Life hacks that make adulting easier and more fun are constantly trending on social media, but these hacks do not typically focus on safety.
The irony is that, while knowing how to organize our cabinets more efficiently is great, it will not save someone's life.
Redditor Tsukuyomi_Enhancer asked:
"What's a life-saving tip you think everyone should know?"
Memorize "Ah ah ah ah... Staying alive..."
"CPR should be done hard enough that you break ribs and done to the same tempo as 'Staying Alive.'"
- TurnMeIntoAGameCube
"It's also important to note that CPR will very very rarely bring someone back to life like in movies. The purpose of it is to keep the blood and oxygen flowing enough that when professionals arrive they will be able to revive the person with minimal brain damage."
- Chicken-Alphredo
Stop Driving Tired
"Driving tired is just as dangerous as driving drunk. I got up at 4 AM to make a 7 AM flight from Toronto to LA, but I got bumped, and routed via Vancouver instead. Instead of getting into LA at 11 AM local time, I ended up getting in at 4 PM, and hit a massive traffic jam heading south."
"This was before cell phones so I had no traffic info that I understood, and I just stayed on the highway. By the time I turned off the highway, I'd been up for 20 hours. I could feel my head falling as I micro napped and jerked awake, but I had only a few miles to go, so I kept going."
"Bad move. Another micronap, crossed the median, and hit another car. Just a broken foot for me, and a few bruises for her, but it could have been much much worse."
"If you're that tired, pull off and sleep."
- FratBoyGene
This Should Be Basic Knowledge
"Use condoms."
"Take care of your oral hygiene."
"Ask for help when you need it. If you don't get it, ask someone else."
- accordionwidow
Avoid the Bystander Effect
"If you ever need someone to call 911, make sure you specifically point someone out of the crowd of people. 'You in the red shirt, call 911.' If you don't, nobody will, because they assume someone else will."
- eplurabis
Know the Bear Rhyme
"If you come into contact with bears, there is a rhyme. 'If it's black, fight back. If it's brown, lie down. If it's white, say good night.'"
"In the case of black bears, they're generally smaller. If one is attacking you, then you have a chance of survival by fighting back. You'll probably be in awful shape, but you'll live."
"In the case of a brown bear, it's best to show it that you are not a threat to it or its cubs. Lie down, and protect your neck and head. Make sure it's gone before getting back up."
"In the case of polar bears, things are very different. If you notice a polar bear hunting you, then it's already too late. Make peace with your gods because you are going to die."
- Chicken_Alphredo
These Are Not Just for Training Purposes
"If someone is drowning do not dive in to save them, throw something that floats."
"If you suspect someone is being shocked by electricity, use wood or rubber or anything non-conductive to help break their contact with the energy."
"If someone is breathing and knocked out or fainted, or blacked out from drugs, turn them on their side to avoid the risk they might drown in their own vomit."
"If some people are working overhead, with fall arrest systems, have a game plan to get them down if they fall. FAS has a time limit before the constriction on their legs risks permanent damage or death."
"If someone is buried alive from a tench collapse, you need to unbury them all the way, because of the pressure on their body. Especially their legs."
"Confined Spaces contain invisible, senseless death. It can be any heavy gas in there, stay out."
"Small falls kill."
"And one thing I tell the kids I train, 'You gotta be smart if you want to be dumb.'"
- 10_Virtues
Know These Heart Attack Symptoms
"Heart attack pain for women is often different than men. The classic symptoms of chest pains radiating down your left arm isn’t what most women feel."
"It’s often a chest tightness, horrible gastric reflux feeling, and an impending sense of doom. It’s also described as the worst pain you’ve ever felt and women don’t go to the dr for it because 'childbirth was worse,' etc."
"So women, don’t ignore any sort of tightness, pressure, or twinges in your chest."
- jahoefs
No Signal? Try Anyway.
"In the US, by law, every cell tower has to receive and connect 911 calls. It’s entirely possible that your cellphone says 'no signal,' because you’re not in range of your specific network and you have roaming turned off, but if needed you could call 911 without any issue at all."
