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35 Life-Saving Tips That Aren’t Hard To Remember But Might Come In Handy When You Least Expect It, As Told By Our Community
I saw another post asking if you had any not helpful survival tips, but I was wondering if our pandas had any HELPFUL advice.
My three best tips are if you facing the rising sun, that's east. If you turn right, that's south. If you turn left, that's north, and if you turn all the way around, that's west. My second tip is don't drink standing water, and my third tip is if you find a river, go downstream (there's likely a settlement there).
Bonus tip from a video game: If you see a plume of smoke, there's likely someone at the origin. Scroll down for all the useful tips!
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If you're ever alone and get something stuck in your throat 'til you can't breathe, throw yourself backward against a wall or any hard vertical surface. Do it 'til it dislodges the object. Thank goodness for the foot-thick concrete walls of that old creamery building, I'm still here.
If you live in a place that gets tornadoes, keep a loud whistle wherever you take shelter. If you get trapped under debris, a whistle is louder than yelling and doesn't take as much energy.
If you are buried under snow, rubble or debris, it's wise to pee yourself. The smell will make it easier for search dogs to find you faster.
If you encounter a wolf, NEVER, EVER run away, as it will think you are prey fleeing. And ALWAYS keep eye contact with the wolf (yet don’t stare) while raising your arms to make yourself look big and intimidating. Slowly back away. This trick works gradually, but if you want to scare them off quickly, bend down (WHILE KEEPING EYE CONTACT) and pick up a stick or rock to throw at the wolf. You can also, if you have a gun, shoot it in the air. DO NOT shoot it at the wolf, as if they survive the shot they will charge and try to kill you. If you are walking with a group, link together and be intimidating-also, if there are vulnerable or young people, form a circle and keep them in the middle. Wolves rarely attack people unless rabid, starving, (Really, really starving) hurt, or if you had gone too close to them or terrorized them in any way. Wolf attacks and encounters are very rare, as wolves are shy and actually harmless. They are a major keystone species and very essential to the environment, so they aren’t bad at all. Many people are misled, thinking “Oh Wolves are bad because they are bloodthirsty killers, they want to hurt us.” But no, they are actually not. If you are camping, a campfire will also deter them away.
If you're going through thick woods and you want to get out into a clearing, look at the treetops. You can notice clearings better than looking through the trees at eye level.
I've never heard this tip before. Getting lost in the woods has always been a fear of mine!
Always keep a jar of peanut butter in your vehicle. Lots of calories and it lasts along time without spoiling.
A small Swiss Army knife or Leatherman comes in handy for unexpected situations, especially if it comes with small pliers.
Know your exits. If you're at a concert or bar or theatre or anywhere like that take a second when you arrive to note the location of the exits. In a fire or other disaster most people will head for the door they came in. If there's going to be a crush, that's where it will be.
If there is smoke then, if possible, get low and stay down until you're out of the building. One or two breaths of smoke can incapacitate you. If you can't get low try and find something - a shirt, a scarf, anything, to tie over your mouth and nose. If you can wet it first so much the better.
And remember once out never ever re-enter a burning building. The odds are that you won't save anyone, you'll just add to the body count. I mean if your kids are in there you're probably going to ignore this and that's understandable, but just know you have very low odds of success without breathing apparatus.
The first of these is hugely important though, so I'm repeating it. Always always know your exits.
First thing I do in a hotel room is read the fire instructions on the door so I know which way to turn when I get out!
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If you are staying in a hotel, count the number of doors to the nearest exit so you can find your way out in the dark
The evidence for this is scant. Certainly if well fitted (unlikely) the will filter ash. Less so the more dangerous 0.2um particles that can pass into your bloodstream. But most importantly they won't filter the dangerous gases and vapours released in an interior fire. And those are by far the most dangerous component.
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I was at a Rush concert on Independence day with 40,000 of my closest friends, back in the 80's. People were making paper airplanes with the flyers we were handed when we walked into the auditorium then adding a lit firecracker. Well, those paper flyers caught on fire as they glided through the air. A fire started that took out about 6 rows of seats. Guys were trying to put it out with their jackets. Then another fire started. People swarmed for the exits. I got out as the really big fire engines showed up. Then I realized that my brother said he was going to this same concert. I saw him the next day and hugged him like I never had before.
