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:

• Wear the proper type of clothing (no cotton).
• Stay dry. Use water-repellent outer garments.
• 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 will maintain 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.