to talk about a plan.

It is usually best to stick together in a survival situation, but if others may be harmed and you are just checking for location, then it may be wise to do it alone.
This is important especially if have older people or younger kids with you. If you are venturing out solo, let the others know exactly how long you plan to be gone, the goal point of your journey and anticipated path. Create an emergency plan of action if you don’t return in the time agreed upon. The last thing you want someone doing is panicking while you are gone and leaving others not knowing how to look for you.

What if you’re in the woods and you can’t find water or a high vantage point? Don’t panic. Stay calm. If you are in the dark or the sun is going down, then set up camp for the night and make sure to get a good rest so when the sun rises you can start trying to find your way out.

Look for some signs of human existence. Like what?

Look for abandoned fire pits, tire tracks, bridges, buildings, dirt trails or roads. These are all good signs that you’re on the right track to finding civilization.

You should have your essential gear prepped and at your fingertips to help you survive until you find your way back.

Now, let’s assume a disaster struck at home and you find your town is now abandoned. The very important thing again, don’t panic. Yes, it will be stressful but you’re prepared, remember?

Let’s start looking for help. How do we find others?

Using smoke signals can bring others to you, but if we don’t want to wait for help or can’t wait, then we should look for signs of life.

Do we know that others are alive somewhere else close by? Can you hear the local radio station or do you still have local news connection? If so, it’s a good sign that you can start a journey to finding civilization.

If no radio signals or television signals are working, then we need to make sure that we choose the shortest amount of distance to the nearest town to look for help. Grab your supplies and start walking.

Make sure you rationed enough food and water for your journey and bring the survival gear you need to make the trip. Keep making your way to a surrounding city or town with a larger population for a greater chance of finding fellow survivors.

What happens if you get to the next town and no one is there? You should try to see if some kind of communication is in the town and if your cell phone is now working. Can you see any lights on or any other activity?

If not, then the best thing to do next is to come up with your next survival move. If safe and you can set up camp for the night where you are now, then do so and plan for your next day. By having enough survival supplies and a plan of action, you can feel safe and confident.

What about you? Have you been lost before and used any special ways to find civilization or help? Share your stories below.