[Book Sip] Pack a 'Hiking Stick' in Your Survival Backpack

Some sentences encapsulate the entire content of the book itself, while others instantly reach the reader's heart, creating a connection with the book. We introduce such meaningful sentences excerpted from the book. - Editor's note

Woo Seung-yeop, director of the Urban Disaster Research Institute, guides on evacuation methods during disasters and how to pack a survival backpack, an essential item for everyone. Survival backpacks have gained attention amid frequent disasters threatening daily life, such as the Gyeongju and Pohang earthquakes, massive wildfires in the Yeongdong region, and heavy rains hitting Seoul. Through disaster movies depicting various situations, readers are encouraged to imagine the attitudes we can take, the stances of others, and the environment during disaster situations.

1. The most important thing is water 2. 2 liters is the amount needed per person per day 3. Not drinking water for 3 days leads to death 4. Carrying water in four small bottles (500ml each) is more advantageous than one large bottle (2L)

Although water is abundant around us, it has long been difficult to find clean drinking water. In major disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides, water supply facilities are often destroyed or contaminated, making it even harder to find potable water. Many disaster victims suffer from stomachaches, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever symptoms after drinking contaminated water, sometimes leading to untimely death. The minimum daily water requirement per person is 2 liters, which includes water for drinking and cooking. However, this amount can vary depending on temperature and activity level. For example, if you are carrying a heavy survival backpack and urgently escaping by running or climbing stairs, or on a scorching summer day under the blazing sun, you may need up to 4 liters per day. - From "Remember the 1·2·3·4 Rule of Water"

Hiking sticks are often perceived as walking aids used only when going to the mountains, but in reality, they are nearly all-purpose equipment. Proper use of hiking sticks while walking can reduce physical exertion by one-third. They help you move stably without slipping on unpaved paths, mountain trails, damaged roads, uphill slopes, or icy roads. Moreover, they are very helpful when resting. By planting two poles into the ground and using plastic sheets, ropes, or thermal blankets, you can quickly set up a simple shade or shelter. Such versatile hiking sticks can also serve as effective self-defense tools in emergencies. When extended, the stick can reach up to 1 meter in length, with a sturdy, pointed metal tip at the front that can be used like a stabbing spear. - From "Self-Defense Items"

Even in deep sleep, the instinct to immediately wake up and check when hearing a child softly calling "mom" or "dad" is programmed into us. When suddenly hearing a desperate call for "mom" or "dad," you will unconsciously respond and look, even if you are holding your own child's hand. Age, gender, or whether the child is someone else's does not matter. It triggers maternal love and protective instincts. Any adult who has raised a child would worry and check what the problem is. While screams make people scared and want to avoid or run away, hearing a child call "mom" or "dad" will make people willing to take risks and help despite some danger. In emergencies, shout "mom" or "dad." - From "Evacuate"

Survival Backpack | Written by Woo Seung-yeop | Deulnyeok | 432 pages | 20,000 KRW