77 Useful Facts That Could Make A Huge Difference In An Emergency

Pandas, today’s list is full of useful facts that could genuinely come in handy, so we thought it was a good time for a quick winter refresher as well. With colder weather approaching in many parts of the world, plenty of us will soon be pulling out our warmest jackets, getting excited about the first snowfall, and maybe even heading outside to build a snowman or have a little fun.

And while playing in the snow can be perfectly harmless, there are a few things worth remembering when temperatures start to drop. For example, eating large amounts of raw snow isn't a great idea. Snow can contain dirt, pollutants, and microorganisms, and eating enough of it can also make it harder for your body to maintain its core temperature because your body has to warm the very cold snow to body temperature. That doesn't mean eating a little snow will suddenly cause hypothermia, but if you're already cold and exposed to freezing temperatures, consuming large amounts isn't going to help you stay warm.

Speaking of hypothermia, severe cases can cause confusion and unusual behavior. In some cases, a person may paradoxically feel hot and begin removing their clothing despite being dangerously cold. If you see someone behaving strangely or taking off layers in freezing conditions, don't assume they're simply being careless—hypothermia can affect judgment and awareness, so they may need immediate help. Other warning signs can include intense shivering, slurred speech, unusual tiredness, poor coordination, and increasing confusion. The condition can become life-threatening, so getting the person somewhere warm and seeking medical help is important.

And while staying warm is obviously important, there's also such a thing as working too hard in the cold. If you're working outside or building a snow shelter, be careful not to let yourself become soaked with sweat. Strenuous activity can make you surprisingly warm even when the air temperature is below freezing, and wet clothing loses much of its insulating ability. Adjusting your layers before you start sweating can help keep your clothes dry, which is especially important if you'll be outside for a long time or far from somewhere warm.

Cars come with their own set of cold-weather hazards, especially if you become stranded. If your car gets stuck in a snowbank and you leave the engine running for heat, make sure the tailpipe is completely clear of snow. A blocked exhaust can cause carbon monoxide to build up inside the vehicle, and because the gas is colorless and odorless, you may not realize you're being exposed. Check the exhaust whenever you're stopped in deep snow, and never ignore signs that something may be wrong.

Winter roads can be just as unpredictable as winter weather, particularly when temperatures hover around freezing. Black ice is notoriously difficult to spot because it can look almost exactly like an ordinary wet patch of road. If the road looks wet but the conditions are cold enough for ice to form, slow down, avoid sudden steering or braking, and leave plenty of extra distance between your vehicle and the one ahead.

Snow can also hide dangers for people enjoying winter activities on foot or on skis. Avoid getting too close to the trunks of evergreen trees when there's deep snow on the ground. Low branches can prevent snow from settling evenly around the trunk, creating a hollow area known as a tree well. Falling into one can be extremely dangerous, particularly if you end up headfirst and become trapped in the loose snow. This can lead to snow-immersion suffocation, a potentially fatal situation that occurs when a skier or snowboarder becomes buried in snow and is unable to breathe. If you're skiing or snowboarding in deep snow, staying within sight and earshot of your companions can be especially important, since someone trapped in a tree well may not be able to get themselves out or call for help.