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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!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
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.
Final score:
440points
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#2
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.
Final score:
367points
#3
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.
Final score:
303points
#4
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.
Final score:
290points
#5
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.
Final score:
286points
Geeki Nikki 2 years ago
I've never heard this tip before. Getting lost in the woods has always been a fear of mine!
#6
Always keep a jar of peanut butter in your vehicle. Lots of calories and it lasts along time without spoiling.
Final score:
271points
#7
A small Swiss Army knife or Leatherman comes in handy for unexpected situations, especially if it comes with small pliers.
Final score:
264points
#8
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.
Final score:
240points
#9
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.
Final score:
226points
Octavia Hansen 2 years ago
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.
#10
In a restaurant or a bar never leave your drink unattended. Spiking drinks is more common than people think.
Final score:
218points
Aisling Raye 2 years ago
Adding on to this...Never accept a drink from someone you don't know or one that you didn't directly watch being made.
#11
If your hair ever starts to stand up when you are outside, run, and run like HECK! You might be struck by lightning.
Final score:
209points
Bob Stuart 2 years ago
Or, don't be the tallest thing around. Lay down in a dip, not beside a tree.
#12
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.
Final score:
209points
#13
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.
Final score:
197points
#14
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.
Final score:
193points
#15
If you're hiking in cold weather and start to sweat, stop and remove some layers until you feel cool again.
Final score:
189points
John Smith 2 years ago
The wet clothes will sap you of your bodywarmth otherwise, in case you were wondering.
#16
If someone pulls a gun on you DON'T allow them to take you to a different location. Run away.
Final score:
176points
#17
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...
Final score:
172points
Marty Sunderland 2 years ago
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.
#18
Stay away from glass office windows if you hear a ruckus going on outside. Bombers lure people to the windows by creating disturbances outside.
Final score:
159points
#19
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)
Final score:
152points
#20
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.
Final score:
151points
No you can't have my name 2 years ago
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.
#21
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.
Final score:
145points
#22
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.)
Final score:
144points
#23
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.
Final score:
139points
#24
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.
Final score:
129points
#25
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.
Final score:
121points
Joe Reaves 2 years ago
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.
#26
Do not consider yourself as a main character, where everything is gonna be ok. Always think twice.. Bad thins happens with you too.
Final score:
105points
#27
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.
Final score:
103points
Aisling Raye 2 years ago
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.
#28
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.
Final score:
100points
#29
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.
Final score:
97points
#30
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.
Final score:
92points
#31
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.
Final score:
90points
Kevin Felton 2 years ago
Buy? Uh no dude. I can find that stuff lying around and that $1.50 can buy a hell of a lot of Ramen.
#32
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.
Final score:
67points
#33
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.
What do you think ?
2picklesinabun 2 years ago
Don't just blindly follow sh1t from sites like this. Confirm all information before using any advice from internet strangers.
A Jones 2 years ago
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...
Katherine TheCat 2 years ago
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.
Madeleine Flowers (Post author) 2 years ago
Thanks, I'll make note of this!
Load More Replies...
2picklesinabun 2 years ago
Don't just blindly follow sh1t from sites like this. Confirm all information before using any advice from internet strangers.
A Jones 2 years ago
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... Katherine TheCat 2 years ago
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.
Madeleine Flowers (Post author) 2 years ago
Thanks, I'll make note of this!
Load More Replies... 
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