Tag: survival guide

Rhode Island’s 10 Biggest Killers – How To Survive From Becoming a Statistic

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn Rhode Island, Rhode Island PreppersLeave a comment

Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the union, but don’t let its size fool you. Danger doesn’t need square mileage to work its way into your life—it only needs complacency.

I’ve spent decades studying survival: wilderness, urban, maritime, kitchen-based (because yes, survival starts with what you eat and how you cook it), and human behavior under stress. And after analyzing patterns of accidental and preventable deaths in Rhode Island, one thing becomes painfully clear:

Most people don’t die because the world is unfair.
They die because they weren’t prepared.

This article breaks down the Top 10 non-disease, non-cancer, non-old-age causes of death in Rhode Island, explains why they happen, and—most importantly—what you must do to survive them.

Think of this like a perfectly executed meal. Every ingredient matters. One mistake, and dinner’s ruined. Or worse—you are.

Let’s sharpen the knives.

1. Motor Vehicle Crashes (Cars, Motorcycles, and Pedestrians)

Why People Die This Way in Rhode Island

Rhode Island drivers suffer from a deadly combination:

  • Dense traffic
  • Short trips that breed complacency
  • Aggressive driving habits
  • Weather that changes its mind every 15 minutes

Most fatal crashes involve:

  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving (phones, GPS, food)
  • Alcohol or drug impairment
  • Failure to wear seatbelts
  • Motorcyclists without proper protective gear

Pedestrians are especially vulnerable in urban areas like Providence, Pawtucket, and Warwick.

How to Survive It

A survivalist treats driving like operating heavy machinery—because that’s exactly what it is.

Rules to live by:

  • Wear your seatbelt every single time. No excuses.
  • Assume every other driver is tired, angry, distracted, or stupid.
  • Slow down in rain, fog, and snow. Physics doesn’t care about your schedule.
  • Motorcyclists: full-face helmet, armored jacket, gloves, boots. You are meat without armor.
  • Pedestrians: wear reflective gear at night and never assume a driver sees you.

Survival mindset: You’re not trying to win the drive. You’re trying to survive it.

2. Drug Overdoses (Accidental Poisoning)

Why People Die This Way

Rhode Island has been hit hard by the opioid and fentanyl crisis. Many overdose deaths are:

  • Accidental
  • Involving unknown potency
  • Mixed with alcohol or other drugs
  • Occurring alone, with no one to help

Even experienced users misjudge doses when fentanyl contaminates substances.

How to Survive It

This is not a moral issue. This is chemistry and physiology.

Life-saving measures:

  • Never use alone
  • Carry naloxone (Narcan) and know how to use it
  • Avoid mixing substances
  • Test substances when possible
  • Seek help early—overdose symptoms escalate fast

Survival is about odds. Stacking them in your favor is the only move.

3. Falls (Especially at Home and at Work)

Why People Die This Way

Falls are one of the most underestimated killers. In Rhode Island, fatal falls often involve:

  • Ladders
  • Stairs
  • Slippery surfaces
  • Roof work
  • Construction and industrial jobs

Head injuries turn a simple misstep into a permanent end.

How to Survive It

A prepper respects gravity like a wild animal—it’s always hunting.

Stay alive by:

  • Using proper ladders and stabilizers
  • Wearing non-slip footwear
  • Installing handrails and adequate lighting
  • Never rushing physical tasks
  • Wearing helmets in high-risk work environments

In the kitchen, I don’t rush a knife. On a ladder, I don’t rush gravity.

4. Suicide (Self-Harm)

Why People Die This Way

This is not weakness. It’s isolation, untreated mental distress, and hopelessness.

Contributing factors include:

  • Economic stress
  • Substance abuse
  • Relationship breakdowns
  • Chronic stress
  • Untreated mental health issues

Many deaths occur during moments of temporary crisis that feel permanent.

How to Survive It

Survival sometimes means staying alive long enough for the storm to pass.

