Recently, I had a friend come back from Maine on a business trip. His company is headquartered there and he visits once or twice per month. On this most recent trip, he took back some emergency food storage samples for his associates to try. The thought of having food storage for an emergency had never crossed their minds. They loved the idea of having additional food on hand but had never thought of it, even though they face terrible snowstorms almost every year. Their first reaction after having tried it was, “I want to buy some of this. Where do I get this from? How much should I have?”  For me, having lived in Utah all my days, I have been well aware of the importance of food storage and emergency preparedness. It wasn’t a new concept to me, but it was a shock that there are people unaware of food storage and the need for it.

It makes sense to most of us that we should be prepared for a time of emergency. History tells us that things happen; storms, earthquakes, tornadoes, severe storms, floods, and other natural disasters are real. Whether we believe it or not, these things can and do happen. When we watch natural disasters on the news we have a tendency to say that it will never happen to me or my family. But don’t be fooled, we are always just as likely as the next person to be faced with troubling times.

A year ago, “the storm of the century” was announced and everyone was told to get home early from work and get off the roads ASAP. A dear friend asked me if I was prepared should the power go out. In my head I thought, “sure, we have blankets and flashlights and some food.” He asked what kind of non-electric heater I had should we lose power, wanting to compare and make sure that he had what his family needed.  I realized that I wasn’t as ready as I thought and cringed at the thought of my three little girls being frozen.  I immediately went to Lowes and Home Depot bought the last indoor space heater that didn’t rely on electricity. I was amazed that there was only one left, and I was lucky enough to get it. What an idiot I had been. If my friend wouldn’t have brought it up I wouldn’t have even thought of the need of a heater should my power go out. I wondered how unprepared I was in other areas. I should have known better. I should have been more prepared.

Lucky for me, the massive storm turned out to be a few inches of snow that all melted by mid-afternoon the next day.  It’s funny how something someone says can motivate you to action in the blink of an eye. I hope that you will share this message, or even your own words, to help others and motivate them to be prepared.

Disasters are going to happen. We have the choice of whether to be prepared or unprepared. And there is no better time to prepare than when things are going well. In many instances the time right before the disaster is too late. Obtaining life’s necessities after the disaster happens is even worse.  Store shelves can be cleared out to not be filled again for days, weeks, or months. Don’t wait! Start preparing now. And make sure that you help others realize the security and peace of mind that comes from having a plan for whatever emergency situation may arise.

As part of the training one of the instructors brought his emergency vest to show us what we should have available at all times. The instructor mentioned how he keeps this vest available in his home in the event that a situation arises where he or his family must evacuate their home immediately. It is also a vest that could be taken or used for most all first aid needs. I could imagine that the “situation” being referred to by the trainer could be anything from a hurricane or flood to riots or a car accident. If I could have nicknamed the vest, I would have called it the CIA super vest because it was created based upon all of the instructor’s training in the CIA. As the instructor pulled apart the CIA vest to show us the contents within I learned several points. One of the points was pertaining to the type of emergency food one should eat and have on hand during a disaster.

I guess that it is pretty obvious that in an emergency, what one eats is important.  From years of hunting deer, elk, pheasant, mountain lion, duck, geese, etc.,  I created a certain menu for what I eat while “out in the fields and mountains” and it mostly consisted of protein. I always keep nuts and jerky with me in my back pack while I hunt. It seems like the “mountain man” thing to do. What can be manlier than snacking on beef jerky? Well, as it turns out, the best thing one can be eating is carbs. Protein requires more energy and time for the body to break down, which is great for diets and losing weight but not good when one needs a shot of energy. This is the clear explanation as to why before participating in marathons or triathlons, athletes will eat a lot of pasta and “carbo-load”.

