ADVERTISEMENT

You never know when you will get into a dangerous situation. You may think that it's impossible given your lifestyle, but it’s always better to stay safe than sorry as life-threatening circumstances are even more perilous when you aren’t prepared for them.

Granted, you can't be prepared for everything, but Redditors have decided what is the most important to know after brandon061416 asked, “What is a little-known fact that can save you from a life-threatening situation?”

While we hope that you never ever need to use these tips, let us know which ones you found the most surprising and think should be common knowledge. Also, share any tips that you have that more people should know of.

More info: Reddit

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) One more...

If the cops invite you to come down to "talk" say no. The minute they tell you they are taking you, shut up other than you want a lawyer. Even if you are 100% innocent. Period. There are no gray areas to this.

GooseNYC , My Photo Journeys Report

Final score:
256points
Add photo comments
POST
emeraldocean avatar
Emerald Ocean
Emerald Ocean
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In an arrest they say “you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you.” And this is because it’s true they will use it against you so save yourself a favor and JUST SHUT UP

Vote comment up
140
140points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#2

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) A hug can be a temporary cure for depression. Especially from someone that loves the depressed person. It's saved my life so many times.

Trick_Enthusiasm , Peter Harrison Report

Final score:
237points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#3

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) Tell your daughters: if someone is coming at you in a threatening/kidnapping vibe, pull out your phone and say "Facebook Live" and theres a good chance they'll walk away... Since it's "Live/streaming". You don't have to actually fidget to get FB Live up and streaming, just say that you are. (please do if your capable). It saved my 38 year old cousin from getting kidnapped while out walking her dog. She learned it from a 14 year old girl (friends with her parents) who was also almost kidnapped.

TheInfamousKt , Never Edit Report

Final score:
232points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#4

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) If you think you hear someone outside your house at night, your instinct will be to turn all the lights on. You should in fact turn them all **off** for two reasons: First, with the lights off he can't see where you are or what you are doing. Second, you know your way around your house in the dark way better than he does, and if he gets in, this works to your advantage.

Huskerdu42 , Ben Lovell Report

Final score:
224points
Add photo comments
POST
tarabaxter avatar
Sweetpotato314
Sweetpotato314
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have broken my big toe three times walking around my house at night, so this one may not work for me!

Vote comment up
103
103points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#5

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) Awareness is a tool. Use it.

When you walk into a place you've never been, take note of everything around you.

When you meet someone new, pay attention to them.

When things are sketchy in any way, pay attention to them.

If you keep attention at all times, you'll rarely be surprised by anything.

BeneficialCloud8280 , Gábor Bence Molnár Report

Final score:
209points
Add photo comments
POST
fparky77 avatar
Fiona Parky
Fiona Parky
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is actually the best advice. I’m pretty sure most people on here will have had a creepy feeling while talking to someone. Listen to that inner voice, it’s very often right.

Vote comment up
86
86points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
#6

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) Never let them take you to a second crime scene: If they're trying to abduct you, and you let them, the kidnapping becomes murder 99% of the time. Fight like hell no matter what.

caravaggio_was_metal , George Redgrave Report

Final score:
202points
Add photo comments
POST
hiyabhatia avatar
Ms. Human Being
Ms. Human Being
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And while doing that, also try to scratch then so you can get their dna under you fingernails

Vote comment up
127
127points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#7

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) If the tornado looks like its not moving its headed right for you

anon , Aiko, Thomas & Juliette+Isaac Report

Final score:
199points
Add photo comments
POST
the1krucifix avatar
SoloDadof3
SoloDadof3
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also, a tornado close to you sounds like a train going by (without the horn blaring). So if you hear this outside your home, GET SAFE NOW!!

Vote comment up
82
82points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#8

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) If you think you may be having a heart attack, take an aspirin. Actual aspirin, like Bayer.

Edit: many people are pointing out to chew it so it’s faster acting. Sorry for leaving that part out.

Simply827 , Tauralbus Report

Final score:
177points
Add photo comments
POST
the1krucifix avatar
SoloDadof3
SoloDadof3
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is VERY true. Try to have some available (keep in car, at your desk, etc.). You can get the chewable 51mg over the counter in the US. -- But, DO NOT, and I repeat DO NOT take more than 160mg, this can cause other issues!