In Ireland they always have an announcement before the performance starts, saying where the exits are
I didn't know that, it's a great idea. Of course, they do a safety briefing on flights and half the people ignore it so it's only any use if you pay attention to the announcement, but at least it helps the people who are listening.
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The same on an airliner. In the event of an accident, it could save your life. Count the rows to the nearest exit in front and behind you. That way, if the cabin is full of smoke, you know how many rows it is to the exit.
Yeah, it's like the first thing to do when entering a building. I try to make a habit of that and even think about the quickest path out there. Also charge your phones before going out. Wear shoes you can run in too, even nice moccasins that are flat can do nicely.
Excellent advice! I always wear shoes that I can run in! That is why all of my shoes are flat!
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Also a great tip for concerts or any social gathering where there might be a chance for a crowd surge/stamped, if you can't breathe out both arms up
I’m a retired fire & life safety engineer, I told my kids that for decades. Know Exits other than where you entered. If there’s a pile of deceased, it’ll be right inside the front door.
I always count the number of steps I go up or down, because I'm the dark, if I need to go quickly, knowing if I'm on the last step or if there are more for me to fall down/trip on is important.
Works in relationships, also. Know your limits/boundaries, deal-breakers and act on them .
👍😁 Makes me remember all the basic things people in Spy& Westerns did to survive, also I'm a faithful fan of Chicago Fire - great tips in their show too!
People trample others on the way out .. get a close seat next to exit .. also faster to the toilet
And if you can't find an Exit, get out through the nearest Entrance.
my dad is government, and he's always scouting rooms at least every 5 minutes so i've been taught to search my rooms lmao
I tell my son this DAILY, cuz... you know, we are in America and a mass shooting can happen anywhere/anytime.
And sit with your back to the wall, where you can see the entrance. Maybe that's just where I drink though.
This know your exists is the first thing any first responder is drilled into them
My SO is a former police officer, going out with him was: Find a seating arrangement with a wall behind you, keep your eyes on the entrance/exit and know where the emergency exits are.
I not only study exits on planes and at events but can tell you where each is and who the "weak links" will be needing help if something bad goes down. Lol. Pro tip: NEVER sit anywhere in a restraunt where you can't see the primary access door.
You are more likely to assist in the rescue by speaking to search and rescue personnel and giving them any idea of where to search. They have training, experience, and equipment, what they need is cooperation and information.
One important thing to remember, especially in consideration of the tragedy in Seoul yesterday, is always keep your elbows up and level with your shoulders. If you're in a tight crowd this will inadvertently help the crowd "carry" you along instead of taking a chance and falling to get trampled!
Excellent advice for anyone! I would add to count how many steps it would take you to get to that exit and be prepared to smash a window with a chair to make an exit!
A car 'emergency kit' with basic tools, long-life foods, battery bank and charging cables, flashlight and an inflatable pillow... I have an ever-growing survival set of items I needed but did not have at one time.
In a tote bag or XXX large zip loc bag: a sweat shirt, a T shirt, leggings, flip flops. Also throw in large trash bags. If you get hot/cold/wet, these are great to change into. Extra room? Carry a blanket and small pillow. Never know when traffic stops that it could be a while. I like to think if you are prepared, you will never need these.
In a restaurant or a bar never leave your drink unattended. Spiking drinks is more common than people think.
Adding on to this...Never accept a drink from someone you don't know or one that you didn't directly watch being made.
If your hair ever starts to stand up when you are outside, run, and run like HECK! You might be struck by lightning.
Or, don't be the tallest thing around. Lay down in a dip, not beside a tree.
If you are going anywhere away from everyone who cares about you (whether on a hike or a date) let someone know where you are going, when you expect to be back and who to contact if you are not contactable after that time.
Always carry three items with you no matter what: A lighter, a foil emergency blanket, and a cheap rain poncho in a packet. These take up very little space even in pockets, provide fire, shelter, and in the case of the foil blanket, also a signal device.
If stranded in the desert, NEVER drink cactus water. It's too acidic to be useful and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or even temporary paralysis. Not fun. Additionally, find a place in the shade during the day and travel at night.
If you're hiking in cold weather and start to sweat, stop and remove some layers until you feel cool again.
The wet clothes will sap you of your bodywarmth otherwise, in case you were wondering.