The great take away from this is that we all must be aware of what an emergency will be truly like and prepare accordingly. Instead of planning a steak dinner, you might want to think about a pasta bar. In thinking through this, many food storage companies will offer foods that are rich in carbohydrates and have fewer proteins.  Make sure that you have an appropriate, healthy balance of nutritional foods for your long term food storage, especially foods that are rich in carbs so that you can make it through the worst of times.

We continue our series on winter emergency preparedness by covering procedures that should be followed if you find yourself trapped in your car during a blizzard. A blizzard is a severe winter storm with heavy snow and high winds, creating very low visibility and lasting several hours to several days.

Before the temperatures drop and the snow starts to fall, make time to properly prepare your vehicles for winter driving. Check the level of antifreeze in each car. The mixture should be about 50/50 antifreeze to water. Install new wiper blades and fill the windshield washer reservoir. Check the oil level and the charge on the battery. You should have good, all-weather tires or studded tires on your car, along with a set of traction chains on hand.

Pack a survival kit for your car that includes high calorie snack food, water and other supplies that will help you endure if trapped. See a complete list here. If you do get stuck in your car during a blizzard, follow these rules:

• Do not panic. Remain calm and remember that you prepared for this.
• Stay in your car unless you see help within 100 yards of your vehicle. It is too easy to become disoriented and lost in the snow.
• Attach a bright flag to your antenna to let others know that you need help.
• Keep your survival kit in the passenger compartment of your car, in case the trunk is inaccessible.
• Occasionally run the engine to keep warm. Turn the heater on, and use the dome light to attract attention. Ensure that the tailpipe stays unobstructed to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Open a window slightly, down wind, for fresh air.
• Stay dry. Wet clothes will make it more difficult to keep warm.
• If there is more than one person in the car, huddle together for warmth. Take turns sleeping so that one of you can turn on the car and watch for help.
• Stay hydrated and snack on high calorie food to keep boosting your metabolism.
• Move your arms and legs to keep blood circulating.

Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite symptoms include a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance of the skin. Fingers, toes, ears and your nose are the most susceptible. Hypothermia is when the body’s temperature drops below 90 degrees. Uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, and drowsiness are all signs of hypothermia.

If either of these conditions are suspected, warm the person slowly, starting with the trunk of the body. Use your own body heat, blankets, newspapers, floor mats or anything else that is available to cover the person. Do not give them drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol, as these hasten the body’s cooling. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

If you do have to travel in winter weather, be sure to communicate your trip plan to friends and family. Let them know when you plan to arrive at your destination and which roads you will drive. That way they know when and where to look for you if you don’t show up. Make sure you have a full tank of gas, whether the distance requires it or not, and a fully charged cell phone, along with a car charger.

Foresight and emergency preparedness are key to surviving hostile winter weather, so don’t put it off another day.

-Gary Jenkins-

Gary Jenkins is a father and husband living in Oregon who is a wildlife rehabilitation and outdoor adventure enthusiast.

Blizzard conditions can form rapidly, sometimes with little notice, so it is important to be prepared to survive for at least three days on your own if stranded. Our blizzard series will explain emergency preparedness procedures for when you find yourself trapped in different scenarios.

If you live in an area that is prone to severe winter weather, such as sudden snow storms, high winds, icy conditions, and whiteout blizzards, it is imperative to have emergency supplies ready at your home. These supplies should include bottled water, long term food storage (freeze dried food, canned food and high energy snacks), and battery powered lights and radio.

Your house is one of the safest places to be during a blizzard, but even at home there are certain steps you should take to limit heat loss and stay as comfortable as possible. Plan for how you will proceed in a blizzard.

