Preparedness is all about knowledge and action. To be truly prepared for any emergency or disaster, it’s crucial to have the right information and skills.
While there are countless online resources and courses available, there’s something to be said for a good old-fashioned book. The following 10 books cover a range of survival topics and are packed with valuable insights and practical advice to help you be self-sufficient and ready for anything.
1. “SAS Survival Handbook” by John “Lofty” Wiseman
This classic survival guide is a must-read for anyone interested in outdoor adventure or emergency preparedness. It covers everything from building shelters and finding water to navigation and basic first aid. The book also includes helpful illustrations and step-by-step instructions that make it easy to follow even for novice survivalists.
2. “Bushcraft 101” by Dave Canterbury
Bushcraft is all about using nature to your advantage and thriving in the wilderness. In his book, Dave Canterbury provides a comprehensive guide to bushcraft skills, from building shelter and making fire to hunting and gathering. The book also includes practical advice on choosing the right gear and essential tools for your wilderness adventure.
3. “The Encyclopedia of Country Living” by Carla Emery
If you’re interested in long-term self-sufficiency and homesteading, this book is your go-to resource. It covers everything from growing your own food and raising livestock to home canning and herbal medicine. The author, Carla Emery, has decades of experience homesteading and provides detailed instructions and advice for every aspect of country living.
4. “The Survival Medicine Handbook” by Dr. Joseph Alton and Amy Alton
Medical emergencies can happen anywhere, and having a basic understanding of first aid and survival medicine can be the difference between life and death. Dr. Joseph Alton and his wife, Amy Alton, have put together a comprehensive guide to survival medicine that covers everything from treating common injuries and illnesses to dealing with major disasters and pandemics.
5. “The Prepper’s Blueprint” by Tess Pennington
This book is a roadmap to preparedness, providing detailed instructions for everything from building a survival pantry to creating a bug-out bag. The author, Tess Pennington, has years of experience in emergency preparedness and shares her wealth of knowledge in this comprehensive guide.
6. “One Second After” by William R. Forstchen
If you’re looking for a survival novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat, “One Second After” is a must-read. The book tells the story of a small town in North Carolina after a devastating EMP attack that leaves the entire country without power. It’s a gripping and thought-provoking read that will make you consider the true implications of a major disaster.
7. “Edible Wild Plants” by John Kallas
Knowing which wild plants are safe to eat can mean the difference between starvation and survival in an emergency situation. In “Edible Wild Plants,” John Kallas provides a comprehensive guide to identifying, harvesting, and consuming wild plants. The book includes detailed photos and illustrations to help you make the right decisions in the wild.
8. “The Complete Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook” by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht
Sometimes, it’s good to have a laugh while you’re learning about survival. “The Complete Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook” provides tips and tricks for everything from escaping quicksand to surviving a shark attack. While some of the scenarios may seem improbable, the book is a fun and informative guide to surviving unexpected situations.
9. “Build the Perfect Bug Out Bag” by Creek Stewart
A bug-out bag is a crucial component of any preparedness plan. In this book, Creek Stewart provides a step-by-step guide to building the perfect bug-out bag for your needs. The book covers everything from choosing the right backpack to packing essential gear and supplies.
10. “The Lost Ways” by Claude Davis
This book is a treasure trove of survival knowledge and skills, covering everything from making pemmican and building a log cabin to trapping and hunting. The author, Claude Davis, has researched and compiled forgotten skills and knowledge from our ancestors to help modern-day survivalists be self-sufficient and prepared.
Conclusion
These 10 books are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to survival knowledge, but they provide a solid foundation for anyone looking to prepare for emergencies or disasters. Whether you’re interested in bushcraft, homesteading, medicine, or just want to learn how to make pemmican, there’s something for everyone on these pages. Remember, knowledge is power, and having the right information can mean the difference between survival and disaster.