Vote comment up
60
60points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) Believe that gut feeling that something is wrong.

clove02us , Holly Lay Report

Final score:
168points
Add photo comments
POST
emeraldocean avatar
Emerald Ocean
Emerald Ocean
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Except for us overthinkers here we convince ourselves we have a gut feelings when we don’t or we don’t have ‘em when we do. How do u know you have a gut feeling?

Vote comment up
86
86points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#10

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) Carbon monoxide can travel through walls.

greygainsboro , HS You Report

Final score:
164points
Add photo comments
POST
mohammadomar avatar
Mohammad Omar
Mohammad Omar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Carbon monoxide (CO) from external sources can easily penetrate gypsum wallboard (drywall) commonly used in apartments and houses, potentially exposing people indoors to the toxic, odorless, tasteless gas within minutes, concludes a new study.

Vote comment up
6
6points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
#11

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) Know where the exits are.

OPENUPTHISPIT666 , Markus Tacker Report

Final score:
161points
Add photo comments
POST
emeraldocean avatar
Emerald Ocean
Emerald Ocean
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Especially with the recent events, ALWAYS SCAN FOR EXITS IN ANY PUBLIC PLACE YOU ENTER

Vote comment up
56
56points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#12

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) Unless you have training don't try to rescue someone drowning by swimming to them, use something to reach out for them to grab onto. They will grab onto you out of fear and not let go and you may drown with them.

GooseNYC , Rebecca Siegel Report

Final score:
160points
Add photo comments
POST
zeroflight avatar
Zero
Zero
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reach. Throw. Row. Go (or Don't Go depending on your abilities). You can't help them if you die trying. Anyone drowning instinctively grabs onto anything around them and will absolutely climb on top of you while trying to save themselves, drowning you in the process. It's instinctual, not intentional. Approach from behind if you absolutely must approach. And if they dunk you, swim down & away; they won't follow. You can always hang back and let them tire themselves out until they can't fight you.

Vote comment up
77
77points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#13

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) If you have to sleep in a car, you can loop your seatbelt through your door handle loop and click it in for extra security.

Learned that from a truck driver

AceQuality_ , UpSticksNGo Crew Report

Final score:
152points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#14

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) A lot of people find it appealing to have a weapon on them and that’s a personal choice I won’t go into lol. If you choose to, whether it’s a knife, or a gun, or pepper spray, KNOW HOW TO USE IT!!! You will be amazed how quickly your knife can be turned on you if you don’t know what you’re doing with it.

I also heard a piece of advice that is sad, but probably effective imo. If you’re getting robbed or attacked or whatever, don’t just scream or yell for help. Scream and yell “help my child!” Yes even if you don’t have a kid. That’s more likely to draw someone’s attention, especially if you’re a man calling for help. Hope this helps someone.

thelesserdaughter , Björn Hansson Report

Final score:
149points
Add photo comments
POST
fparky77 avatar
Fiona Parky
Fiona Parky
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone says yell “fire”. I’m yelling “my baby! Help my baby”. Also everything you’ve mentioned is actually illegal to carry where I live, yes, even the mace. Perfume sprays aren’t illegal and I’ve seen them wipe out mosquitoes. They are going to blind you just as efficiently. Also, you can’t legally carry a knuckle duster but your car keys are fine. Your mobile phone is your best friend and have it in your hand ready to dial. Also shout out loud that you’re calling the police, in fact shout, scream, yell I’m at “such a location” .

Vote comment up
17
17points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#15

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) NEVER put something in someone’s mouth if they’re having a seizure. Try to turn them on their side, and place something soft like a jacket or pillow under their head while they have a seizure. If it lasts five minutes or longer call an ambulance. Source: 20 years of epilepsy.

GoodbyeFeline , Presidencia de la República Mexicana Report

Final score:
147points
Add photo comments
POST
tacoburrito avatar
Weed in the Garden
Weed in the Garden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Addtionally, place them in the 'recovery position'. i.e on their side, face turned paralell to the ground and their upper arm in front of them to help hold that position. This helps keep their airway open. Persons who have seized, fainted, had a stroke etc. will also often loose their stomach contents and this position will help prevent choking.

Vote comment up
13
13points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#16

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) People commonly say not to make eye contact with people in sketchy places. However, eye contact takes away the element of surprise, which is often an attacker’s first weapon/advantage.

ALTITUDE10K , madaise Report

Final score:
140points
Add photo comments
POST
katherinewarner avatar
Katherine Warner
Katherine Warner
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was taught look at their neck. That way you show that you are aware of them but you don't trigger them into interacting with you by looking right into their eyes.