If someone pulls a gun on you DON'T allow them to take you to a different location. Run away.
Teach your children Your (real) Name, Phone number, home address, and a safe word that only you all know
If they get lost at a park/amusement park/mall etc... they will know your name not just call you mom or dad or grandma, granddad, aunt uncle, sister, brother...or by a nick name
Take a picture of your kid(s) once you get to your destination, this way, if they do become separated from you...you will have a current picture of them.
The safe word: if someone says Your Mom Dad etc, said for me to come get you...your kid should asks them for the safe word given, so they know to go with them...
One of the things I had kindergartners do, learn names and addresses and phone numbers. The hard thing was that some low income families the phone numbers would be disconnected in a month or two. Kind of scary when you want to help the kids be safe.
Stay away from glass office windows if you hear a ruckus going on outside. Bombers lure people to the windows by creating disturbances outside.
The emergency signal SOS in morse code is 3xshort 3xlong 3xshort. The alpine emergency signal is 1 short signal every 10 seconds for a minute, followed by a one-minute pause. (Confirmation answer is 3 short signals)
I always make sure my gas tank is more than half full (especially in the winter). Carry printed maps, peanut butter, a gallon of water, crackers, an extra coat, pillow, blanket, and a whole extra outfit including shoes. Also have jumper cables, tire plug kit, and some basic tools.
Cat litter. If you get stuck in the snow, spread the cat litter on the ice and try to get it under your tires. Bonus if it's the cheap heavy kind so you'll have the extra weight on your tires.
When you go hiking, wear proper equipment, preferably hiking/combat boots with long laces. If you tie the laces tightly around your foot the chances of you spraining your ankle lessens. The boot will support it.
I personally am quite accident prone. I always take a cloth with me in case i need to stop a wound from bleeding and keep skin in place. I've had to reattach the front half of my leg with Band-Aids before and trust me, the cloth works far better. Press the cloth over the wound and tie it with the shoelaces.
Not really survival but definitely helpful for just not getting hurt too badly.
In your car: have a permanent marker in the cup holder, glove box or between the front seat pocket. If anything happens, you see anything, need to remember something, write it on the glass window, rearview mirror, on your hand, anywhere. Pens & pencils are unreliable. Clean off marker later. (For a license plate #, address, car make, model & color.)
Put on the kettle for tea/coffee if you get lost. As soon as you realise yoh are lost, stop. Make a fire or at least sit down and eat/drink something. Do not leave untill you have a direction and plan. The fire and put on the kettle bit will help you to calm down, and give comfort. That was the first thing we learned on the survival course when I went to a school for forrestry workers in my youth. It was up in Swedish Lappland, and the survival bit was serious - if you get lost and start to walk in the wrong direction up there, you will most likely never be seen again.
If you find water, DON'T DRINK IT. Boil it first then use it for tea. Or you could also use one of those tablets that purify water. This kills all the bacteria in it so it's safe to drink.
If you live in an area with tornados, wear sturdy shoes in your safe place. If the worst happens, you will at least have good shoes on to clean up the aftermath.
Probably makes more sense to keep a pair of sturdy shoes in the safe place. If you have to get to the shelter fast you don't want to be wasting time grabbing shoes.
Do not consider yourself as a main character, where everything is gonna be ok. Always think twice.. Bad thins happens with you too.
If you're lost, in trouble, or being followed/harassed, it's far better to just pick a person and ask for help rather than relying on someone who offers. Most people are willing to help you if you ask with a specific request and someone volunteering might just be seeing a situation where they can take advantage of your vulnerability. The best person to ask is a woman with children with her followed by a man with children with him. People with children are more likely to be decent to set a good example for their kids in public and if they are a garbage human being will behave in front of their kids.
I don't trust this as I'm sure there are people who use children to create a false sense of security (just as many use children to pick pocket or as a distraction.) Instead, head into a shop/restaurant/gas station and calmly ask for help from the first employee you see. If you're in a car head to a police station or hospital.
If you are lost in the countryside, follow water. Almost all towns, villages, cities are built near water. Folllowing water will mean you dont go in circles, have a ready source of drinkable water and are more likely to find civilisation. Depending on what you are carrying you may also be able to catch fish as well.
