
Even after hearing several warning messages, people may think that nothing serious is ever going to happen to them. But this leaves us vulnerable and unprepared in dangerous situations. No, emergencies don’t happen all that often, but we still need to learn how to react so our chances of survival are good.
1. How to react if your car is about to fall off a cliff

- Stay calm and avoid sudden movements — unless the car is already sliding.
Take a deep breath and think clearly before acting. Panicking can tip the balance. - Move slowly and carefully to keep the car stable.
If you’re not alone, passengers should exit on opposite sides to avoid shifting the car’s weight too much in one direction. - Keep your foot on the brake if that’s how you came to a stop.
In some cases, your brake pedal might be the only thing keeping the car from slipping over the edge.

4. If the front of your car is hanging down, head toward the back.
Gently recline your seat and shift your weight toward the rear to keep the car balanced. Slowly crawl into the back seat, staying low and steady. Once you’re there, carefully open the back door and exit.
5. Open all windows and unlock the doors.
Creating multiple exit points gives everyone a better chance of escaping quickly and safely — especially if the car shifts or doors jam. Make sure all passengers can get out at once, if needed.
6. Have kids in the car? Prioritize their safety.
Wait until at least one adult has safely exited the vehicle. Then, carefully pass infants or small children out through the nearest safe exit — ideally into the arms of someone already outside.
2. What to do if you fall through ice

1. Control your breathing — don’t gasp underwater.
Cold shock can trigger an involuntary gasp, which is dangerous if your head is submerged. Stay calm and focus on steady breathing. This reaction usually passes within 1 to 3 minutes as your body adjusts.
2. Keep your head up and body out of the water as much as possible.
The more you’re exposed to icy water, the faster your body loses heat. Staying partially above the surface increases your survival window — which typically ranges from 10 to 45 minutes before unconsciousness can set in.
3. Ditch anything weighing you down.
Remove heavy items like backpacks or tools. They’ll make it harder to float or pull yourself out — and every bit of energy and buoyancy counts.

4. Get horizontal and kick your legs.
Position your body as flat as possible against the surface of the water. Start kicking your legs to help propel yourself forward onto the ice.
5. Use your forearms and elbows to pull up.
Aim to lift your upper body out of the water first. Press your forearms and elbows onto the ice to get a stable grip.
6. Pause briefly to let water drain from your clothes.
Once your chest is on the ice, take a few seconds. Letting water drain from your clothing will lighten your body and make it easier to crawl out.
7. Roll — don’t stand — across the ice.
To avoid breaking the ice again, roll away from the hole instead of standing up. Then, quickly find the safest route back to land or your vehicle. If possible, remove wet clothing to prevent rapid heat loss.
8. Stimulate blood flow with light movement.
Once safe, do gentle movements like push-ups or jumping in place to warm your body and improve circulation — but don’t overexert if you’re already freezing.
3. How to react during a wolf attack

1. Don’t run — stay calm and non-threatening.
Running can trigger a wolf’s natural instinct to chase. Instead, stand your ground without appearing aggressive. Move slowly and deliberately.
2. Avoid direct eye contact.
Staring into a wolf’s eyes may be seen as a challenge. Keep your gaze low and your head slightly lowered to show you’re not a threat.

3. If the wolf comes closer, appear larger and louder.
Raise your arms above your head to look bigger. Clap your hands and shout confidently. It might not scare the wolf, but it could confuse or delay it — buying you time to act.
4. Back away slowly without turning your back.
Stay calm and balanced. Keep your eyes on the wolf, but avoid direct eye contact. Move backward gradually without sudden movements.
5. If possible, climb a tree — but don’t lose sight of the wolf.
Trees offer a safe vantage point. Keep watching the animal as you climb to avoid being caught off guard.
6. If a wolf attacks, curl into a protective ball.
Cover your head and neck with your arms. Stay as still and compact as possible to protect vital areas.
7. Defend yourself by aiming for the face.
Throw sticks, rocks, or anything within reach at the wolf’s face. A sudden hit may make it reconsider the confrontation and retreat.
8. If you’re in a group, form a circle.
Stand close together, facing outward. This helps you monitor the wolf’s movement from all directions and appear more intimidating as a group.
4. How to survive an avalanche