Vote comment up
105
105points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) If you're fighting a kangaroo, as you do, punch the kangaroo as hard as you possibly can, and don't run.
Running shows fear and then the kangaroo knows it can beat you.
The reason why you punch is because, in a kangaroos mind, any kick is way stronger than any punch. Let's say 10x stronger (I don't know exactly).
So if you punch them hard enough, they'll back down because they'll think you can kick them 10x harder than that.
If you didn't punch them hard enough, well, you're f****d.

IDunnoThatsKindaGay , Neil Turner Report

Final score:
139points
Add photo comments
POST
emeraldocean avatar
Emerald Ocean
Emerald Ocean
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is interesting. Thankfully I won’t be fighting any kangaroos soon!

Vote comment up
108
108points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#18

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) Don’t jog with loud music playing on your headphones/earbuds. Many people pass away from not being able to hear cars etc

funsized_ , Tony Alter Report

Final score:
124points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) A couple different things for different situations.

If you’re stabbed and the knife is still in, don’t take it out. It’s plugging a wound and stopping you from leaking.

If you’re stuck outside in the cold, especially if you’re lost, stay in place and try to stay out of the wind. Stationary people are easier to find. Also, no matter how warm you suddenly feel, keep your clothes on. Your body flash-processes glucose in a last ditch effort to keep warm right before you freeze to death, and it can make you feel unbearably hot if you’ve been freezing for the last couple hours.

Above all else, if you can’t remember anything else, “calm people live. Panicked people pass away.”

Sethrial , Johan Neven Report

Final score:
120points
Add photo comments
POST
montanamariner avatar
MontanaMariner
MontanaMariner
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

5 years Search and Rescue, if you move, make a trail. Break branches, make small piles of rocks, scratch your direction of travel into the ground. Also, carry one of those foil emergency blankets everywhere. They have so many uses, cost a few dollars, and take up little space. But can save your life.

Vote comment up
2
2points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#20

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) In the case of an abduction, your best bet is to scatter some of your belongings, like an ID, on the ground. The possibility of tracking you down becomes that much greater that way.

booksoverppl , Heather Holmes Report

Final score:
116points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

If you live and play in a big city or a place with a higher risk of crime, keeping “burners” handy in case you are a victim of armed robbery is very helpful.

That old phone you’re trading in? Hold onto it. Wipe it and carry it with you when you’re out. Also keep a burner wallet. Put 80-100 in it, with either a cancelled state Id (ideally with an old address, or even get a fake) or some older expired stuff and an inactivated credit card.

Keep your real s**t in a hidden pocket, boot, etc. if you do get robbed, calmly hand over the burner phone and wallet. The criminal will look inside, see some cash and a card, and then move on.

In almost all situations, losing some cash and a 4 year old iPhone is much better than losing your real s**t, having to go to the dmv, being without a cell phone to call for help, and having your credit cards used fraudulently.

anon Report

Final score:
113points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#22

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) Drink when you're thirsty. Too many travellers pass away of thirst while literally carrying water. Rationing water may be appealing, but it's always important to drink regularly.

Town_of_Tacos , Mrs Airwolfhound Report

Final score:
110points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
#23

This is something that happened to me a few years ago.

After a week of heavy drinking me and some friends were in the back of a car heading home. We were sleeping off our hangovers when I reached over groggily and gulped down a few gulps of my water. It took me a couple of seconds to realise the water was blue.

In fact it was actually antifreeze in a water bottle that he had kept in the back. Antifreeze is tasteless and so is actually easy to drink. I immediately panicked and let everyone know I’d just drank poison, we pulled over and I tried to make myself sick repeatedly but I couldn’t due to my adrenaline even with fingers down my throat.

I recalled in my college biology class that antifreeze itself isn’t poisonous, it’s what it breaks down into, if you can drink something that stops that from happening then you’re okay. I distinctly remember my teacher telling me that alcohol gets a priority pass when ingested after antifreeze and you should immediately drink it if this crazy situation should occur.

I ran to the boot and started chugging straight alcohol that was left over from the weekend, I think I drank a half bottle of whiskey which was probably too much. At the hospital they actually gave me a tiny bottle of Smirnoff I think.

I was quite hammered the rest of the way back singing songs in the car while my mates all had bad headaches, my hangover was delayed for a day and probably a lot worse but at least I didn’t die.

