Island Skills of Empowerment for Single Parents
- familitapuaki
- Apr 27
- 6 min read
Updated: May 27
Hui 'ofa fam... If you ever find yourself in a challenging situation or simply want to empower yourself with practical knowledge, mastering survival skills can boost your confidence and resilience. As parents, that's a duty to empower ourselves! (You got this!) This blog post will explore essential island survival skills for single parents, providing practical tips and insights that can be applied both in the in daily life and when an emergency arises.
Understanding the Basics of Survival
That statistic is no can (alarming!)! So before dismissing it as another case of excessive preparedness, take a "coconut" to consider it. (Ya sistah isn't crazy, she's aware!) In the islands, we joke about "always get warning but naddin' happens!" Well, when it happens, it's the extreme case of it! This year NOAA (National Oceanic Atmosphere Administration) is advising that "With El Niño conditions warming up, Hawaii could see more than double the amount of storms from a typical year." Take a look here to see what Hawaii will be up against in 2026
Just 12% of households adhere to the State of Hawaiʻi’s guidelines for emergency stockpiling of food, water, and essential medicine.
This low level of compliance indicates a considerable vulnerability in the event of a major hurricane, a supply chain disruption, or another disaster, which is why you should consider reading on! Learning on! 'Ofa (love) it up and Kuelana (responsibility) up!
Before diving into specific skills, it’s important to understand the fundamental principles of survival. These principles can give you peace of mind knowing that you have a plan that can guide your actions and decisions in any challenging situation:
Prepare for the unexpected:— Peace and safety start with a plan. I strongly encourage single parents to have three essentials: a 72-hour bag (this is just to bug out- in Hawaii, we need to be able to bug in or stay put because our response time is longer we really need to prepare for 14 days!), a get-home bag, and an everyday carry (EDC) pouch. Each one serves a different purpose, and if you live on an island, your setup might look a little different from one in a city—so pack with intention.
In September 2018, while I was living in Kahului, Maui, Cyclone Olivia struck. Olivia taught me that I wasn't prepared. It's easy to question, "Do I really need this?" But as a single mom, I had to focus on situational awareness. Relying on others isn't my style! We had running water, although a brown water advisory is common, and we were without power for nearly four days. Many areas in central Maui experienced flooding, and the high winds caused significant damage. I feel blessed and grateful that we were safe.
I asked myself what I could have done in advance to prepare for this situation. Well, since the future isn't an open book, I have to think about times past and use my experience. Maui has surely been shielded all these years, but when things happen, oh boy!
I had enough food for more than 14 days. Thank the Lord! But what I lacked was written instructions on what I should do versus what I panic and do. Planning is a skill! It is a fundamental executive function that involves anticipating the future, setting goals, and mentally organizing the exact steps needed to achieve them. It can be learned, practiced, and significantly improved over time.
We had a spacious covered deck, so many items were moved to the center and secured with knots (yes, knot-tying is indeed a skill! A cherry one at that!) We had a gas stove, so that was great, though the pilot didn't work because it was electric. The stove still worked; I just had to light it manually. No refrigerator or freezer... I had no generator of any kind so I had to place everything in a cooler and keep it stocked with ice.
Skills to pick up
Planning
Be aware of your surroundings and identify items that can be removed to prevent them from becoming projectiles in high winds.
Not every knot is suitable for every situation, so understanding a few knots and knowing when to apply them will significantly simplify tasks and reduce stress when the need arises.
Basic first aid, CPR, and the ability to stop severe bleeding. (wound/ burn care, choke relief. Click here for a good resource.
In the house prep, shutting down utilities.
Communication
I got the stuff, now what? We're still planning! What are the potential issues that could keep you from getting to your family? (aside from frantic traffic). How can you plan for the hold up or get in contact with your children? Honolulu, during emergencies, you tend to get gridlocked. What can you do to help yourself get home? Outer islands, what are your options? I've calculated my commute from work to home. Driving is about 13-15 minutes, walking is about an hour and a half for me, call it 2 hours, it's an uphill climb after passing the central Kahului area. Plans for this if your vehicle breaks down or roads are blocked.