1. Avoid skiing in high-wind areas.
Strong winds can shift snow dangerously and trigger avalanches. Stick to marked trails and check local avalanche forecasts before heading out.
2. Protect your mouth and lighten your load.
Cover your mouth with a scarf or glove to prevent snow inhalation. Drop heavy gear like skis or poles, but keep your backpack on — it can act as a cushion and shield.
3. Grab onto something solid.
If an avalanche starts, try to hold onto a sturdy tree, rock, or anything anchored to the ground to avoid being swept away.
4. “Swim” with the avalanche.
Try to stay on top of the moving snow by using a swimming motion. It can help keep you closer to the surface and improve your chances of survival.

6. Raise one arm above your head as you’re pulled under.
If you’re being buried, thrust one arm upward and wiggle it. This can help create an air tunnel and may allow rescuers to spot you. It also helps you orient yourself — since it’s easy to lose track of “up” beneath the snow.
7. Create a breathing space around your face.
Once the snow stops, it hardens like concrete. Use your hands to dig a small air pocket around your mouth and nose to give yourself room to breathe for the next critical minutes.
8. Always wear an avalanche beacon or radar device.
Before you hit the slopes, attach a transceiver or radar tag to your body or gear. It dramatically increases your chances of being located quickly by a rescue team.
5. How to survive if you’re lost in the Amazon

1. Use the S-T-O-P method if you realize you’re lost.
S-T-O-P stands for:
Stop moving to avoid making things worse.
Think about your situation calmly.
Observe your surroundings for landmarks or dangers.
Plan your next move wisely instead of panicking.
2. Try to retrace your steps.
Look around for signs of where you came from — footprints, snapped branches, or familiar sights. Move carefully to avoid losing more energy or direction.
3. Pick one direction and stick to it.
Wandering randomly increases your risk. Choose a single direction to follow. Leave notes or markings (like arrows on trees or written messages) indicating your path and the time you passed through — it can help rescuers find you.
4. Build a basic shelter if you’re still lost after a while.
Find a long, straight branch and lean it against a tree to form a sloped frame. Lay shorter branches along it at a 45° angle, then cover the structure with large leaves or foliage to keep warm and dry.
6. How to survive a fast river current

1. Swim diagonally to the shore.
If you’re caught in a strong current or river, don’t fight it by swimming straight back. Instead, move at a 45° angle toward the shoreline. This uses less energy and increases your chances of escape.
2. Never swim upstream.
Trying to swim against the current will quickly exhaust you. Let the flow carry you until you find a safer spot to exit.
3. Float on your back with feet downstream.
Position yourself so that your feet point downstream and your head stays upstream — this protects your head from hitting obstacles. Once you reach calmer water, roll over and swim diagonally toward the shore.
7. How to survive an anaconda attack

1. Avoid shallow rivers where anacondas may be hiding.
These snakes often lurk in slow-moving, muddy water. If you spot one, don’t approach — watch from a distance to see if it’s tracking your movement. Stay calm and back away slowly.
2. If an anaconda grabs you, don’t exhale.
Resist the urge to breathe out. Every exhale makes your chest smaller, and the snake will tighten its grip with each breath you lose. Hold your breath as long as safely possible to avoid giving it an advantage.
3. Bite the end of the snake’s tail if you can reach it.
This may sound extreme, but biting the sensitive tip of the tail can cause intense pain and force the anaconda to release you.
4. If you can’t reach the tail, fight back hard.
Use any nearby object — a rock, stick, or even your fists — to strike the snake. Anacondas prefer prey that doesn’t resist. If you make it clear you’re not an easy target, it may release you and retreat.
8. Collect morning dew with ankle grass-bracelets.

