Testing the 10 Silent Rules of Survival

Q&A: Testing the 10 Silent Rules of Survival

In our last article, we reviewed the video “The 10 Silent Rules of Survival No One Tells You” by A Small Town Prepper. The video was packed with thought-provoking advice about discipline, stealth, and mindset. But survival isn’t one-size-fits-all. Out here on the Great Plains, conditions change the

equation: open sightlines, bitter cold, and rural communities all influence how these “rules” play out. In this follow-up, we’ll walk through each of the ten rules in a Q&A format.  

We will give a general overview first, then weigh both supportive and contrarian perspectives.  Remember that this is a starting point for ideas and not the finish line--each situation you encounter may have completely different possibilities and solutions.

Q & A

1. Should you “never be the loudest person”?

General: There are two basic overall strategies for any survival situation when it comes to survival until being rescued:  you can either stay hidden or get found -- that's it.  Once you start the path of "getting found" it is very hard to change that strategy.  It's critical for you to understand that it is impossible for us to decide what strategy is best for you in an unknown future situation--you have to choose when you are there.

Supportive: Stealth and discretion protect you. Loud voices, slamming car doors, or gunfire attract danger. Staying quiet keeps you off the radar.

Contrarian: Sometimes noise saves lives. In a rescue situation, shouting or signaling may be the difference between found and forgotten. Silence is context-dependent.

2. Is it true that “trust is earned slowly”?

General: Trust is difficult to measure.  Some people offer it and accept it freely, others do not.  The more secure someone feels, the more likely they will be to trust someone else.  Conversely, the less secure someone feels, the less likely they will be to trust someone else.  And finally, there may be situations where trust is the only option for survival, regardless of what you feel.

Supportive: Revealing your supplies too quickly risks theft or betrayal. Measured trust protects your lifeline.

Contrarian: On the Plains, where small towns thrive on long-standing relationships, sometimes you must rely on neighbors immediately. Withholding trust can isolate you when you most need help.

3. What about the rule to “move like a shadow”?

General: There are some points here--but for survival in the Great Plains, shadows can be scarce.  But consider the principle:  are we hiding in shadows, or can we hide in other natural surroundings (in a corn field, under a bridge, behind a small hill).

Supportive: The gray-man principle makes sense in crowds or uncertain areas. Blending in is safer than standing out.

Contrarian: In a rural setting, moving like a shadow can raise suspicion. People notice those who deliberately avoid attention. Sometimes being known and trusted is safer than hiding.

4. How important is “don’t waste calories”?

General: This point can be much more important in cold weather and when supplies are low.

Supportive: Every action burns energy. Efficiency keeps you alive longer, especially if food is scarce.

Contrarian: Physical exertion isn’t always waste—it can build morale, create warmth, or stave off panic. Sometimes burning calories is worth it.

5. Should “water come first”?

General: Experts state that humans can go three days without water, but summers in the Great Plains can have heat indexes that are extreme.

Supportive (video view): Without water, food storage means little. Dehydration sets in within days, making water security paramount.

Contrarian (our Prepper on the Plains view): We rank water at #6 in our survival priorities. Out here, shelter, warmth, and security often come first. In a blizzard, freezing is a faster killer than thirst.

6. Is “fire only when safe” realistic?

General: Fire has always been both friend and enemy in survival. It provides warmth, cooks food, and purifies water—but it can also give away your position faster than almost anything else. On the Plains, fire carries extra risk: smoke is visible for miles, and even a faint glow can be spotted across open ground. At the same time, in bitter cold, fire is non-negotiable. The lesson here isn’t to avoid fire, but to treat it with the respect of a double-edged tool—use it wisely, hide it when you must, and never take it for granted.

Supportive: Fire gives away your position. Light, smoke, and smell can be detected for miles. Also, brushfire on the Plains in dry months can spread faster than most people realize—what starts as a small cooking flame can quickly turn into a runaway wildfire. In addition, even if the fire itself doesn’t spread, the smoke can draw attention from others or trigger official response. In short, fire is never “just fire” in survival; it’s a signal, a hazard, and a resource all at once.

Contrarian: In sub-zero Plains winters, fire isn’t optional. The real skill is learning to hide smoke, shield light, and control exposure.  Learn different methods to have a more covert fire during emergency situations.

7. How strict should “silence your camp” be?

General: Public camping locations often have "loud camping parties" that disturb other campers, and even most hikers can't stand the hiker on the trail with a bluetooth speaker blasting "the tunes" for everyone.  Survival it's more direct.

Supportive: Quiet camps reduce attention. Keeping noise and light down helps you remain undetected.

Contrarian: On the Plains, sound and light carry farther than most realize, especially in cold air. Silencing your camp here is harder—not easier—and demands extra discipline.

8. Why “always have two exits”?

General: Only two exits?  How about seven or ten...

Supportive: Multiple exits give you options in case of fire, ambush, or roadblock. Having a Plan B (or C) can save your life.

Contrarian: In remote areas, a second exit isn’t always realistic. Sometimes roads dead-end or weather cuts off routes. In those cases, “two exits” may mean a mental plan, not a physical one.

9. Should you “watch people more than the disaster”?

General: There are many ways to watch people even if no one is around--radio broadcasts can provide clarity and even changes in trail and debris left behind by others.  Use this to your advantage.

Supportive: Desperation breeds danger. History shows human behavior after a disaster is often worse than the disaster itself.

Contrarian: Distrusting people too much undermines community resilience. Out here, survival is often about cooperation. Balance caution with cooperation.

10. How does “patience” fit into survival?

General: Our experience is that there is no problem that can't be made worse by taking a wrong action.  But also that taking no action is an action.  You can take action, but be smart about it.  Attempting to hike out or separate your party rarely leads to good results.

Supportive: Patience prevents panic. Acting too quickly or rashly can expose you to danger.

Contrarian: Patience can become paralysis. Sometimes decisive action—fast and bold—saves lives. Wisdom is knowing when to wait and when to move.

Final Thoughts

The video’s “silent rules” are useful starting points, but survival depends on where you live and who you’re with. On the Great Plains, open land, cold air, and rural networks reshape the rules in practical ways. The real lesson is to take advice, test it in your environment, and adapt it. That’s the spirit of preparedness—learning, refining, and staying ready for what comes next.