18 Survival Tips People Think Are True But Aren't
buzzfeed.com • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Staying with a broken-down vehicle is generally safer than hiking out, as vehicles provide shelter and are easier for rescuers to spot; setting tires on fire can create visible smoke signals.
- Common myths like eating raw food, rubbing frostbitten skin, or sucking out snake venom are dangerous; cooking food thoroughly, warming frostbite slowly, and staying calm after snake bites are recommended instead.
- Avoid walking during the hottest part of the day in deserts; it's better to travel during cooler evening or night hours to prevent heat-related illnesses.
- In emergencies, do not remove embedded objects like knives from stab wounds, and avoid drinking urine or alcohol to stay hydrated and warm, as these can worsen conditions.
- Popular misconceptions such as zigzagging from alligators, punching sharks underwater, or peeing on jellyfish stings are false; running straight from alligators, maintaining eye contact with sharks, and rinsing jellyfish stings with vinegar and hot water are advised.