This method was traditionally used by Australian Aboriginal people during long journeys without water. Before sunrise, they would collect dew by forming balls of dried grass or wrapping it around their ankles, allowing the moisture to gather as they walked.
What was the most extreme situation you’ve ever been in? How do you usually manage feelings of panic?
10 Handy Little Things Reviewers Really Think You Should Have
Ever found yourself struggling to scrape the last bits of that tasty jam out of the jar? Or maybe your fluffy friend needs a good groom but hates every brush you’ve tried? The knights in shining armor (the brave reviewers who have already tried the products on this list) have some pieces of advice just for you.

The detachable silicone plug makes a water refill a breeze. You do not need to remove your herbs for draining water. This product is BPA-free and dishwasher-safe.

Promising review:
- This herb keeper is well-made and keeps your herbs fresh longer. It also works great for keeping asparagus fresh. You do have to change the water a few times a week, but it’s very easy to do without removing your herbs or veggies. Happy with the purchase! — Customer123
2. Make nutrition easy and fun. This food organizer designed as a board game is a great gift for a picky eater. The product comes in a variety of designs. Each one features wonderful illustrations by Ralph Cosentino.

The product is made from quality materials. It is constructed from BPA-free, certified food-safe, and phthalate-free virgin melamine. It is also dishwasher-safe, which makes it easy to wash.

Promising review:
- I’m a feeding therapist, and I found this and thought it was perfect for feeding therapy. There are so many ways to use it, and the kids love it. — katie white
3. This click-and-carry bag holder allows for the equal weight distribution of different kinds of bags (and other heavy objects). It features comfortable gel padding, which cushions your shoulders and hands.

The product is comfy and easy to use. It is also pretty strong. Each side cavity can withstand up to 50 pounds!

Promising review:
- I’m a man who always goes to the grocery store and buys a lot of items such as fruits, vegetables, juices, bread, milk, packs of water bottles, etc. But I’m only one person, and it’s tiresome to go back and forth between my car and my house. However, since I found this item, my situation has gotten a lot easier because these useful items help me carry more than four bags since they can lift heavy grocery items.
Plus, I can put them on my shoulders; that way, my hands have free access to open and close my doors and even my house. Not to mention, I can grab my keys without my fingers being occupied with the bags. With these tools, I am able to carry so many groceries in one go, plus the packs of water bottles, and they are incredibly affordable. I highly recommend these useful tools; they are really helpful and a genius invention. — Lonewolf231
4. If you are a peanut butter addict, a fan of jam, or a huge admirer of iconic hazelnut cocoa spread, this ultimate super-long bladed knife is a must.

The product reaches the bottom of big jars and gets big scoops quite nicely. Easily stirs even the thickest spreads. An ergonomic handle ensures better leverage.

Promising review:
- I am very impressed with this. A long, stiff stainless steel blade easily spreads anything from thick to creamy spreads. Deep jars are not a problem; get every last bit and nothing on my knuckles! Worth the money, for sure. — Wilson
5. This white self-adhesive caulk strip will make your bathroom and kitchen look gorgeous. Not only does the product give a professional look, but it also provides a perfect seal on chosen areas.

The product is incredibly user-friendly due to its design. It’s easy to apply, and no special tools are needed. Perfect for around sinks, bathtubs, and windows.

Promising review:
- I bought the smallest size 1st to put around my toilet before I invested more in a larger one. It looks so good. I immediately bought more and did both bathrooms along the edge of the toilets, tub, and baseboards. It was super clean. I am happy with my purchase. — L. Radetic
6. Easily adjust your pants’ size with these cute button pins. They are holding even through thick denim. Now, there’s no need to renew your wardrobe if your size changes or go to a tailor if you bought jeans that don’t fit on your waist properly (but otherwise are perfect).

The product is tool-free, so usage is almost effortless. These metal buttons fit skirts, jeans, pants, shoes, and bags.

Promising review:
- I lost a little bit of weight, but I didn’t want to get new jeans, so I bought these to help make my jeans fit a bit tighter. They stay all day, but they are also easy to take off. They’re comfortable, and you can’t even notice them. — Chloe
7. This clever pet grooming glove is essential for all people living with fluffy fellas. As you can see, it is extremely efficient, and most animals react well to it. It is flexible and breathable and features an adjustable wrist strap (so it is comfy, not only for furry friends).

