# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Travel Safety

Survival Tips On How to Boil Water Before Adding Food

Water purification is the first step in outdoor survival. For water to be safe, it must be purified of all bacteria, microorganisms and dirt. When using water to cook foods such as broccoli, potatoes and pasta, you'll need a few basic tools, all of which are easy to find and cost very little money. Once the water is purified through the boiling process, you can use it for cooking and drinking.

Rock
Firewood
Clear, plastic water bottle
Tongs
Stick

Instructions

Boil Water Using a Bottle
- 1
  
  Build a fire.
  
  Build a fire. Enclose the fire in stones to maintain control of the blaze.
- 2
  
  Use a clear, plastic water bottle
  
  Fill a plastic bottle with water until it overflows. Seal the bottle with its original cap. Water will spill out as you screw the cap on tight. It's important that you do not squeeze the bottle or allow the water level to dip below the rim of the bottle opening. Use a clear, plastic bottle--the kind water is sold in at your local grocer or convenience store.
- 3
  Place the bottle of water in the fire. Because air is not present in the bottle, it will not burn or melt.
- 4
  Allow the water to boil for 30 minutes.
- 5
  
  Use tongs to protect your hands.
  
  Use tongs or a heat resistant cloth to remove the bottle of water.
Boil Water Using an Aluminum Container
- 6
  Build a fire. Enclose the fire in stones to maintain control of the blaze.
- 7
  Place a flat rock on the coals of the fire or next to the burning firewood.
- 8
  Fill an aluminum container with water from a lake, river or other water source. Use an aluminum camping cookware container such as a pan with a handle.
- 9
  Use a stick to lift the container by the carrying handle and moving it on top of the flat rock. The carrying handle is attached on each side; allow the container to dangle from the stick as you move it over the fire and then gently sit it down. Once the bottom of the container lands, slowly move the stick away easing the carrying handle back down to the side of the container to rest.
- 10
  Allow the water to boil for 30 minutes.