What to Do If Someone Is Drowning — Don't Jump In
Don't jump in after a drowning person — reach, throw, or row. Untrained water rescues frequently result in two drownings instead of one.
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Common Mistakes
Some mistakes are so common they look like the normal way of doing things — until you pay for them. This collection covers errors people repeat for years: in money, relationships, health, and paperwork, and the simple ways to stop making them.
How to Survive a Rip Current — Swim Parallel to Shore
A rip current pulls you out, never under. Swim parallel to the shore until the pull releases, then angle back in — and if you are too tired to swim, float on your back and signal for help.
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Do Not Remove an Impaled Object From a Wound
An impaled object may be the only thing stopping fatal bleeding — stabilize it and let surgeons remove it.
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Adjust Your Headrest to the Top of Your Ears
A 10-second headrest adjustment — center aligned with your ears, close to your head — can prevent whiplash in any rear collision.
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How to Handle Hydroplaning — Most Drivers React Wrong
When hydroplaning, lift off the gas gently, keep the wheel straight, and don't brake — your tires will reconnect in seconds.
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Never Try to Drive Through a Flooded Road
Never drive through a flooded road — 12 inches of water can sweep away a car, and you can't judge depth by looking.
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If Your Car Breaks Down on a Highway, Exit on the Passenger Side
Always exit a broken-down car on the passenger side — standing next to highway traffic kills more people than the breakdowns.
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Never Use Cruise Control in Heavy Rain or Snow
Cruise control in rain can accelerate you into a hydroplane skid — always turn it off on wet roads.
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How to Handle a Tire Blowout at High Speed
During a tire blowout, fight the urge to brake — grip the wheel, briefly accelerate to stabilize, then coast to safety.
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Don't Let Politeness Override Your Safety
Your instinct to be polite can be weaponized against you — rudeness is a valid survival strategy.
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Verify the License Plate Before Getting Into a Rideshare
Never get into a rideshare without verifying the plate, car, and driver — ask them to say your name first.
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Watch Your Drink — Spiking Is More Common Than You Think
An unattended drink is an open invitation to predators — guard it like your wallet.
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Burns and Scalds: Cool Water First, Folk Remedies Never
Put a heat burn under cool running water as soon as you can, cover it loosely and skip butter, oil, ice and toothpaste; large, deep, chemical or electrical burns, burns on the face or hands and burns in small children need urgent help.
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Never Throw Water on a Grease Fire
Water on a grease fire creates a fireball — smother it with a lid, never throw water.
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Keep a Spare Key in a Lockbox, Not Under the Mat
Burglars know all the hiding spots — a cheap combination lockbox is the only spare key method that's actually secure.
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Don't Post Your Vacation Plans on Social Media Until You Return
Posting vacation plans publicly announces your empty home — share the highlights after you return instead.
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Never Run a Generator Indoors or Near Windows
Generator exhaust is invisible and deadly — always run it at least 20 feet from any opening and install CO detectors.
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Don't Walk With Both Ears Blocked at Night
Both ears blocked removes your 360-degree danger awareness — keep one ear free, especially at night.
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