30 People Share “Surprisingly Unknown” Survival Tips That Might Come In Handy One Day

We are all just trying to survive out here, but unless you’re a mountaineer, there’s probably a lot of stuff you don’t even know you need to know. Thank goodness we Reddit and Redditor u/GlumExcitement9 who posted to r/AskReddit to ask, “People of Reddit, what is a surprisingly unknown survival fact that everyone should know?”

And I will say most of the facts on there are not ones I knew, or that I had heard once and immediately forgot. Maybe the biggest takeaway is that if you are planning to go out into nature, you simply must Google “safety precautions” before heading out every single time until you know how to build your own lean-to in the forest. Most of this stuff is just a jumping-off point for learning and I’d suggest doing more research before eating cactus or fighting an animal. You can never be too safe, even from survival facts.

survival tips, survival tips askreddit

1.

Elevator stuff: The STAR symbol on the elevator panel indicates the floor that is the most direct route to outside. —AtopMountEmotion

2.

This is a tip for surviving with mental health issues. I often ignore my own advice, but when I remember to do it, it usually helps.

When you’re feeling super depressed ask yourself these questions : Am I thirsty? Am I hungry? Am I tired and in need of sleep? Have I showered today? Have I gotten up and walked around in awhile? Have I gotten out of bed and dressed?

I find that a surprising number of times something(s) on that list needs attending to. And once done, I often feel better. There’s no cure for depression. There’s just learning to manage and live with it. Hope that helps someone. —LordBlackDragon

3.

Every part of a dandelion, from the flower to the stem to the root, is edible. —Fried_Dace

4.

If you ever fall off a ship/ferry at sea and were lucky enough to be spotted – don’t try to swim your way to safety. The more you try to swim, the lesser the chances of survival. Just try to keep afloat and conserve energy (and body heat) while rescue team do what they’re supposed to. Unless you are in hypothermic waters, the best bet always is to stay afloat without trying to swim to somewhere. This information about falling overboard, hypothermia and conditions, survival at sea etc are based on my own experience of 12 years sailing on merchant ships like this

Edit: PS: disclaimer, the link will take you to ship’s video on my own youtube. Making these videos is just a side hobby. —trendz19

5.

If you are ever involved in gunfire or a shooting of any sort, a sharp cracking sound means the gunfire is aimed at you, a deep thumping noise means the gunfire is aimed away from you —kryz0

6.

Anything standing it’s ground and being loud just wants you to leave. If you don’t they will attack. When they are relatively quiet they have already decided to attack.

This goes for humans too —Uncle_Lazlo

7.

If you’re about to pass out from being exposed to heat, pour cold water on your forearms. Ice works even better.

This is an old farmer trick. You will feel the effects immediately. You will stop being dizzy and feel better almost immediately. —EnderOfHope

8.

Cut four times the firewood you think you’ll need. —Level238

9.

Lead the pack if scared of snakes. You’ll disturb them but the person behind you is more likely to get bitten. —Knittingtaco

10.

You can get hypothermia in any water that’s below your body temperature, which is pretty much any body of water. —WatchTheBoom