• Stay dry, and do not go outside unless it is an emergency
• Use an alternate source for heat if the power goes out, such as a fireplace or a space heater
• Layer clothing, and be sure not to get too warm so as not to sweat
• Wear wool hats, socks and mittens, as heat escapes the body rapidly through the extremities
• Stay in one room of the house, and seal around the doors with blankets or towels
• Stay hydrated and nourished with high calorie snacks
• Listen to a battery-powered radio to keep informed of weather developments
• Hang sheets or blankets over windows for extra insulation
• Use candles for heat and warmth, but use caution with an open flame
• Be sure your cell phone is charged up, and notify friends and family as soon as possible
• Let faucets drip to help prevent pipes from freezing
• Know where the main water shut off is in case pipes freeze and burst
• Protect pets from the elements, as wet pets can die quickly in cold, windy conditions
• Play games or do arts and crafts to fight boredom

Be sure to stock extra batteries, candles, fuel for heat or cooking sources, medications, first aid kit, and toilet paper. Consider alternate power sources, such as a generator or power inverter that can run small appliances or space heaters.

Communicate your plan with each family member, and show them where all the survival supplies are. Emergency preparedness for severe winter weather will increase your ability to survive comfortably until it is safe to venture outside again.

-Gary Jenkins-

Gary Jenkins is a father and husband living in Oregon who is a wildlife rehabilitation and outdoor adventure enthusiast.

The best tip we can share is probably the most fun; find an empty, open parking lot after the first big snow of the year and spin some donuts!  While this doesn’t sound like the type of thing you would tell your teenage driver to do, it can be very helpful to learn how your car handles in the snow.  Learning how to spin the car and recover from spins is one of the best ways to be prepared while driving on the road.  Still use caution while you are practicing and be aware of light poles, hidden objects, or curbs.

Now, when driving on icy or snowy roads, remember the following tips and best practices:

1. Slow Down – Be very cognizant of your speeds on the road and keep three times the normal distance between you and the car in front of you.
2. Brake Gently – Never slam on the brakes, if you can avoid it.  If your wheels lock up, ease up on the brake
3. Lights On – Make sure that you have your lights on so that others are aware of you
4. Low Gears – Use the lower gears, they help to gain and keep traction, especially on hills or steep roads
5. No Cruise Control – Don’t be lazy, it isn’t worth the risk.
6. Stay Behind the Plows – Don’t pass in front of plows or sanding trucks.  The drivers of these vehicles have limited visibility and the road in front of them is much worse than behind them.
7. 4×4 Myth – Just because you have a 4×4 or AWD, you vehicle cannot handle all conditions.  Be extremely careful thinking you can go anywhere or do anything in your big, off-road truck!

If your wheels skid…

1. Let Off the Gas – Take you foot off of the accelerator.
2. Turn Into the Slide – If you are sliding left, turn left. As you recover, you may start to slide to the other side, so make sure that you know steer the new directions.  You may go back and forth a couple of times before you can get back under control.
3. Brake! – If you have standard brakes, gently pump them.  If your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS), don’t pump the brakes.  Apply steady pressure and realize that it is normal to feel the brakes pulse.

If you get stuck…

1. Don’t Spin the Wheels – This only digs you in deeper and makes is harder to get out. Lightly touch on the gas and ease your way out.
2. Turn the Wheels – Turn the wheels back and forth to get snow out of the way. Also, consider using a shovel to dig out some of the snow.
3. Rock the Boat – Sometimes, it can help to rock back and forth to gain a little momentum.
4. Sand the Ground – A little sand, gravel, salt, even kitty litter, can help your wheels gain some traction.

Winter Emergency Preparedness comes in all forms, and being ready for the winter road conditions counts.  The above information comes from the National Safety Council and Weather.com, so please listen to it.  We hope that no one has any issues this year on the winter roads.  Please be extra careful and remember so of these basic tips to keep safe. Emergency Preparedness tips need to be shared, so please pass this along to your friends, family, and neighbors so that we all can have a fantastic winter.

Have you ever been listening to the news and heard winter storm warnings and not know exactly what to expect?  How can we expect to be emergency preparedness experts if we don’t know exactly what to prepare for? In an effort to make sure that everyone is prepared for the inbound winter storms and weather, we put together a list of the most common terms that you can expect to hear on the radio or weather report.