A little more, yeah the bottle was just a plain old water bottle, the car was old and leaked coolant and my friend worked with cars. I still to this day realise how stupid it was having it lying in the back seat, but drinking it is no doubt much stupider.

I sometimes feel like it was some kind of fate that I was taught that fact in school only maybe a year previously, also the driver was in the same class as me and so he immediately recognised what I was doing which was funny. The other guys must have thought I’d accepted my fate and wanted to go out on a high.

cryptolover183 Report

Final score:
110points
Add photo comments
POST
tarabaxter avatar
Sweetpotato314
Sweetpotato314
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is incredibly stupid to have an unmarked bottle of antifreeze anywhere, but especially in a car.

Vote comment up
111
111points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#24

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) In the **extremely** unlikely event you are attacked by a swarm of bees, most adults can typically just outrun them, especially if you run into the wind. Do not stop running, some bees will chase you for up to a quarter mile. Do not try to hide under water, they will wait for you to come up for air.

XYZ-Wing , Charles Haynes Report

Final score:
105points
Add photo comments
POST
emeraldocean avatar
Emerald Ocean
Emerald Ocean
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But what about those of us who are like… the slowest runners in the world and EXTREMELY clumsy lol

Vote comment up
84
84points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#25

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) Take a Basic Life Support class. 3 hours and around $60 will teach you CPR, how to use an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), and the proper way to perform the Heimlich Maneuver. They teach adult, pediatric, and infant BLS in one course.

I've had my BLS card for 4 years, and I've had to use my knowledge 6 times. Worth it!! ❤

KitchenWitch17 , baronsquirrel Report

Final score:
96points
Add photo comments
POST
emeraldocean avatar
Emerald Ocean
Emerald Ocean
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What about animal life support? Also, it’s hilarious how they used an alien blowup to practice on!

Vote comment up
43
43points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#26

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) Do NOT add water to a grease fire. (Not little known but it makes sense to repeat it giving how bad consequences can be for those who don't follow this advice).

louwish , Patrick Report

Final score:
92points
Add photo comments
POST
emeraldocean avatar
Emerald Ocean
Emerald Ocean
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Basically… water on gas fire.. go BOOM. Basically it can cause explosions and the flame to grow larger.

Vote comment up
32
32points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#27

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) If you think you're being followed while walking outside, pretend to get a call and respond 'normally' and say something along the line that you'll meet soon. In the same scenario if you approximately know the person is slightly further behind and you round a corner.. run like an idiot to a more crowded or safer place. Go into a shop, bus, a group of people..hell even ring someones doorbell if you have to and ask to call the police.

Absolute worst case scenario if it's in the middle of the night and nobody is out..and someone is following you..smash/kick someone's car so it sounds a loud alarm..it could scare the stalker off.

burgundian_bananas , Ashlee Martin Report

Final score:
82points
Add photo comments
POST
wallicktn avatar
Tracy Wallick
Tracy Wallick
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Have the local police non-emergency line in your contacts; if you tell them you're calling them because you think you're being followed, they should be willing to stay on the line with you to make sure you're safe and give you advice on what to do.

Vote comment up
5
5points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
#28

If you are being attacked by almost any predator the first thing you should go for is the eyes. Predators are smart animals and only hunt what won't maim them. If you go for the eyes of a predator it will mostly likely back off and reevaluate trying to eat you.

Only time a predictor will risk a vital organ to hunt ( aka eyes ) is when it is starving. Else it will back off knowing that if you do take out its eyes it will not be able to hunt anymore therefore starve.

molestingstrawberrys Report

Final score:
82points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#29

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) Never use cruise control in a rain storm.

GlitzBlitz , Mark Doliner Report

Final score:
80points
Add photo comments
POST
the1krucifix avatar
SoloDadof3
SoloDadof3
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is true, because most cars cruise control do not account for tires slipping on wet ground, nor if it is muddy or loose dirt.

Vote comment up
33
33points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

“What Is A Little-Known Fact That Can Save You From A Life-Threatening Situation?” (30 Answers) Pack lots of clothes in your car during winter and keep your car well maintained.

shred-and-bed , Quinn Dombrowski Report

Final score:
73points
Add photo comments
POST
the1krucifix avatar
SoloDadof3
SoloDadof3
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pack those clothes in SEALED waterproof bags, and always extra socks!

Vote comment up
63
63points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu

Note: this post originally had 43 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!