Prioritize Safety: Your safety and that of your children are paramount. Always assess your surroundings and avoid unnecessary risks.
Stay Calm: Panic can cloud your judgment. Take deep breaths and focus on the task at hand.
Assess Resources: Identify what you have at your disposal, including food, water, and shelter materials.
Finding and Purifying Water
Water is essential for survival, and knowing how to find and purify it can make a significant difference. Here are some methods to consider:
Locating Water Sources
Look for Natural Sources: Streams, rivers, and lakes are obvious choices. In a tropical setting, rainwater can also be collected.
Follow Animal Tracks: Animals often lead to water sources. Observe their paths and behaviors.
Purifying Water
Boiling: If you have a container, boiling water for at least one minute kills most pathogens.
Solar Distillation: Create a solar still by digging a hole, placing a container in the center, and covering it with plastic. The sun will evaporate the water, which will then condense and collect in the container.
Building Shelter
Creating a safe and comfortable shelter is crucial for protection against the elements. Here are some tips for building a shelter:
Choosing the Right Location
Avoid Low-Lying Areas: These can collect water during rain.
Seek Natural Cover: Look for trees or rocks that can provide protection from wind and rain.
Constructing the Shelter
Use Natural Materials: Gather branches, leaves, and grass to create a sturdy structure. Lean-to shelters are effective and relatively easy to build.
Insulate: Use leaves and grass to insulate the shelter, keeping it warm during the night.
Finding Food
Foraging for food can be a daunting task, but with some knowledge, it can be manageable. Here are some tips for finding food:
Edible Plants
Learn to Identify: Familiarize yourself with local edible plants. Resources like field guides or apps can help.
Test for Safety: If unsure about a plant, perform a taste test. Start with a small amount and wait for a reaction.
Fishing and Hunting
Fishing: If near water, use improvised fishing tools like spears or nets.
Hunting: Small game can be caught using traps. Research simple trapping techniques that can be done with minimal resources.
Navigating and Signaling for Help
If you find yourself lost or in need of rescue, knowing how to navigate and signal for help is vital.
Navigation Techniques
Use the Sun: The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Use this knowledge to orient yourself.
Natural Landmarks: Familiarize yourself with the landscape and use natural landmarks to guide your way.
Signaling for Help
Create Signals: Use bright colors or reflective materials to create signals that can be seen from the air.
Sound Signals: Whistles or shouting can attract attention. Use these methods sparingly to conserve energy.
Emotional Resilience and Mindset
Survival is not just about physical skills; emotional resilience plays a crucial role, especially for single mothers. Here are some strategies to maintain a positive mindset:
Stay Connected
Build a Support Network: Whether in a survival situation or everyday life, having a support system can provide emotional strength.
Practice Mindfulness: Techniques such as deep breathing or meditation can help manage stress.
Set Goals
Short-Term Goals: Focus on immediate tasks, such as finding water or building a shelter. This can provide a sense of accomplishment.
Long-Term Vision: Keep in mind your ultimate goal of survival and returning to safety.
Practical Applications in Daily Life
The skills learned from survival training can be applied to everyday challenges faced by single mothers. Here are some practical applications:
Resource Management
Budgeting: Just as you would assess resources in the wild, evaluate your financial resources and create a budget that prioritizes essential needs.
Meal Planning: Use foraging skills to plan meals with available ingredients, reducing waste and saving money.
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability: In survival situations, adaptability is key. Apply this mindset to everyday challenges, whether it’s managing a busy schedule or handling unexpected events.
Creative Solutions: Use creativity to find solutions to problems, whether it’s fixing something around the house or finding ways to entertain children on a budget.
Conclusion
Island survival skills can empower single mothers with the confidence and resilience needed to face life's challenges. By mastering these skills, you not only prepare for potential emergencies but also cultivate a mindset that embraces adaptability and resourcefulness. Remember, the journey of a single mother is filled with obstacles, but with the right tools and mindset, you can navigate through them successfully.
Take the first step today by learning one new survival skill, and watch how it transforms your approach to challenges in everyday life.
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