First off, it is good to know the different levels of warnings that may come from the National Weather Service.

Outlook – This is the lowest level of warning.  An outlook means that hazardous weather may develop at some point over the next 7 days, with the emphasis being on the next 24-48 hours.

Advisory – This warning comes for “less serious” conditions that may cause significant inconvenience, but property and life are not truly threatened unless you are not using any caution at all. 

Watch – If a watch is issued, it is time to get serious about being ready for a storm.  This warning level implies that a major storm is happening, imminent, or very likely to occur with the 36 hours.

Warning – At the warning level, personal life and property may be threatened by the storm.  It is time to take protective measures and get out of the way of the storm. Get inside, have a warm fire and nice mug of hot chocolate.

Now that you know the levels of storm warnings, it is good to know exactly what is implied by some of the specific types of storms. Any of these below terms can and will be combined with the aforementioned warning levels, for example, you could see a Winter Weather Watch or Winter Weather Warning, depending on the severity of the winter weather.

Winter Weather – The oncoming weather will be a combination of at least two of the following conditions: snow, sleet, blowing snow, high winds, wind chill, extreme cold and freezing rain or hail.

Blizzard – Blizzards are classified as sustained winds or frequent gusts of at least 35 mph combined with heavy falling and/or blowing snows that reduces visibility to ¼ mile or less and last for a period of three hours or longer.  Typically, these types of storms create sub-zero (anytime temperature falls below -18°C) wind chills and are very dangerous.

Ice Storm – Heavy accumulations of freezing rain or ice.  An advisory usually means less than ¼ inch, whereas a warning will mean at least ¼ to ½ inches worth of freezing rain.

Lake Effect Snow – This storm is heavy lake-effect snowfall in short periods of time.  If a warning is issued, expect 6 inches within 12 hours or 8-10 inches within 24 hours.  Oftentimes, lake-effect snow can significantly reduce visibility.

Wind Chill or Extreme Cold – A strictly temperature weather condition, an advisory level warning means it is very cold outside whereas a warning indicates that dangerously low temperatures are happening and frostbite, hypothermia, and death are possible if exposed for too long.

You may hear of some other types of weather conditions that also get warnings issued, such as Heavy Snow, Sleet, or Blowing Snow. Pay attention to the level of warning that is issued, and you will have a good idea of how serious the weather could potentially be.

Getting prepared and ready for the winter storms isn’t too complicated.  As always, we would encourage you to have some emergency food on hand, in case you are stuck inside for a couple of days.  By knowing what the National Weather Service warnings mean and by having some survival supplies and gear stored away, you will be able to get through the worst storms of the winter. We also recommend that you have a couple of good movies or books on hand too!

There are several scenarios in which you might find yourself relying on your emergency preparedness skills during the winter months. Whether you get lost during a hunting expedition, your car dies, you misjudge how long your hike will take, or you get in a bug out situation, keeping warm and protected from the elements is essential to surviving until help arrives.

The three priorities that must be addressed before nightfall are finding a water source, building a fire, and creating a shelter. If there is snow on the ground, your water problem is handled and you should have fire-making materials in your gear. Learning how to construct an emergency shelter using natural resources should certainly be a part of your emergency preparedness planning.

Carry survival basics if venturing into the wilderness in winter. This includes water, emergency food, a 50 gallon drum liner bag, two mylar and foil blankets, paracord, fire-making supplies, a candle and waterproof matches, signaling whistle, metal cup and a brightly colored bandana. Some of these supplies will be helpful in constructing a shelter.

Deciding Where and How to Position Your Shelter

If it is snowing or nightfall is approaching, building a simple design is better than structures like a quinzhee or igloo which require greater physical exertion and more time. Conserve as much energy as possible to help maintain your body heat. Find a spot for your shelter that is somewhat level and is not in the path of a potential avalanche. Look overhead for any deadfall dangers from trees. Some features to consider for the shelter are making it small to hold in body heat but big enough for you to fit in and roll over without touching the sides. Face the entry away from the wind as this will aid in heat retention.