- BAbe_Linc0ln
Prepare Your Vehicle
"If you live in an area of extreme temps, keep stuff in your car in case you break down and can't get help immediately."
"For any temp, keep water and high-density food such as protein bars."
"For cold, keep a sleeping bag or blanket."
"For heat, keep more water and something to make shade."
- awhq
Trust Your Gut
"An obvious and simple one, but it's saved me on numerous occasions."
"Trust your instincts and your gut when it says, 'Don't do it,' or 'Something doesn't feel right.'"
"We sometimes forget to trust ourselves."
- safeathome3
Immediately Seek Out the E.R. for These
"If your vomit ever looks like coffee grounds, you are bleeding internally and need to go to the ER immediately."
- freestyle43
"Sorry to be gross, but if your poop is black, thin, and sticky, go immediately to get help."
- Anneisab***h
Be Aware of Other Forms of Fire
"If you smell fish in your house, it could be the start of an electrical fire."
- 9umopapisdn
The Coughing Shouldn't Stop
"Choking is silent. All a choking person can do to signal distress is a sign for it."
- Corgi_with_stilts
Please Learn How to Swim
"Knowing how to swim."
- Consistent-Chicken-5
"I find it disgusting that there are adults who still try to defend, not being able to swim. They say things like 'maybe they grew up in the desert,' or 'maybe they’re scared.' But they always expect someone else to risk their life to save them."
"Quite often, they panic so badly and attempt to drown their rescuer so much that they have to be punched in the face until they’re unconscious to be dragged back to the shore."
"This is all because they needed to try riding a JetSki while on vacation and life vests are uncomfortable, so they took it off. It’s all just selfish entitlement."
"Source: spent my teen years and early twenties as a lake lifeguard."
- forgetyourhorse
Basic Human Decency
"Maybe not directly saving your life or a life, but being kind of at least giving respect to everyone you wind up meeting. Of course, not everyone is going to get along and some people are going to cause you problems, but at least being a decent human being is going to get you much further in life."
"It's because the world, while big, is smaller than you might think. The person you bumped into on the street could be the barista you wind up getting served by when you go to Starbucks, that nurse you saw during your doctor visit could have a child in the same daycare as yours, and your tax guy could wind up talking you up in a bar."
"As ridiculous as that sounds, meeting people you've only briefly met before happens all the godd**n time."
"Being a good person, or even being a decent person, nets you great connections when you choose to use them. That barista could possibly give you a discount or even recommend a cheaper drink if you were polite about the bump in the street; that nurse could give you great tips for your child's health when you meet again at that daycare, and you could have a great friend that can teach you all of the taxes when you see each other at that bar."
"But the most important note, you have to be willing to do the same for them. If you're able to help those, they'll help you, and that CAN save your life, or at the very least really enrich it."
- Crestego
These honestly are all fairly basic concepts that everyone should know but often do not.
And that very last one is just the sign of being a good human, but when you're willing to help someone, they're much more inclined to help you in return by calling 9-1-1 or giving you a ride home after a party, which really could save you at some point.
People Share The Most Dangerous Places For Americans To Travel
International travel is an incredible, priceless experience, but there are certain safety concerns that a person should always address before traveling.
But there is a lot more to it than sharing your travel itinerary with a trusted love one, depending on where you want to go.
Digging for unique travel advice, one Redditor asked:
"Where are the most dangerous places for Americans to travel?"
A Legitimate Question
"I wonder if this sort of thing actually draws Americans there: either for the near-death rush or to prove that they survived despite all the clear advice not to go."
- LTVOLT
According to the U.S. State Department...
"The US State Department has a color-coded advisory system about how dangerous countries are for Americans to visit."
"The highest level (don’t travel there for any reason) are: Venezuela, Haiti, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, North Korea, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Mali, and Burkina Faso."
- ShinjukuAce
Venezuela
"VENEZUELA. As soon as you leave the airport, you can be intercepted by criminals and even corrupt police to rob you or worse."
- Ari_Goddess305
Seriously, Venezuela
"Little-known fact: From 2016–2019, Venezuelan government death squads are believed to have murdered at least 18,000 people, according to this report by Human Rights Watch. They've undoubtedly killed thousands more since then."