Hiking: If unfamiliar, take a map or compass. If you have a dog with you, follow your dog. Their sense of direction is amazing. I should have paid attention to mine when I was lost. She headed in the right direction and me thinking it was wrong, told her to follow me; ended up walking in circles until I found my way out. Bring water and food that won't spoil.
Always have baking soda at hand near the stove to put out fires. Never put out a fire on the stove or oven with water, in case there's grease. Always keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen or know where the closest one is in the building.
If you need to catch a falling knife, always do so with your hands flat and clap them closed. (I did this once at work.)
Get a carbon monoxide detector.
Take a CPR class, especially if you have kids, and retake it every few years.
If you're hiking in the snow, doing some winter camping, or anything where you might be outside in the cold, don't drink alcohol. It's not making you warm, it's lowering your internal body temperature, putting you at greater risk of hypothermia.
If you are out in the cold without enough clothing, homeless, etc, buy a newspaper, crumple it up and put it under your clothes. The crumpled newspaper creates pockets of air that will help keep you warm.
Buy? Uh no dude. I can find that stuff lying around and that $1.50 can buy a hell of a lot of Ramen.
Attach Your name-phone number-emergency contact-address to your coat/kid's coat
Never assume something is safe to eat because a deer/various other prey mammal ate it,they process some things different from us.
Always have something with you made from rope. You can get cool key chains, belts, etc. that are made from strong rope. Tie a car shut, can't quite reach a hand, "lasso" a dropped object...so may sticky situations made better with rope.
Note: this post originally had 60 images. It’s been shortened to the top 33 images based on user votes.
Don't just blindly follow sh1t from sites like this. Confirm all information before using any advice from internet strangers.
I'll give you point for this. It's wise not to follow all advise found on the internet and double check with legit resources (an easy rule of thumb are source sites that end with .edu or .gov instead of .com)
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If you are being followed and you live in a neighborhood, knock on the nearest strangers door and whoever is following you will likely run away. Then they also don't find out where you live.
Thanks, I'll make note of this!
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So many of these talk about "emergency" food, but I think it'd be more efficient to carry/stash more water or ways to purify it - normal weight people can easily go three weeks or so without eating (fluffy people way longer) - but only a few days max without drinking!
I am not sure fluffy people can last much longer than ordinary people. When you starve you cannot live on stored fat alone.
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To be completely honest - and please don't downvote me for this - while I guess I understand the reasons these tips about keeping a ton of emergency supplies in your car make sense, I would venture to guess that a majority of drivers mainly drive back and forth along well-travelled roads for work/school/shopping/etc. I might want a few emergency items handy when I'm taking a long trip, but over 99% of the time, I'm not driving anywhere that someone wouldn't see me more-or-less immediately if I wrecked or got stuck.
I have a saying: Better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.
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Life is a game of probabilities. People dwell on interesting solutions to perceived risks yet ignore mundane, but vital threats. You wish to do something to truly improve your safety? Improve your driving skills, practices, and attitudes.
When I enter any store I remind my daughter that if we get separated find the front door (but stay inside) and I'll go there to find her. If she can't find it ask for directions from someone but do NOT follow them or say you are lost. I've also pointed out that there is normally more people by the front doors so look for bigger crowds. That's likely where the doors are. This has happened once when she was five. She found the front doors and waited maybe 2 minutes for me to come get her.
I don't know where you live but when I was a kid and got lost in the store (USA), I would go to a cashier and have them call my mom over the mega speaker.
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Research some common edible plants to forage, it might come handy, if not a survival skill! Just be extra sure of how to identify them!
I've said it elsewhere and I'll get hammered for it, but: always have a foil blanket, rain poncho, and lighter in your pockets. Not purse, not car. Why? Fire, signal (and heat reflection, even if it's the cheap $0.50 foil blanket), and you can stay dry. You can also purify water if you have fire and carry a collapsible tin cup. Since I use a metal water container, not a worry for me, but there you go. Other tip: Carry a "life hammer". Make sure it's attached to the dash somehow (we used duct tape). You can break a window and cut s eat belt, get out of a bad spot (underwater, at risk of fire, etc.)
If you’re lost and phone is almost dead, record a new voicemail with all you can think of.
That's a good idea I hadn't thought of!