Critical survival steps:

  • Remove yourself from isolation
  • Talk to someone immediately
  • Seek professional support
  • Reduce access to lethal means during crisis periods

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) in the U.S.

A true survivalist knows when to fight—and when to call in backup.

5. Fires and Smoke Inhalation

Why People Die This Way

Most people don’t burn to death—they suffocate from smoke.

Common causes include:

  • Faulty wiring
  • Cooking accidents
  • Space heaters
  • Candles
  • Smoking indoors

Many fatalities occur at night when people are asleep.

How to Survive It

Fire safety is non-negotiable.

Your survival checklist:

  • Install smoke detectors on every level of your home
  • Test them monthly
  • Keep fire extinguishers accessible
  • Never leave cooking unattended
  • Practice fire escape plans

In my kitchen, I control heat. Fire respects discipline, not arrogance.

6. Drowning (Ocean, Rivers, Lakes, Pools)

Why People Die This Way

Rhode Island’s coastline is beautiful—and unforgiving.

Drownings often involve:

  • Strong currents and rip tides
  • Cold water shock
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Overestimating swimming ability
  • Lack of life jackets

How to Survive It

Water doesn’t care how confident you feel.

Rules of survival:

  • Learn rip current escape techniques
  • Wear life jackets when boating or fishing
  • Avoid swimming alone
  • Limit alcohol near water
  • Respect cold water temperatures

A chef knows water can kill a sauce—or save it. Same element, different outcome.

7. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Why People Die This Way

Carbon monoxide is silent, invisible, and deadly.

Common sources:

  • Gas heaters
  • Furnaces
  • Generators
  • Grills used indoors
  • Blocked exhaust vents

People often fall asleep and never wake up.

How to Survive It

This one is stupidly preventable.

Do this now:

  • Install carbon monoxide detectors
  • Never run engines indoors
  • Maintain heating systems
  • Keep vents clear

If you can smell danger, it’s already too late. CO gives no warning.

8. Workplace Accidents

Why People Die This Way

Industries like construction, manufacturing, and maritime work carry inherent risks.

Deaths often involve:

  • Heavy machinery
  • Falls
  • Electrocution
  • Crushing injuries
  • Safety shortcuts

How to Survive It

Golden rule: Safety rules are written in blood.

  • Wear protective gear
  • Follow lockout procedures
  • Speak up about unsafe conditions
  • Never bypass safety systems
  • Stay alert and rested

Professional survival means respecting systems designed to keep you alive.

9. Extreme Weather Exposure (Hypothermia & Heat)

Why People Die This Way

Rhode Island weather kills quietly.

Hypothermia occurs:

  • In cold, wet conditions
  • With inadequate clothing
  • During power outages
  • Among the homeless or unprepared

Heat-related deaths happen during summer heatwaves.

How to Survive It

Dress and plan like weather wants you dead—because sometimes it does.

Survival basics:

  • Layer clothing
  • Stay dry
  • Prepare emergency heating and cooling
  • Hydrate aggressively in heat
  • Never underestimate “mild” weather

Weather is the original apex predator.

10. Violence and Homicide

Why People Die This Way

Most violent deaths involve:

  • Firearms
  • Domestic disputes
  • Gang-related incidents
  • Escalated conflicts

Often, victims knew their attackers.

How to Survive It

Violence avoidance is survival mastery.

Stay alive by:

  • Avoiding high-risk environments
  • De-escalating conflicts
  • Being situationally aware
  • Securing your home
  • Seeking help in volatile relationships

The best fight is the one you never enter.

Final Survivalist Thoughts

Survival isn’t about fear—it’s about preparation.

Most of the ways people die in Rhode Island are:

  • Predictable
  • Preventable
  • The result of ignored warnings

You don’t need to live in a bunker or eat freeze-dried beans (though I can make beans taste better than Gordon Ramsay ever could).

You just need discipline, awareness, and respect for reality.

Live sharp. Stay prepared. And don’t die stupid.