Building the Shelter

1. Prepare the ground. Dig out the snow in a 3 foot by 8 foot rectangle. Clear it all the way to the ground if possible because bare earth will radiate some warmth.
2. Find two poles at least five feet in length. Lay the poles side by side and tie them together about a quarter of the way from one end. Splay them apart to form an “X” and this will form the frame for the opening. The top of the opening should be about waist high.
3. Locate a pole that is at least 8 or 9 feet in length for the ridge pole. Strap one end of the pole into the top of the “X” with the other end resting on the ground, forming a long tripod. Other options include finding a tree with a “Y” to lay the long pole in, using a fallen log or boulder as a base.
4. Gather sticks to form the “ribs” of the shelter and place them 10 to 12 inches apart down each side of the ridge pole, resting one end on the pole and sticking the other end into the ground. These sticks should not protrude too far above the main pole.
5. Place a mylar blanket from your emergency preparedness kit over the framework with the shiny side facing in to reflect heat. Then layer evergreen boughs, leaves or other vegetation over the blanket.
6. Spread a thick layer of vegetation or evergreen boughs over the ground in the shelter for insulation. The more coverage the better.
7. Snow is an excellent insulator, and the next step is to cover the entire outside of the shelter with a thick layer of snow, building it up to a depth of at least 12 inches.
8. Fill the 50 gallon bag with snow and fit it in the opening of the shelter to seal it from the elements. In lieu of a bag, use boughs or your pack to close off the opening.

Keeping Warm

Your well insulated sanctuary will hold in your body heat, but you can add more warmth by lighting the candle, which has some inherent risks. You might opt for placing rocks that have been heated by the fire inside the shelter before sealing yourself in.

Remember that your goal is to be rescued. Your shelter will be camouflaged, especially if the snow continues to fall. The snow will muffle outside noises, making it difficult to hear people calling out. Tie the bright bandana to a stick and place it on top of the structure to alert rescue personnel to your location. Consider hanging other belongings in nearby trees to help mark your whereabouts.

There is no substitution for emergency preparedness. Study and practice building this shelter so that you are ready for survival if you ever find yourself stranded in winter conditions.

– Gary Jenkins is a father and husband living in Oregon who is a wildlife rehabilitation and outdoor adventure enthusiast.

An emergency can happen at any time without notice. Being prepared for a variety of disasters with water, emergency food storage and other survival supplies is crucial to maintaining some control over the situation. Although often overlooked, your emergency preparedness supplies should include fire extinguishers to help protect your loved ones and your property.

A fire extinguisher is typically a hand-held, portable cylinder that you aim at the base of a fire and pull a trigger to discharge a dry chemical. It is used for small, contained fires, not fires that are out of control. Only fight a fire if you still have a means to escape. Follow your instincts and leave a house if the fire continues to grow.

Install multipurpose fire extinguishers that are labeled “ABC” for a variety of fire types. These are used for fires involving paper or wood, flammable liquids and grease, flammable gases and electrical fires involving appliances and equipment. ABC extinguishers cover most fires that occur in homes or in cars.

Fire extinguishers should be placed in your home and in each vehicle. Put an extinguisher in the kitchen, another one on each floor of the home, one in the garage and one in the basement. Do not store them too close to where a fire is likely to start. For instance, do not put a fire extinguisher in the cabinet next to the stove. If a fire starts at the stove, you will not be able to reach the extinguisher. Secure each fire extinguisher so that it is unable to be knocked over or pushed around. Place a fire extinguisher in front of the passenger seat of each vehicle, securely fastened to prevent damage.