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Was being followed home, I stopped abruptly to "tie" my shoe and the guy had to pass or be super suspicious. My friend and I backtracked until we were sure he had moved on.
I'm Harvard University u want a scholarship bro? It's on me
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If you are starving, and find som foo source, rub it on your wrists if you dont know what it is, if you get a rash or pain, DONT EAT IT. sounds useless but trust me it’s pretty helpful (also just because you don’t get a reaction doesn’t mean it’s safe, proceed with caution)
For those with young kids- do make sure they know real names, phone numbers, etc. But also- establish a meeting point well away from the house to use on case of fire. Make sure the children know how to open windows, including disengaging any locks. Teach them to call 911 in an emergency, including if they can't wake you up (unconscious). Teach them to find a mommy with kids if you get separated. Police/fire/EMS aren't always around, but a mommy with kids is very likely nearby and willing to help.
And as soon as the kid knows how to read and write, buy him a smartphone. It's not for him, it's for you. He can call you, you can call him, he can share location. If he uses it to catch Pokemon, so be it. What matters is every time he is out of your sight, he has the phone.
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Every single time I add to a post, it gets removed. This time included. What the heck BP?!
What's your tip? I can post it if you'd like.
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I ALWAYS double check my advice. For example, If you see something on the internet that says, "Eating leaves will help you survive." DOUBLE CHECK THAT INFORMATION. (Also, eating leaves won't help you survive. There aren't enough vitamins and protein in leaves to help you survive)
If you are in an avalanche, try to swim, on top of the snow. Once you start getting buried, keep moving your arms to create a space around your head. Always keep moving. After the snow has settled, dribble spit from your mouth, this will let you know which way is up, and which way to try moving towards.
If you go on a blind date, for example with someone you met online, arrange for a friend to text you after an hour. That way, if the date is going badly, you can fake an emergency in order to leave. Meet your date at the restaurant or bar, never let them pick you up from your house.
If you are being followed DO NOT SPEED UP OR PUT YOUR HEAD DOWN It will tell your follower that you saw them you can keep your pace and knock on someone's door and talk like they are your old friend then tell them your situation discreetly and ask they let you inside
1.You're out in the cold and have such symptoms as Shivering, Exhaustion or extreme tiredness, Confusion, fumble with your hands, have Memory loss or Slurred speech or Drowsiness? You're at risk of death from hypothermia. You need to warm up FAST--but NOT by donning more clothing. Warm the INSIDE of your body first by drinking a lot of warm or hot liquid. Even hot water. 2. Caught in a riptide? don't panic--just go with the flow. Literally. Riptides won't take you far out before their power fades and they are narrow--like the stream from a garden hose. Swim sideways to them, not against them. Don't frantically wave your arms--that will cause you to lose buoyancy and sink more quickly.
This article just confirms no one should ever go hiking - there are much funner ways to die. Don't hike or live in tornado alley and you don't need 99% of these tips.
Don't just blindly follow sh1t from sites like this. Confirm all information before using any advice from internet strangers.
I'll give you point for this. It's wise not to follow all advise found on the internet and double check with legit resources (an easy rule of thumb are source sites that end with .edu or .gov instead of .com)
Load More Replies... If you are being followed and you live in a neighborhood, knock on the nearest strangers door and whoever is following you will likely run away. Then they also don't find out where you live.
Thanks, I'll make note of this!
Load More Replies... So many of these talk about "emergency" food, but I think it'd be more efficient to carry/stash more water or ways to purify it - normal weight people can easily go three weeks or so without eating (fluffy people way longer) - but only a few days max without drinking!
I am not sure fluffy people can last much longer than ordinary people. When you starve you cannot live on stored fat alone.
Load More Replies... To be completely honest - and please don't downvote me for this - while I guess I understand the reasons these tips about keeping a ton of emergency supplies in your car make sense, I would venture to guess that a majority of drivers mainly drive back and forth along well-travelled roads for work/school/shopping/etc. I might want a few emergency items handy when I'm taking a long trip, but over 99% of the time, I'm not driving anywhere that someone wouldn't see me more-or-less immediately if I wrecked or got stuck.
I have a saying: Better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.
Load More Replies... Life is a game of probabilities. People dwell on interesting solutions to perceived risks yet ignore mundane, but vital threats. You wish to do something to truly improve your safety? Improve your driving skills, practices, and attitudes.
