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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.
Always keep a jar of peanut butter in your vehicle. Lots of calories and it lasts along time without spoiling.
And you can add an opened pack of flour tortillas (That also have a surprisingly long shelf life) so you can make sandwiches!
I would say this isn't a survival tip. Having something to eat will make you more comfortable, but without water you will die faster if you eat. The military survival manuals all say "if you don't have water, don't eat".
Some foods you can actually benefit from the water content.
Load More Replies...I can walk across my country in 3 days. I will pass several dozen pubs on the way. I can live my life without needing to carry peanut butter at all times. Phew.
it would take me weeks to do that. I mean it would be rude to not stop in for a pint or two at every pub.
Load More Replies...I will add the caveat that it's better to have a container that you keep in your house and put in your car any time you use your car rather than just leaving things like this in your car. Extreme temperatures can spoil things that otherwise wouldn't spoil or degrade or melt containers. You should also keep water in your kit for emergencies.
I keep a couple 5 year emergency ration bars (2400 cal each) plus some emergency water mylar packets (they'll survive freezing) in the trunk of all of my cars, along with a couple "space blankets".
I heard from an old crusty Alaska bush pilot. He keeps dog food. You’ll never eat it unless you absolutely have to. All other survival food got eaten when he was bored.
I recommend putting it inside a metal container or another large glass: Last summer a family of mice decided to seek refuge in my car, attracted by some loose grass seed. They chewed through both front seatbelts and left presents everywhere. The deep clean was a nightmare. They are super cute, but very destructive.
Keep a jar of peanut butter everywhere. The car, bedside, living room, office. I live on peanut butter.
Bedside peanut butter could have its uses, provided that you avoid the crunchy variety.
Load More Replies...LOL I've heard that PB screws up a breathalyzer too. No clue if it works or not, just sayin lol
high levels of sodium found in peanuts will neutralize ethanol (or alcohol) — but not enough to pass a breathalyzer
Load More Replies...Must be something that survives the heat and the freezing cold where I live, peanut butter goes rancid fast in the summer, solid block in the winter.
NO I once almost died choking on a pb and j without enough jelly. So now eating too much peanut butter will make me THINK I'm choking when I'm not actually choking. So it will trigger panic. And now I only eat uncrusables when there's too much jelly
If you are going to be away from civilization for any length of time, especially in snow, heat, or storms, it's good to pack a lot with some bottles of water, peanut butter, protein powder (it might taste terrible mixed in water, but it will sustain you), a couple of fleece blankets in bright colors (they can be rolled up really tight so they don't take up too much space, and you can keep warm, use them to cover your car's windows in the sun, tear or cut them for bandages if injured, tear strips to tie in things to mark your path back to your car while you look for civilization, and as a big flag to get someone's attention), a first aid kit that includes a pair of safety shears and a mylar thermal blanket, 2 pair of socks, and at least 2 days worth of any daily medication you take. That way if you are stranded and don't have the ability to call for help, you can survive to look for help unimpaired by whatever you take your meds for,
I do carry peanut butter.. sometimes need to get my blood sugar up. Once the container has been opened, I swap it out for a new one. I also swap out for a new one every 4-6 months due to temperature extremes (central US)
Unfortunately I packed for a summer weekend trip (before reading this tip) and had a jar of peanut butter in my trunk. I ate a few spoons from the jar and had food poisoning that lasted all night. These many years later I get a queasy sensation from eating anything that has peanut butter in it
Don't forget a spoon. Oh and some marshmallow crème. Might as well bring some bread.
I was always told to carry peanut butter with you to eat so cops couldn't smell alcohol on your breath.
Wouldn't work for me - once I'd put this in my car I'd have scoffed the lot in about 10 minutes
Also keep a can of Sterno or a few! They make decent fire starters if you need heat!
Yeh, also water. Imagine trying to a whole jar of peanut butter ‘dry’
You will run out of water long before you reach the last third of the jar !
People paranoid enough that they feel the need to carry 'survival peanut butter' probably aren't leaving the house to begin with.
yeah that jar of peanut butter would last me about 20 minutes, less if i also have a spoon.
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.
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 restaurant or a bar never leave your drink unattended. Spiking drinks is more common than people think.
If your hair ever starts to stand up when you are outside, run, and run like HECK! You might be struck by lightning.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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...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’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...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...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.)
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...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’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...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...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.