The following course material is for reference only. Please go to the new course to complete your Vermont certification.

Preparing for the Unexpected

Basics of Cold Survival Without Fire

Sometimes you may not have access to wood, paper, or any other material necessary to start a fire. If not, while you’re waiting to be rescued:

• Limit your physical activity to conserve energy. Sweating unnecessarily dampens your inner clothing and makes you feel colder.
• Seek shelter from the wind and cold.
• Don’t rest for long on rocks, the ground, or other cold surfaces.
• Wrap your body in a thermal foil blanket. This maintains a temperature of 60°F inside the wrap, even when the outside temperature is -10°F.
• Conserve your resources and use them wisely.
• Learn detailed winter survival tips from scout organizations, public libraries, and camping goods stores.