Unfortunately, life isn't all rainbows and unicorns. Disaster does strike people sometimes, and when it does, it’s always better to be prepared and know how to react and fast. We hope that you’ll never need to use any of these tips, but in case you do, they will help you or others survive 12 life-threatening situations.
1. If you happen to disturb a wasp nest or beehive, don't dive underwater.
The insects will wait until you're out of breath and ascend, and they will continue stinging you. Instead, run as fast as you can. The insects will stop following you over time.
2. If you notice an unexpected fishy smell in your house, it usually means that there's an electrical fire in your house.
Turn off the power in your house if it's safe to do so. This alone will extinguish small fires, but you may need to use a proper fire extinguisher (one with a C on the label) to stop somewhat bigger fires. If this doesn't help, call the fire department.
3. If you see a service dog without an owner, approach it and follow where it will lead. This could save someone's life.
4. If you're abroad and need to call the emergency hotline, dial 1 1 2.
112 is the international emergency number. They will be able to transfer your call to the nearest emergency service.
5. If you suspect that a car is following your car, take 4 right turns.
This makes a circle, i.e. it will return you to the place where you started. If the car is still behind you, they are most likely following you. Don't panic and avoid driving home. Contact the police or drive to the nearest police station instead.
6. If you're in a falling elevator, lie flat on your back and don't move - this position increases your chances of survival.
7. If you have to escape from a moving car, put one foot down and quickly take a step as you exit the vehicle.
Making contact with one foot reduces your speed, which means that the fall will be less likely to cause fatal injuries.
8. If you take someone's picture with a flash and their pupils look yellowish-white, tell them to see a doctor.
A white pupil in a picture can point to a serious eye condition, such as eye cancer, cataract, or an issue with the retina.
9. Vividly colored animals are more likely to be poisonous - avoid touching them.
10. If you ever wake up to the smell of gas in your home, avoid turning on the light, looking at your phone, or putting on slippers.
Even a small spark, such as that from a light switch, could result in a gas explosion.
11. You can call 911 even if your phone doesn't have service.
In an emergency, any phone connects to the nearest cell tower and forwards your call to 911, irrespective of the cell coverage of your cell service provider.
12. If you see a tornado and it looks like it stopped moving, it means that it is actually moving in your direction.
Share these life-saving tips with others!
