10+ Things That Might Save Your Life Someday

Even after hearing several warning messages, people may think that nothing serious is ever going to happen to them. But this leaves us vulnerable and unprepared in dangerous situations. No, emergencies don’t happen all that often, but we still need to learn how to react so our chances of survival are good.

1. Use the star symbol for the most direct route outside.

Ever noticed a tiny star shining back at you from an elevator button? It’s not just decoration. That little symbol usually marks a special floor — the kind used for maintenance, utilities, or in some cases, emergency access. Think of it as the elevator’s way of whispering, “This one’s important.”

As buildings climbed higher and got more complex, elevators started using symbols like the star to guide people to key spots fast. Its simple, no-nonsense design makes it easy to spot — even in a rush — which is exactly the point.

2. Keep your feet together during a thunderstorm.

The safest move in a lightning storm? Drop into a low crouch, keep your feet pressed together, and lift as much of your body off the ground as possible.

3. How to react if your car is about to fall off a cliff.

1. Stay calm and avoid sudden movements — unless the car is already sliding.
   Take a deep breath and think clearly before acting. Panicking can tip the balance.
2. Move slowly and carefully to keep the car stable.
   If you’re not alone, passengers should exit on opposite sides to avoid shifting the car’s weight too much in one direction.
3. Keep your foot on the brake if that’s how you came to a stop.
   In some cases, your brake pedal might be the only thing keeping the car from slipping over the edge.

4. If the front of your car is hanging down, head toward the back.
Gently recline your seat and shift your weight toward the rear to keep the car balanced. Slowly crawl into the back seat, staying low and steady. Once you’re there, carefully open the back door and exit.

5. Open all windows and unlock the doors.
Creating multiple exit points gives everyone a better chance of escaping quickly and safely — especially if the car shifts or doors jam. Make sure all passengers can get out at once, if needed.

6. Have kids in the car? Prioritize their safety.
Wait until at least one adult has safely exited the vehicle. Then, carefully pass infants or small children out through the nearest safe exit — ideally into the arms of someone already outside.

4. What to do if you fall through ice

• Control your breathing — don’t gasp underwater.
  Cold shock can make you involuntarily gasp, which is dangerous if your face is submerged. Stay calm and focus on steady breaths. This reflex usually fades within 1 to 3 minutes as your body adjusts.
• Keep your head up and as much of your body out of the water as you can.
  The more skin exposed to icy water, the faster you lose heat. Staying partially above the surface can extend your survival time — typically 10 to 45 minutes before unconsciousness may occur.
• Get rid of anything weighing you down.
  Drop heavy gear like backpacks or tools. They sap energy, reduce buoyancy, and make it harder to float or climb out — every ounce matters.

• Get horizontal and kick.
  Flatten your body against the water’s surface and start kicking your legs to push yourself forward onto the ice.
• Pull up with your forearms and elbows.
  Lift your upper body first, pressing your forearms and elbows into the ice for a stable grip.
• Pause to drain water.
  Once your chest is on the ice, stop for a few seconds. Letting water run out of your clothes will lighten your weight and make crawling easier.
• Roll to safety — don’t stand.
  Roll away from the hole to spread your weight and avoid breaking the ice again. Then head for the safest path to land or your vehicle. Remove wet clothing if possible to slow heat loss.
• Warm up with gentle movement.
  Once safe, use light exercises like push-ups or jogging in place to boost circulation — but don’t overdo it if you’re already cold and exhausted.

5. How to react during a wolf attack

1. Don’t run — stay calm and non-threatening.
Running can trigger a wolf’s natural instinct to chase. Instead, stand your ground without appearing aggressive. Move slowly and deliberately.

2. Avoid direct eye contact.
Staring into a wolf’s eyes may be seen as a challenge. Keep your gaze low and your head slightly lowered to show you’re not a threat.

3. If the wolf comes closer, appear larger and louder.
Raise your arms above your head to look bigger. Clap your hands and shout confidently. It might not scare the wolf, but it could confuse or delay it — buying you time to act.

4. Back away slowly without turning your back.
Stay calm and balanced. Keep your eyes on the wolf, but avoid direct eye contact. Move backward gradually without sudden movements.

