SURVIVAL CHECKLIST
For Volunteers Working in Hazardous Areas
Volunteers, to include those working for NGOs and Peace Corps, are their own first-line-of-defense against every type of threat and they need to fully practice survival means as a matter of personal safety.
The following tested survival techniques are well proven:
☐ Know your own weaknesses and how to overcome each.
☐ Study the known threats from local plants, livestock, wildlife, reptiles, insects, population groups, fanatics, terrorists, narco-terrorists, insurgents, criminal gangs, government entities, ISIS (jihadists), and any others present in your operating area.
☐ For most conditions, carry sufficient potable water and the means to create more using a water filter and purification tabs.
☐ Most times, carry energy bars and healthful foods to last you 72-hours.
☐ Always carry fire starter and a reliable device to help start fires.
☐ Have adequate clothing for all weather conditions expected 24/7.
☐ Develop local friends and contacts in a position to help you overcome any life threatening situations.
☐ If you can legally do so, carry the weapon and ammo to deal with known or anticipated threats.
☐ Walk with a good walking stick and carry a knife, flashlight, 100 ft. of parachute cord, and small First Aid Kit in a back pack with some above items.
☐ Plan and equip to provide shelter and for a safe sleep; e.g. ground pad, sleeping bag, and small tent or tarp, or hammock and tarp if sleeping on the ground is not safe.
☐ Provide a means of reliable communications and advise trusted others of your pending locations and travel plans.
☐ In very hostile areas vary your times, routes, and means of travel.
☐ If you become a target of any hostile group, evacuate to a safe area or wear body-armor.