By David Frank
1. Identifying edible mushrooms from poisonous ones
Many poisonous mushrooms can do you harm even when you just touch them — some of them may have mucus that causes rashes or burns. Be sure to share this kind of knowledge with your kids when going into the wild with your family.
2. Knowing the Heimlich maneuver
This hack is really useful and effective to save someone’s life. This is the right way to do when somebody chokes on a piece of food.
3. How to tie the knot
Everyone should know how to tie a knot. It comes in handy in many situations like when you are lifting something. You may also need to tie the knot when you go hiking or fishing. The best and easiest way is demonstrated in the photo below.
4. Spot a spy mirror
Place your fingernail against the surface of the mirror. If there’s no gap between your nail and its reflection, it’s a 2-way mirror. In a real mirror, your nails won’t touch each other.
5. Rescuing a drowning person
There’s only one obstacle on your way to rescue a drowning person: not being able to swim. If you are, though, nothing can stop you from saving that person’s life. Remember to approach them from behind so that they don’t see you coming, otherwise, the person may hinder you or drag you down in their panic. After you’ve approached the person, grab them under the armpits or by the chin, and move to the shore, keeping their head at your belly.
6. Escaping a stray dog unscathed
If you ever meet an angry stray dog, there are two ways to escape it. First, you need to show you are picking a stone from the ground and it will make the dog run away. In case, this hack doesn’t work you should be prepared to kick the dog on its nose at it comes close.
7. Using a jack
Having at least elementary knowledge of car workings is always useful. If you get a flat tire in the middle of nowhere, you can change it yourself with the help of a jack and a box wrench. And don’t forget about the props so that your car doesn’t roll away when you lift it.
8. Protecting yourself on a plane in an emergency
The guidelines for safety on an airplane may say otherwise, but you’ll do better to remember that the brace position shown in most brochures, with your head bent down and your arms around your knees, is less safe than if you lean forward, place your legs firmly on the floor, and put your hands and forearms on the back of the seat in front of you, pressing your forehead to your hands. This position will protect your neck, back, and shins from breaking in case of a crash.