Survive or Die in New York: The 10 Most Dangerous Things in The Big Apple State That Will End You

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn Dangers of New York State, Extreme Risks & SafetyLeave a comment

Let me tell you something straight: New York isn’t the glitzy, picturesque wonderland people want you to believe. Beneath the skyscrapers, the subways, and the tourist-packed streets lurks a deadly reality that most people are too naive to acknowledge. If you think a stroll in Central Park or a weekend at the Adirondacks is harmless, think again. Death comes quietly, unexpectedly, and without warning. And if you want even the slightest chance of survival, you better pay attention to the top 10 killers in New York—and how to survive them. I’m not here to sugarcoat it. This is grim. This is real. And it’s life or death.

1. The Subway System – A Maze of Metal and Madness

You step onto the subway thinking it’s just a mode of transportation, but one misstep, one loose handhold, or one distracted second, and you’re toast. Subways are magnets for criminal activity, unexpected train arrivals, and slippery conditions that can turn a simple fall into a catastrophic end.

Survival Tactic: Never be distracted by your phone. Stay behind the yellow line, avoid empty cars late at night, and always have an escape route in mind. Carry a personal alarm or whistle; the panic it creates may just save your life.

2. Extreme Weather Events – Mother Nature’s Fury

Hurricanes, blizzards, flash floods—you name it, New York experiences it. People romanticize the snowy winters, but frostbite and hypothermia are silent killers. Summer? Heatwaves can sneak up on you, causing heatstroke faster than you can hydrate.

Survival Tactic: Always check weather warnings and never underestimate local advisories. Stock emergency supplies: water, non-perishable food, a thermal blanket, and a first-aid kit. Know your high-ground evacuation routes for floods and always dress in layers for winter.

3. Aggressive Wildlife – Not Just in the Wilderness

You think New York’s wildlife is cute? Think again. Coyotes prowl suburban streets at night, snapping up small pets, and raccoons can carry diseases that are deadly to humans. And don’t forget venomous insects—ticks with Lyme disease and mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus.

Survival Tactic: Never approach wildlife. Keep trash sealed, maintain a safe distance from animals, and use repellents and protective clothing. If bitten, seek medical help immediately; the city hospitals are your lifeline here.

4. Urban Crime – The Hidden Predator

Pickpockets, muggers, and random violent acts are not myths—they’re a daily reality in certain parts of New York. Walking alone at night can feel like a death sentence if you’re unprepared.

Survival Tactic: Always stay alert, avoid dimly lit areas, and keep valuables hidden. Self-defense training isn’t optional—it’s mandatory. Carry a legal deterrent like pepper spray or a tactical flashlight. And never trust the “safe” neighborhoods blindly; danger doesn’t announce itself.

5. Traffic Chaos – Steel Beasts on Wheels

New Yorkers drive like maniacs. Pedestrians think they have the right of way; drivers think the city belongs to them. One distracted driver, one ignored traffic signal, and it’s over.

Survival Tactic: Never assume vehicles will stop. Look both ways twice, even at crosswalks. Wear bright clothing if you walk or bike, and always have an escape route in mind. Avoid distractions, and keep your phone in your pocket. Your life depends on it.

6. Building Fires – Silent Killers in Plain Sight

New York is a concrete jungle, and fires can spread faster than most people realize. Faulty wiring, unattended candles, or kitchen accidents can turn a cozy apartment into a death trap.

Survival Tactic: Always have a fire extinguisher, smoke detectors, and a pre-planned escape route. Never assume the fire department will arrive in time; self-rescue knowledge is crucial. And for God’s sake, test your escape route—it’s not just theory, it’s life or death.

7. Water Hazards – Lakes, Rivers, and Storm Drains

From the Hudson to the Erie Canal, water is everywhere in New York. But currents, tides, and hidden underwater hazards turn recreational swimming and boating into potentially lethal activities. Storm drains and subway tunnels can become deadly traps during floods.

Survival Tactic: Learn to swim and wear a life jacket near open water. Avoid areas prone to flooding and never underestimate the power of currents. Carry a waterproof survival kit if you venture near water, including a whistle, rope, and signaling device.