- KurtisC1993
Central African Republic
"Some tips for traveling to the Central African Republic:"
"Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney."
"Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc."
"Be sure to appoint one family member to serve as the point of contact with hostage-takers, media, U.S. and host country government agencies, and Members of Congress, if you are taken hostage or detained."
"Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones, so that if you are taken hostage, your loved ones can know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax)."
"Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them."
- Passing4human
Iran
"I have a Croatian citizenship and in fact, many people speculate that Croatians originated from Iran (at least language-wise) and thus, Iranians are welcoming to Croatians. I have had friends go there and said it was great, super welcoming people, cheap, etc.; just don't go with an American passport."
- Fancy_Poetry_1705
Florida Interstates
"On I-4, you would never get anywhere, you can only go 0 miles per hour between Tampa and Orlando. Some people were supposed to be at work ten years ago and they're still stuck in traffic."
- han7nah
Unsafe for Women
"Can confirm, my good friend never felt more harassed or uncomfortable than when she was in Egypt. And she has been all over for work."
- JRoll555
The Sentinel Islands
"The Sentinel Islands in India. Inhabitants will kill any foreigners that come to the island, even if people at sea wash up on the island. They consider everyone not from the island a threat, therefore killing anyone coming there. The Indian government actually put a three-mile no-boat border there to protect everyone from the Sentinel Islands."
- Alarmed_Koala_1558
Get to the Appointment on Time
"Parts of Mexico are scary as h**l. I used to live in a border town where Americans went across the line for medical and dental care. It’s reached the point with the Drug Cartel violence and kidnapping that these offices have armed security meet the Americans at the border crossing, escort them to and from the doctor's office, and then back to the border."
- toddfredd
Unkissable Rock
"Blarney castle. When Americans come here, they almost always pay money to kiss a stone that is routinely defiled by the locals on a regular basis, and has been for decades."
- Fathertedisbrilliant
North Korea
"The American government does ban citizens from traveling to North Korea (you have to ask the Department of State for permission and get a special passport. You have to have a reason for going and tourism won't cut it). It's a relatively recent ban put in place after the Otto kid, if I recall correctly."
"I believe North Korea is also the only country the US government bans us from visiting. I wonder why some other countries haven't been banned (some are more dangerous than North Korea at this point)."
- PM_SOME_OBESE_CATS
Mogadishu
"Mogadishu is number one."
"From what I read, if you travel there, it is a guarantee that you will be dead within hours."
- death_or_glory_
Tanzania
"I'll never forget the time I (an American) was in Tanzania and trying to arrange passage to Madagascar via a shipping vessel (I met someone who knew someone who knew someone who could get me on the ship for very cheap). Eventually, the captain told me he would grant me passage, but warned me that if pirates boarded their ship, they would likely take me with them and hold me hostage."
"I didn't fully trust that the crew/captain wouldn't sell me to the pirates, haha... so I never did make that trip. Amsterdam was a nice alternative though."
"I did visit Zanzibar. the red colobus monkeys were cool, but nothing compared to how I imagine seeing lemurs in the wild would be. My only advice to people in Zanzibar: If the ATM in Stonetown isn't working, don't follow a guy named Jeff to the 'other ATM.' There isn't another ATM. And, Jeff will not want Zambian Kwatcha when he robs you. However, if you agree to buy several football jerseys from him, he will not harm you (yes, this is a real story from my trip)."
"Oh, and don't trust the taxi drivers when you want to buy a ticket to the ferry that takes you to Zanzibar... they will take you to a fake ticket place that sells you a one-way ticket, not allowing return passage. This didn't happen to me, but to some of my friends."
- AquanautOrange
Applies to Everyone
"Some of these countries aren't dangerous to Americans specifically. They are just dangerous places to travel to in general, irrespective of what your nationality is. Like, nobody is traveling to Ukraine or Venezuela right now."
"With that said, being a Westerner (especially white, affluent-looking) will make you a target for crime in pretty much any country stricken by poverty, war, or social conflict. Even in politically 'friendly' countries like South Africa, you still need to be extra vigilant."
