One Look Might Be All It Takes to Save Your Life

14 Life-Saving Tips You Need to Know

Lisa Miller
3 min readJan 20, 2024

Imagine a regular day turning into a life-or-death situation. It happens more often than you’d think, and the difference between a close call and a tragedy can be a little bit of knowledge.

This article isn’t about scaring you; it’s about empowering you with simple, yet life-saving tips that everyone should know. Read on to discover how everyday awareness can be your superhero power.

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  1. If someone with a heart condition suddenly says their stomach hurts, it’s likely a heart attack. Don’t wait, act fast!
  2. Fallen into an ice hole? Swim towards the darker areas — that’s your way out. Ice-covered spots look bright underwater because they reflect light, but open water looks dark.
  3. Can’t find your kid at home? Skip their usual hangouts and immediately check the dangerous spots — kitchen, freezer, washing machine, dryer, bathtub, and windowsills. Time is crucial! It’s okay if they’re just playing hide-and-seek under a table.
  4. Strokes strike fast. If you notice sudden facial drooping, weak arms, or slurred speech, head straight to the hospital. This is especially important for the elderly. Keep an eye out for these signs.
  5. Choking is silent and doesn’t involve coughing. If someone is grabbing their throat without making a sound, they might be choking. Start the Heimlich maneuver right away.
  6. A fishy smell at home might mean an electrical fire; a rotten egg smell could indicate a gas leak. Both are dangerous, so don’t ignore these signs.
  7. During heavy snow, steer clear of trees. Snow can hide “tree wells” — deep pits near tree roots. Falling into one can be dangerous.
  8. Never place power strips on your bed; even a single strand of hair can conduct electricity and cause a fire.
  9. Walking near buildings in snowy areas? Watch out for falling icicles. They’re like daggers falling from the sky and can be deadly.
  10. Using a hairdryer? Keep away from the tap. Mixing electricity and water can lead to electrocution.
  11. If your hairdryer smells like it’s burning, throw it out. I learned this the hard way when mine exploded into sparks, burning my sweater!
  12. Watch out for early signs of cerebral thrombosis: unexplained leg pain and sudden, brief memory lapses. It’s not just forgetfulness; it could be a serious health issue, especially if there’s a family history.
  13. Dog owners, beware! If your dog seems poisoned, induce vomiting with soapy water and make them eat grass to throw up more. Get to a vet ASAP. You can also use diluted hydrogen peroxide (2ml per kg of dog weight). Don’t use salt water for this.
  14. Feel something’s not right? Trust your gut. Your brain senses danger before you can even think about it. If you’re scared, there’s probably a good reason. Don’t hesitate to get out of there.

Staying safe isn’t just about avoiding danger; it’s about knowing how to react when it finds you.

We hope these tips never have to come in handy, but if they do, remember: knowledge is power.

Stay aware, stay safe, and keep these life-saving hacks in your back pocket — they might just make all the difference one day.

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Lisa Miller

👩🏻‍💻Coding, Tech & Lifestyle 🎄lifelong learner 🥰