8. Falling Objects – A Threat You Can’t Always See

Construction sites, crumbling buildings, and even city streets can drop debris on your head without warning. A loose brick, a falling sign, or a collapsing scaffold can end your life instantly.

Survival Tactic: Always be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking near construction zones, look up periodically, and keep your head protected if you’re in a high-risk area. Sometimes, the best defense is simply not being there when disaster strikes.

9. Food and Water Contamination – The Invisible Assassin

Most people assume city food and water are safe—but contamination from bacteria, mold, or chemical pollutants can kill slowly or suddenly. From raw street food to polluted lakes, ignoring these risks is suicidal.

Survival Tactic: Drink only treated or bottled water, cook food thoroughly, and practice good hygiene. Have water purification tablets or a portable filter ready. In New York, assuming everything is safe is a gamble you won’t survive losing.

10. Mental Collapse – The Overlooked Killer

This one’s not flashy, but make no mistake: mental breakdowns can kill you just as efficiently as anything else. The stress of the city, coupled with the constant threat of danger, can cause panic, poor decisions, and fatal mistakes.

Survival Tactic: Stay mentally vigilant. Practice mindfulness, stress management, and situational awareness. Always have a plan B and don’t rely on others to save you. In survival, the weakest mind is the first casualty.

Final Thoughts: Embrace Paranoia, or Die

Here’s the ugly truth: most people walk around New York thinking the worst will never happen to them. They’re naïve, lazy, and oblivious—and that’s exactly why so many die prematurely. If you want to survive, you can’t just hope for the best. You need vigilance, preparation, and a healthy dose of paranoia.

Carry your tools, know your risks, and treat every step outside as a potential life-or-death decision. Because in New York, it often is.

Surviving South Carolina: Your Guide to Preparing for the Worst Natural Disasters

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn South Carolina Survival Preppers, South Dakota Survival PreppersLeave a comment

As a survival prepper living in South Carolina, I’ve learned to take the unpredictable nature of our state’s weather seriously. From hurricanes to flooding to the occasional tornado, it’s a constant reminder that Mother Nature can be both beautiful and deadly. Prepping isn’t just about collecting gear; it’s about understanding the threats and putting strategies in place to protect yourself and your family. For South Carolinians, it’s about being ready for the worst, no matter when it strikes. Here’s what you need to know to survive and thrive during the state’s worst natural disasters.

Hurricanes in South Carolina

One of the biggest threats to residents of South Carolina is hurricanes. These monstrous storms are not only a risk along the coast but also inland, especially when they dump torrential rains and cause massive flooding. As someone who lives in the Lowcountry, I’ve experienced firsthand the devastation these storms can cause. You can’t control the weather, but you can control how you prepare.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO SURVIVE A FAMINE

For hurricane season, which runs from June to November, it’s vital to have a comprehensive disaster plan in place. First, make sure you have a well-stocked emergency kit with enough food and water to last at least 72 hours. Don’t forget non-perishable foods, a can opener, and batteries for flashlights. A portable power bank to keep your phone charged is a must—communication is critical during these times.

Another thing you must consider is evacuation. Know your evacuation routes, and if you live in a flood-prone area, have a plan to leave early. Don’t wait for the last minute. Hurricanes move fast, and evacuation orders can come with little notice. I’ve seen roads become impassable due to downed trees, and gas stations can quickly run out of fuel. Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full and have extra gas cans if possible.

Lastly, secure your home. Install storm shutters, reinforce doors, and check your roof for vulnerabilities. I’ve spent a few evenings reinforcing windows and ensuring the gutters are clear of debris—small steps that can make a big difference in protecting your home.

Flooding in South Carolina

Flooding is a significant risk for South Carolina, especially with our low-lying coastal areas and numerous rivers. While hurricanes can certainly contribute to flooding, you don’t need a hurricane for floodwaters to rise. Heavy rainfall, especially after a few days of consistent storms, can overwhelm the landscape. Flash floods are particularly dangerous because they can strike with little warning.