- Enceladus89
While traveling is an amazing experience, it may be more important than ever to exercise caution while visiting another country. A person should always travel prepared, but it may be more important now than it used to be to send a friend your itinerary and to travel with someone you trust.
But some of the places described here might be better to put off visiting for the time being, at least until the increased political unrest ebbs away a bit.
After years and years of television safety and survival episodes, you'd think everyone had a list of "what to do if..."
Alas, we have more learning.
Get out your pencils kids.
Let's do some safety training...
RedditordirectinLAwanted to help us all compile a life list we should already have.
They asked:
"What is a safety tip everyone should know about?"
Don't give dogs chocolate.
That is a LIFE #1.
At least for fur parents.
Mistakes Cost
"Wear safety glasses when working. Wear safety gloves when working. Wear safety boots when working. Do not make excuses, one mistake can cost you your finger, eye, toe." ~ bstefanovic
GiphyListen Close...
"Firefighter here..."
"Sleep with your doors shut at night (helps prevent fire spread/smoke inhalation). Be able to crawl, blindfolded, out of every room in your house. Make sure everyone in your home knows what to do in the event of a fire."
"Where to meet afterwards, etc. If you have kids, explain to them that firefighters may look ‘scary’ in full turnout gear, but they can not be afraid of us. Friendly reminder while I have your attention; check the batteries in your smoke detector. They truly are life savers." ~ CharlieMike12
Car Support
"Put toilet paper in your cars." ~ lodoyox5
"Just walk through a supermarket. There are literally 1000s of food products that are packaged in sturdy, sealed containers that will not deteriorate or spoil in the heat while stored in a car. Canned foods come to mind immediately."
"Get the products that are self opening with pull open can lids to eliminate the need to keep track of a can opener. Juice in large bottles that can be kept as juice or the bottle can become a water container. The list of potential emergency food and water is endless if just given a little thought." ~ memskeptic
Protip...
"When you cut wood or metal, the chips fly faster than you are able to blink." ~ jesusSaidThat
"Here is a protip. Eye glass material counts. Some cheap eyewear will shatter or not stop anything.. The good ones will deform and are made of polycarbonate. I think 3M makes a good trustworthy one." ~ Specific-Layer
Hello Doc...
"If you you have a skin mole that has blurry edges, isn't symmetrical, is a weird shade of red, weeps fluids or acts like an open wound that won't heal, you might have skin cancer. Go to a doctor IMMEDIATELY. Melanoma kills fast." ~ vivav5
GiphyI worry about every skin blemish.
So now I have more mole worry.
Bloody Issues...
"If you're treating a gunshot victim while waiting on an ambulance, the best thing you can do is apply constant pressure to the wound. Bind it if you can. But, whatever you do, absolutely do not remove bandages if they get too bloody. Just add more. Don't give the wound any chances to bleed out more than it already is." ~ bamece3
GiphyThe Stairs
“It is better to correct an unsafe friend than to bury one." ~ LamarB
"I tried so hard to try and stop a friend from seeing if he could jump an entire flight of stairs. He almost launched me down it trying to push past me. I held him back a lot but he was determined and I wasn't going to get messed up on his account. He broke the crap out of his ankles." ~ khaominer
In Florida...
"As a life long Floridian, I see this all the time here, and else where in the news. In the event of a disaster, stay the hell away from downed power lines!! Don’t walk along the street with them, don’t drive your car over them, don’t take selfies with them. They’re thunder noodles and have been known to kill." ~ kowog1
Blue
"The gates on a railroad crossing are meant to break away when driven through. If your car ever stalls out on a crossing don't bother with 911, look for the blue sign posted on the crossing gates themselves and call that number. That number will get you in contact with the train dispatcher who can let oncoming trains know about it immediately." ~ M3T4LL1CA
Stay Thirsty
"You cannot drink the waters from cactuses in emergency due to acidity and toxic alkaloids, which causes vomiting, diarrhea and mass dehydration especially when you're hungry or thirsty." ~ peachie_bongo
GiphyI always hated cacti.
I hope everyone has paid attention.
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