How to Get Out of a Fix

Preparation and prevention are the best strategies for a potentially threatening situation. File away the following suggestions for unforeseen emergencies. Keep in mind that as a general rule of thumb, calmness and clear thinking are your best allies in a difficult fix.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Lost in the wilderness

1. Prepare beforehand. Bring extra food, water and clothing; a compass and a topographical map; and a flashlight, whistle, pocket knife, small mirror, first-aid kit and waterproof matches.
2. Give someone your itinerary before you depart.
3. Stay put as soon as you realize you're lost. That will make it easier for search-and-rescue teams to find you.
4. Stay calm and develop a plan to keep yourself sheltered and hydrated.
5. Protect yourself from the elements. Dehydration and hypothermia are the leading causes of death in the wilderness. Rest in the shade if it's extremely hot. Wear a hat, gloves and warm clothing in the cold. Avoid excess sweating.
6. Find or build a shelter before nightfall. Sleep in an enclosed area (a tree trunk or cave) to retain body heat. Build a shelter with branches and logs or build a snow cave. Hang brightly colored gear above the shelter to alert searchers.
7. Signal for help. Any signal in threes (whistles, shouts, mirror reflections, smoke) indicates distress. Make a large "X" or "SOS" in a clearing or on a hill to signal aircraft. Use rocks, branches or brightly colored gear.

Hostile dog

8. Never approach a dog that's showing signs of aggression: growling, barking, ears erect or flattened, raised fur, erect tail or snarling with teeth bared. Also, do not approach a dog that is confined or tied up even if he looks friendly.
9. Do not approach a dog that is sleeping or unaware of your presence. If you surprise or spook a dog, he may respond hostilely.
10. If a dog is acting hostile, walk away slowly and avoid eye contact. Making eye contact with a dog is considered aggressive behavior. Avoid sudden movement. If you are running or jogging, stop and walk away slowly.
11. If the dog lurches toward you, stand firm and say "No" or "Stay" in a low voice. If he attacks, adopt a protective stance. Put one leg in front of the other for maximum stability and cover your neck with your arm.
12. Kick or punch the dog in the eyes, nose, rib cage or groin. Or yank and twist his ears. If you have a purse or backpack, stick it in his mouth.
13. If you are knocked to the ground, curl up in a fetal position. Protect your face, ears and neck with your arms.
14. If a dog bites you, visit a doctor and get a rabies test.

Car breakdown or accident

15. Be prepared. Carry flares, a triangular reflector, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, flashlight, blankets, water, tire gauge, tire jack and jumper cables in your car.
16. Pull far off onto a shoulder for safety or exit a freeway if possible. If involved in an accident, wave the other driver over to a safe spot. If you have a flat tire, drive to a safe shoulder even if it means ruining the wheel rims. Safety is your first priority.
17. If the car won't move, remain in it unless it's safer to evacuate. Never exit a vehicle at a busy intersection or on a highway.
18. Turn on your hazard lights. Put up a triangular reflector or flares to alert other drivers.
19. Call police or roadside assistance using a cell phone or an emergency roadside phone. Use a road marker to give your precise location. Or, if you have the necessary tools and knowledge, repair your vehicle. Allow time for the engine to cool down if it has become overheated.
20. If you were involved in an accident, do not attempt to remove a person from a vehicle when there may be back, neck or head injuries unless that person is in imminent danger.
21. Exchange insurance information, driver's license information and license plate numbers with anyone else involved in the accident. Get the names and phone numbers of witnesses in case there is a dispute in the future.

Robbery or car-jacking

22. If you suspect someone is following you, go to a well-lit, populated area, ideally a police station.
23. If confronted, hand over your wallet or car without a struggle, whether your assailant is armed or not. Do not make any sudden movements and do not try to negotiate with the assailant.
24. Make careful note of the thief's physical appearance, such as hair and eye color, height, weight, build and any distinguishing marks.
25. Memorize the make, model, color and license-plate number of the getaway car. Note the thief's direction of departure.
26. Contact the police immediately to make a report while your memory is still fresh.
27. Call your credit-card companies or banks to report stolen cards.
28. If you are visiting an area with a high crime rate, carry a "dummy" wallet in an outer pocket that you can hand over to a thief. Keep some small bills and useless plastic cards in the dummy wallet.