When it comes to prepping for flooding, there’s no such thing as being too prepared. Start by checking if your property is in a flood zone. If you live in a flood-prone area, consider installing sump pumps or French drains to divert water away from your home. Elevating electrical appliances, utilities, and valuables above potential flood levels is essential. I know people who have elevated their HVAC units to avoid water damage, and it’s a strategy I recommend.

In addition to these physical precautions, you need to be able to respond quickly when floods strike. A good rule of thumb is to have a set of waterproof bags to store important documents, such as insurance papers and IDs. Consider a portable, battery-powered radio or a weather radio with an alert system to stay informed about incoming storms and potential flash floods.

Tornadoes in South Carolina

While tornadoes aren’t as common in South Carolina as they are in places like Oklahoma, they’re still a real threat. Our state can experience severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, especially during the spring and fall months. These storms can form quickly and without warning, so it’s important to have a plan in place.

If you live in an area susceptible to tornadoes, make sure you know the safest areas in your home. Basements or interior rooms on the lowest floor, away from windows, are the best places to shelter. Have a “go-bag” ready with essentials like a flashlight, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, and a whistle in case you’re trapped and need to signal for help.

Be sure to invest in a reliable weather alert system or download an app on your phone that can warn you of impending storms. I also recommend having a sturdy helmet or padded headgear on hand to protect your head in case of flying debris.

Severe Thunderstorms

South Carolina is no stranger to severe thunderstorms. These storms often bring high winds, heavy rainfall, and hail. They can knock down trees, cause power outages, and create dangerous driving conditions. If you’re caught outside, the most dangerous hazard is the risk of falling branches or flying debris. The best way to prepare for these storms is to know when they’re coming and stay indoors during the worst of it.

Before a storm hits, trim trees and remove any loose items from your yard. High winds can turn anything into a projectile. Make sure your home is protected by reinforcing your roof and windows and securing loose shutters or screens. If a power outage occurs, keep flashlights, lanterns, and batteries in a designated, easily accessible place. Keep a portable power bank charged to maintain phone communication and access to emergency alerts.

Wildfires

Though not as common as in some Western states, wildfires have started to pose a growing risk to areas of South Carolina, especially in forested or rural regions. Drought conditions, combined with high winds, can turn even a small spark into a raging wildfire. If you live near wooded areas, you’ll want to take steps to prevent fires from reaching your home.

Creating defensible space around your home is a crucial strategy. Clear brush, leaves, and debris from your property, and keep firewood and other flammable materials away from the home. Installing fire-resistant materials on your roof and siding can also help protect against the spread of fire. Always stay aware of burn bans in your area, and be cautious when using grills or outdoor fires during dry spells.

10 Survival Prepper Tips for South Carolina Natural Disasters

  1. Create a Family Emergency Plan: Know where to meet, how to contact each other, and what routes to take during evacuation.
  2. Stock Up on Water: Have at least one gallon per person per day for at least three days in case of a disaster.
  3. Keep a “Go-Bag” Ready: A well-stocked emergency kit is crucial. Include medical supplies, non-perishable food, and a flashlight.
  4. Maintain a Weather Radio: Stay up-to-date with the latest forecasts and warnings, even when the power goes out.
  5. Fortify Your Home: Install storm shutters, reinforce doors, and ensure your roof and windows are secure.
  6. Plan for Pets: Make sure you have food, water, and other supplies for your pets in case of evacuation.
  7. Have Cash On Hand: In case of power outages or bank closures, cash can be essential for purchasing necessities.
  8. Be Prepared for Power Outages: Keep extra batteries, a generator, and an alternative light source for extended outages.
  9. Stay Informed: Download apps or sign up for weather alerts to stay on top of emergency situations.
  10. Learn First Aid and CPR: Knowing basic life-saving skills can be invaluable during emergencies.

By keeping these survival tips in mind and preparing yourself for South Carolina’s unique threats, you’ll be ready for whatever nature throws your way. Stay safe, stay smart, and always be prepared!