Danger from two sides

An emergency evolves as a result of objective and subjective threats. Objective threats come from nature, like a bolt of lightning, floods, huricanes, avalanches or falling rocks. Subjective threats are caused by humans, their limitations or their "stupidity".

You can learn to see objective threats by expanding your knowledge of natural phenomenon like the weather, erosion and the habits of animals. Here on Shards of Survival we'll provide you with much information covering many fields. We do stress, though, that you should also do your own research and deepen your knowledge further. The internet is a good source, of course, but so is your local library. Going (back) to school, taking college courses or doing field work are also useful, fun and practical ways of gathering information.

Subjective threats are, for instance, insufficient stamina, training and self-control, a lack of skills, an inflated ego, wrong assesment of objective threats, poor observation and interpretation of signs and clues, lack of knowledge and the inability to others who know the environment better or who are better experts (the arrogance of the city slicker!).

Survival is mainly a matter of knowing where threats can occur, how to recognise them and how to take advantage of the resources available to you in your environment. People often say that nature is merciless. That's not true. Nature is, however, indifferent! In nature, different rules apply than in our western societies. Know the rules, or at least know how to recognise them, and a walk in the mountains is as safe as a walk in the park. In nature, a man is nothing but a little mouse. As long as the mouse remembers that, all will be well.

Here on Shards of Survival we keep nagging about this aspect of respect and mentality because over and over again it turns out to be so incredibily important. Flout it and you're a threat to yourself and your companions. The ones to worry about are the ones who play with fire, carelessly handle axes and knives, have no care for the consequences of their antics and behave rudely and irresponsibly. Odd thing is that these people often hardly face any problems. It's other people who suffer the consequences. A strong authority figure in the group should keep these people on a very short leash. Let the reins go free for once and you better prepare for a new disaster.


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