5. If possible, climb a tree — but don’t lose sight of the wolf.
Trees offer a safe vantage point. Keep watching the animal as you climb to avoid being caught off guard.

6. If a wolf attacks, curl into a protective ball.
Cover your head and neck with your arms. Stay as still and compact as possible to protect vital areas.

7. Defend yourself by aiming for the face.
Throw sticks, rocks, or anything within reach at the wolf’s face. A sudden hit may make it reconsider the confrontation and retreat.

8. If you’re in a group, form a circle.
Stand close together, facing outward. This helps you monitor the wolf’s movement from all directions and appear more intimidating as a group.

6. How to survive an avalanche

• Avoid skiing in high-wind zones.
  Strong winds can shift snow into unstable slabs and trigger avalanches. Stick to marked trails and always check the local avalanche forecast before you set out.
• Shield your mouth and travel light.
  Cover your mouth with a scarf or glove to avoid inhaling snow. Drop heavy gear like skis or poles, but keep your backpack — it can act as a cushion and offer some protection.
• Grab onto something solid.
  If an avalanche breaks loose, latch onto a sturdy tree, rock, or other anchored object to avoid being carried away.
• “Swim” with the snow.
  Use a swimming motion to stay as close to the surface as possible. This can help keep your airway clear and improve your chances of getting out alive.

• Raise one arm above your head as you’re pulled under.
  If you’re being buried, thrust an arm upward and keep it moving. This can create an air channel, help rescuers spot you, and give you a sense of which way is up.
• Make a breathing space.
  Once the snow settles, it packs tight like concrete. Use your hands to clear a small pocket around your mouth and nose so you can breathe during the crucial first minutes.
• Wear an avalanche beacon or radar device.
  Before hitting the slopes, secure a transceiver or radar tag to yourself or your gear. It greatly boosts the chances of being found fast by rescue teams.

7. How to survive if you’re lost in the Amazon

1. Use the S-T-O-P method if you realize you’re lost.
   Stop moving so you don’t make the situation worse.
   Think about your circumstances and calm yourself.
   Observe your surroundings for landmarks or potential dangers.
   Plan your next steps carefully instead of reacting in panic.
2. Retrace your steps.
   Look for clues like footprints, broken branches, or familiar landmarks. Move slowly and deliberately to conserve energy and avoid getting more disoriented.
3. Choose one direction and commit to it.
   Wandering aimlessly only increases risk. Pick a single route and follow it, leaving clear signs — arrows on trees, stacked rocks, or written notes — with the time and date you passed to aid rescuers.
4. Build a simple shelter if you’re still lost after some time.
   Lean a long, straight branch against a tree to make a sloped frame. Place shorter branches along it at about a 45° angle, then layer large leaves or foliage over the frame to help keep warm and dry.

8. How to survive a fast river current

1. Swim diagonally toward the shore.
   In a strong current or river, don’t try to head straight back. Angle yourself about 45° toward the bank — it conserves energy and improves your chances of getting out.
2. Avoid swimming upstream.
   Fighting the current will wear you out fast. Instead, let it carry you until you find a safer place to get to shore.
3. Float on your back with feet pointing downstream.
   Keep your head upstream and your feet downstream to protect against hitting debris. When the water calms, roll over and swim diagonally to the bank.

9. How to survive an anaconda attack

1. Avoid shallow, muddy rivers where anacondas hide.
   These snakes often lurk in slow-moving water. If you spot one, don’t approach — watch from a safe distance to see if it’s tracking you, then back away slowly while staying calm.
2. If grabbed, don’t exhale.
   Every breath out shrinks your chest, giving the snake room to tighten its coils. Hold your breath as long as safely possible to deny it that advantage.
3. Bite the tip of the tail if you can.
   It may sound extreme, but the sensitive tail tip can trigger enough pain to make the snake let go.
4. If you can’t reach the tail, fight back hard.
   Use anything — a rock, stick, or your fists — to strike the snake. Anacondas prefer easy prey, so showing fierce resistance may make it retreat.

10. Collect morning dew with ankle grass-bracelets.

This technique was once used by Australian Aboriginal people on long journeys without access to water. Before sunrise, they would gather dew by rolling dried grass into balls or tying it around their ankles, letting the moisture collect as they walked through the grass.

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