Preppers know that danger lurks around every corner, whether you're shopping in the city or hiking in the woods. Follow the tips below to improve your chances of surviving whenever (and wherever) SHTF. (h/t to UrbanSurvivalSite.com)
Surviving the subway
What if you fall from the platform onto the rails in a subway station? If a subway is coming quickly and you don’t have time to climb back up the platform, roll under the platform. Most subway stations have overhang space below in case this happens.
Look for possible exits
Whenever you enter a crowded building, make it a habit to look for exits other than the one you used to get in. This is an important part of situational awareness.
If SHTF, civilians will often head for the main exit to escape. However, a prepper will run to an alternate exit to have a better chance of getting out safely. (Related: Advanced prepper tips to take your prepping to the next level.)
Hotel safety
When you check into a hotel, always review the emergency diagram to find where the escape route is. Once you've settled into your room, take the time to walk down the escape route so you have it memorized in case something happens during your stay.
Breaking down a locked door
If you're trapped somewhere and you need to break down a locked door, forget what characters do in movies. You'll hurt yourself if you charge into a locked door using your shoulder.
Instead, aim a strong kick by the space next to the door handle. This is the weakest point in the door, which gives you the best chance of breaking it down.
Escaping from a captor
If someone tries to rob or abduct you, scream and put up a fight. Kick and punch your captor or use makeshift weapons like your car keys or an umbrella.
Most of the time, thieves or abductors will give up and escape if they encounter physical resistance.
Calling 911
During a medical emergency, quickly tell the 911 operator your location before you tell them what's wrong. This way, if you get cut off they already know where to go.
Preventing choking
If you choke when you're alone, you need to perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself.
Do this by using the back of a chair or sofa. Forcefully throw your stomach over the back of the sofa or chair to mimic someone performing the Heimlich on you.
Swim, don't sink
If you're outdoors and you fall into open, raging water, don’t try to swim to safety.
First, focus on floating and getting your breathing under control. If you try to swim first, you run the risk of hyperventilating and drowning if you panic too much.
Car safety
If you crash and your vehicle goes underwater, don't panic. The electronic roll-down buttons for windows will still work.
In fact, manual handles may be more difficult to use when rolling down windows underwater. To cover all your bases, make sure you have a glass breaker within easy-to-reach access from the driver’s seat so you can break down the window if SHTF.
Fire safety
When trapped in your house during a fire, crawl with your feet and legs in front of you. If you stand up or run, you may inhale smoke, which can make it harder to breathe as you try to escape.
Don't drive when sleep-deprived
Did you know that if you've been awake for 17 hours or longer, your ability to drive is as bad as a drunk driver’s?
If you're too tired to drive safely, pull over and nap or ask someone else to drive. This ensures your safety when traveling with loved ones or bugging out.
Always carry lighters
Keep a lighter or other firestarters in your everyday carry kit (EDC kit). Even if you don't smoke, a lighter is the fastest way to start a fire, which you need in most survival situations.
First aid for cuts and scrapes
If you get injured, clean and treat every wound properly. In a post-SHTF world, an infection from a tiny cut can lead to severe complications.
First, use clean water to rinse out the wound then place antiseptic on it before covering it with an adhesive bandage or gauze pad.
Before SHTF, train yourself to have situational awareness such as finding possible exits in crowded locations, learn first aid to prevent cuts and scrapes from getting infected and carry an EDC bag so that you are prepared for whatever comes.
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