The glove gives a gentle massage while removing excessive hair. In its turn, it stimulates skin oil production and improves the coat. The product is very versatile; you can use it dry or wet.

Promising review:
- Dennis was so picky about being brushed and never wanted to sit still. The only option was to put his harness on to hold him still, but then I couldn’t get all of his fur. This glove is a lifesaver. It arrived quickly and wasn’t dirty or damaged in any way.
I have very small hands; when my fingers are spread, it’s about 7 inches diagonally from thumb to pinky and 6.5 inches from the base of my palm to the tip of my middle finger, and the glove fits me very well. Slightly baggy in the hand, and about 1/4 of the space from my fingertips to the tips of the glove fingers. The Velcro at the wrist helps a lot, and for those with bigger hands, there is a slit on one side so you can fit your hand in easier.
The bristles are made of a hard silicone-like material and work very well. They even included a paper that says you can damp the silicone part to make the hairs stick easier, though they stuck very well without that. The paper also explains how to wash it; it can be hand washed in warm, soapy water or machine washed on delicate. I’m very happy with this, and so is my boy. He even let me brush the backs of his legs, bottom, and belly without fuss. Thank you! — Isabella
8. For all guacamole lovers, this store-and-serve container will be a lifesaver. It is a perfect solution for keeping guacamole fresh for longer. The lid provides the perfect seal. Just press it down to remove the air and lock it in.

The product is easy to clean; both the container and lid are dishwasher-safe. It is also BPA-free and safe to use.
Promising review:
- I made guacamole for a Cinco de Mayo dinner and tried this little gem! I made the guacamole in the morning, and by 2:00, it was still a beautiful color of green with no brown whatsoever! I’m going to try it for chicken salad, since I hate leftover anything! But if it keeps the chicken salad fresh and does not taste like the refrigerator, this is the start of spying in my house!!! — Denny S. Coats
9. This soft flossing toothbrush has extra-thin bristles. They reach deep into the grooves and break up plaque. It is pretty gentle on sensitive teeth and gums. Each bristle of the brush is also infused with nanosilver.

The bristles are polyester and will last longer than traditional nylon ones. You can use this product for up to 4 months.
Promising review:
- This brush took me a bit to adjust to, sensory-wise. It is super soft and gets a good foam going. It’s definitely worth it because it feels so clean after. I got it after a hygienist friend recommended it, and I can feel the difference.
I just had my cleaning done, so this should help keep it up! Well, definitely update you after my next visit. These are super sturdy, so I think they’ll definitely pay off! — Scout
10. Look at these pineapples! Be careful, cause these hand-blown glass watering bulbs could outshine your flowers! Each globe has a capacity of 270 milliliters, so your plants will stay hydrated for a long time.

The position of the watering globe is important. If you need water to drip slowly, put it vertically. Change the angle to 60 degrees if you need the water to drip faster.

Promising review:
- Aren’t these good-looking? They look so nice that I feel sorry for the plants that I insert these into because they clearly outshine the plants. So I sometimes spend more time enjoying these when I check on the plant pots (I promise to pay more attention to the plants once they flower).
A couple of words on using these: to prevent soil and dirt from entering and blocking the tubes, you should tie a thin cotton cloth at the spike end, fill the glass pineapple to almost full but leave a little for air, then plug the provided plastic plugs into the top before inserting these close to the roots of your plants.
These will help if you have to leave town for a week or less or just want to skip watering your plants once in a while. But again, besides helping you to slowly water your plants, aren’t these good-looking? My gardener (wife) loves them, so they are also great as gifts to your family members and friends who love gardening. — Peter
We hope you liked our picks, which are, for sure, synonyms of improvement. Go ahead and treat yourself to a bit of convenience. No need to struggle when you can outsmart life’s little annoyances with some nifty tools!
Bright Side gets commissions for purchases made through the links in this post. Reviews could have been edited for length and clarity. The prices and discounts displayed in this article may change without further notice.