Maintenance & Replacement

Do not make the mistake of installing fire extinguishers and then forgetting about them. Each month, visually inspect each fire extinguisher. Ensure that the instructions are visible, there are no obstructions in the way, the safety seals are intact, there is no corrosion or leakage, the hose and nozzle are in good condition, the pressure gauge is in the operable range, and check fullness by “hefting” the canister. It is a good practice to check each fire extinguisher when rotating your emergency food storage every month.

Perform maintenance annually. Check with your local fire department or fire extinguisher service company to examine all mechanical parts, extinguisher agent and means of expelling the agent. Some canisters may need a hydrostatic test that should be performed by experienced professionals. Replace all safety seals and remount each extinguisher. Keeping your fire suppression equipment in top condition will greatly increase your odds of successfully dousing a fire.

Most small multipurpose fire extinguishers are designed to be disposable. If you do have to break the safety seal to suppress a fire, replace the unit, even if you only used a small amount. It is better to be safe with a fully charged extinguisher than to hope a used one is ready for the next incident. If using a rechargeable canister, take it in immediately for replenishment, regardless of the indication on the gauge.

Make a Plan

Just as important as having fire extinguishers is having a fire escape plan. Develop a plan with the members of your household and make sure the plan is communicated effectively to each member. Discuss placement of each fire extinguisher and how to use them. Locate two exits from each room, and practice exiting in the dark. Remind each person to exit quickly in the event of fire and to crawl low to the ground while covering their mouth. Point out that closed doors should be felt before opening, and if the door is hot, leave it closed and use an alternate route. If the door is cool, open slowly with caution, ready to brace the door shut again if flames encroach. Designate a meeting place outside, and appoint one person to go to a neighbor to call for help. Install smoke alarms on each floor of your home, test them monthly, and replace the batteries twice a year. Practice your escape plan until it becomes routine, as thick smoke can cause confusion.

Emergency preparedness can appear overwhelming, but with a little planning and by following some routines, you can easily stay prepared for practically any disaster that may arise.

—Gary Jenkins

Gary Jenkins is a father and husband living in Oregon who is a wildlife rehabilitation and outdoor adventure enthusiast.

We all know that emergency preparedness means stockpiling long term food storage, water, and other survival supplies, but your planning should also include having a self defense strategy. This may be an uncomfortable topic for some, but that discomfort could prove dangerous for you without preparation.

Tension quickly escalates in the aftermath of a disaster. There is often confusion and disorder that follows, leading to looting and other criminal activities. The point is not to become paralyzed by fear, but to become aware of your surroundings and how you would react if confronted by an aggressor. Multiple choices for self defense exist, and you should pursue several.

Self Defense Options

• Self defense classes: You may not always have access to a weapon, so learning how to protect yourself with just your body is the best place to start. Search the phone book or internet for classes in your area. Check with your local community college or university, as they often hold self defense classes, or the police department will be able to point you toward classes. Practice the techniques once the class has ended to stay ready.
• Pepper Spray/Mace: You may need to protect yourself from other people, dogs, or wild animals. The spray comes in a variety of sizes, from small containers that attach to your key chain to large canisters that spray bigger volume at greater distances. Practice using the spray so that you are able to trigger and aim it if needed.
• Baton: Compact and light, batons can be carried in a purse or in a pocket. Some are expandable with the flick of a wrist, and some contain an electrical charge to stun the attacker. Batons require some technique that should be taught by an expert.
• Knife: Also compact and light, and you already know how to use it.
• Taser/stun gun: Devices that stop the aggressor with an electrical charge, these are potentially lethal and require training and practice. Check local laws that regulate these weapons. Be sure to stock extra batteries, and in the case of a taser, carry extra cartridges.
• Firearm: With the ability to inflict substantial bodily harm, not everyone is willing to carry a firearm. Concealed weapons permits are required, along with training and practice. Schools exist to teach tactical firearms use for protection. Gun safety courses are strongly recommended. Do not advertise the fact that you are carrying a firearm, and remember to stock extra ammunition.