When I enter any store I remind my daughter that if we get separated find the front door (but stay inside) and I'll go there to find her. If she can't find it ask for directions from someone but do NOT follow them or say you are lost. I've also pointed out that there is normally more people by the front doors so look for bigger crowds. That's likely where the doors are. This has happened once when she was five. She found the front doors and waited maybe 2 minutes for me to come get her.
I don't know where you live but when I was a kid and got lost in the store (USA), I would go to a cashier and have them call my mom over the mega speaker.
Load More Replies... Research some common edible plants to forage, it might come handy, if not a survival skill! Just be extra sure of how to identify them!
I've said it elsewhere and I'll get hammered for it, but: always have a foil blanket, rain poncho, and lighter in your pockets. Not purse, not car. Why? Fire, signal (and heat reflection, even if it's the cheap $0.50 foil blanket), and you can stay dry. You can also purify water if you have fire and carry a collapsible tin cup. Since I use a metal water container, not a worry for me, but there you go. Other tip: Carry a "life hammer". Make sure it's attached to the dash somehow (we used duct tape). You can break a window and cut s eat belt, get out of a bad spot (underwater, at risk of fire, etc.)
If you’re lost and phone is almost dead, record a new voicemail with all you can think of.
That's a good idea I hadn't thought of!
Load More Replies... Was being followed home, I stopped abruptly to "tie" my shoe and the guy had to pass or be super suspicious. My friend and I backtracked until we were sure he had moved on.
I'm Harvard University u want a scholarship bro? It's on me
Load More Replies... If you are starving, and find som foo source, rub it on your wrists if you dont know what it is, if you get a rash or pain, DONT EAT IT. sounds useless but trust me it’s pretty helpful (also just because you don’t get a reaction doesn’t mean it’s safe, proceed with caution)
For those with young kids- do make sure they know real names, phone numbers, etc. But also- establish a meeting point well away from the house to use on case of fire. Make sure the children know how to open windows, including disengaging any locks. Teach them to call 911 in an emergency, including if they can't wake you up (unconscious). Teach them to find a mommy with kids if you get separated. Police/fire/EMS aren't always around, but a mommy with kids is very likely nearby and willing to help.
And as soon as the kid knows how to read and write, buy him a smartphone. It's not for him, it's for you. He can call you, you can call him, he can share location. If he uses it to catch Pokemon, so be it. What matters is every time he is out of your sight, he has the phone.
Load More Replies... Every single time I add to a post, it gets removed. This time included. What the heck BP?!
What's your tip? I can post it if you'd like.
Load More Replies... I ALWAYS double check my advice. For example, If you see something on the internet that says, "Eating leaves will help you survive." DOUBLE CHECK THAT INFORMATION. (Also, eating leaves won't help you survive. There aren't enough vitamins and protein in leaves to help you survive)
If you are in an avalanche, try to swim, on top of the snow. Once you start getting buried, keep moving your arms to create a space around your head. Always keep moving. After the snow has settled, dribble spit from your mouth, this will let you know which way is up, and which way to try moving towards.
If you go on a blind date, for example with someone you met online, arrange for a friend to text you after an hour. That way, if the date is going badly, you can fake an emergency in order to leave. Meet your date at the restaurant or bar, never let them pick you up from your house.
If you are being followed DO NOT SPEED UP OR PUT YOUR HEAD DOWN It will tell your follower that you saw them you can keep your pace and knock on someone's door and talk like they are your old friend then tell them your situation discreetly and ask they let you inside
1.You're out in the cold and have such symptoms as Shivering, Exhaustion or extreme tiredness, Confusion, fumble with your hands, have Memory loss or Slurred speech or Drowsiness? You're at risk of death from hypothermia. You need to warm up FAST--but NOT by donning more clothing. Warm the INSIDE of your body first by drinking a lot of warm or hot liquid. Even hot water. 2. Caught in a riptide? don't panic--just go with the flow. Literally. Riptides won't take you far out before their power fades and they are narrow--like the stream from a garden hose. Swim sideways to them, not against them. Don't frantically wave your arms--that will cause you to lose buoyancy and sink more quickly.
This article just confirms no one should ever go hiking - there are much funner ways to die. Don't hike or live in tornado alley and you don't need 99% of these tips.