Steps You Can Take

You never know when you may have to protect yourself, so keep some method of self defense in your car, your home, and in your emergency preparedness kit. Try to place them so that they are always within reach.

There are some simple ways you can alert others and call for help if you are attacked. Carry a whistle or an alarm on your key chain so it is always close at hand. Some alarms even have an LED light to help draw attention or use as a flashlight. Of course hitting, kicking and screaming are always effective deterrents as well.

Secure your home. Check the reliability of locks at each entry point. Make sure that you have both dead bolts and handle locks on each door, and that the doors themselves are either sturdy metal or solid wood. Place inexpensive intruder alarms on doors and windows that alert you if motion is detected. Keep a self defense device close at hand in case your home is breached.

Kid proof your self defense devices. Be sure that your children are educated on the safe handling, or not handling, of each device. Curiosity often leads to accidents, so explain the dangers, and then secure the items. It is important that their safety education is part of your emergency preparedness.

Conclusion

There are laws surrounding what you can or cannot do to protect yourself. Learn the restrictions in your city and state and operate within the law. There may be legal ramifications to the methods you choose to employ. Practice your chosen techniques so that you are always ready to protect yourself and your family. Being educated and prepared will give you the confidence to handle aggressive situations effectively.

-Gary Jenkins-

You may find yourself in the middle of an emergency without warning, and it is important to prioritize your efforts in those circumstances. You may not have access to your emergency food storage or other survival supplies, but you should find a water source first, then find or create shelter, and then build a fire if the conditions warrant. Only then should you consider what to do about food. One of your options might be edible plants, meaning plants that are safe for humans to eat, regardless of palatability.

This article is not meant to be a complete source of information on edible plants. Eating plants without positive identification is dangerous, as many plants are toxic and poisonous if ingested. Some poisonous plants look very similar to edible plants, for instance hemlock looks and smells like wild carrots. We strongly recommend that you obtain a complete field guide on edible plants in your area and learn as much as you can before finding yourself in an emergency.

Plants have several distinguishing features for identification such as leaves, flowers, roots, and seeds. There are some general guidelines as to which plant is toxic. If leaves are glossy, or grow in groups of threes, the plant is probably poisonous. Stay away from plants that have milky sap, thorns, or hairs. The exception to this is the dandelion, of which all parts are edible. Avoid plants that have an almond-like aroma, as these usually contain dangerous cyanide compounds. Fruit that has started to decay, has mold or mildew might contain unhealthy toxins and should not be eaten. If growing near contaminated water, then the plants themselves may also be contaminated and should be boiled for at least ten minutes before eating.

Some plants have both edible and poisonous parts. The leaves may be safe, while the roots are toxic or vice versa. It is important to learn about the entire plant. Certain plants may just not be palatable due to tannin compounds or acidic content. Boiling or baking these will remove the bitterness. Learn how to prepare plants that have these traits to make them more appealing. Do not eat wild mushrooms unless you are absolutely certain that you have identified the species. Some mushrooms can make you very ill or even cause death. Symptoms can take days to show up after eating toxic mushrooms, and by then the nervous system has been compromised, possibly beyond repair.

If a field guide is not available to you and if you are not well versed in which plants are safe, there is a test that you can conduct to see if a plant is edible. The test is very time consuming, so make sure there is plenty of that type of plant to eat afterward. It is important that you perform the test after having not eaten for at least eight hours and drinking only purified water. First, rub the plant on the inside of your elbow and wait fifteen minutes to see if you have a reaction. Next, prepare the plant as you would to eat it and touch it to your lip and wait for swelling or itching. Then hold it on your tongue and wait fifteen minutes for a reaction. You can then chew it and hold it in your mouth without swallowing your saliva. If all of these tests show no indication of toxicity, chew about a teaspoon of the plant and swallow it. Now wait about eight hours to see if you have a reaction. If you feel sick or nauseous, induce vomiting and drink plenty of water.