Be Prepared for the Unexpected: Top Things Everyone Should Know or Learn

Date Published: October 15, 2024

In an evolving, fast-paced society, everyone should know a few specific foundational skills. From basic lifesaving skills to emergency preparedness and helping others, these core concepts enhance personal growth and promote resilience. Whether a student, professional, or lifelong learner, grasping the things everyone should learn empowers you to make informed decisions and build meaningful connections with the people and world around you.

Now you may be wondering where to start! We’ve compiled a list of top things everyone should know to help you get started.

Some common emergencies you may need to respond to are as follows.

• Broken bones
• Chest injury
• Choking
• Deep wounds
• Falls/Fractures
• Heat stroke or heat exhaustion
• Injuries to neck or spine
• Life-threatening bleeding
• Poisoning or overdose
• Severe allergic reaction
• Severe burn
• Trouble breathing

Being prepared for an emergency means knowing not just what to do but how to do it. Follow these three steps to be Red Cross Ready.

1. Get a kit: Gather supplies for your first aid and survival kit.
2. Plan: Know what to do in case of an emergency. Where will you go? Who will you call?
3. Be informed: Understand which disasters are more likely to occur in your area and how to stay safe. Take a training class, volunteer for emergency response organizations, or participate in community emergency preparedness events to stay updated.

Check if your organization is safe and ready for a disaster or other emergency.

Swimming and Water Safety

OAbout 71 percent of the Earth's surface is water-covered, leaving plenty of opportunity to encounter water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 4,500 people drowned each year in the United States from 2020–2022. Additionally, drowning is the number one cause of death for children ages 1–4, and over half (55%) of U.S. adults have never taken a swimming lesson.

Swimming skills and water competency — improve water safety for yourself and others — are things everyone should know. A child or weak swimmer can drown in the time it takes to reply to a text, check a fishing life, or apply sunscreen. Death and injury from drownings happen every day in home pools and hot tubs, at the beach, or in oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, bathtubs, and even buckets.

Water safety things everyone should know include:

• Limitations, including physical fitness and medical conditions.
• Never swim alone; swim with lifeguards or water watchers present.
• Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket appropriate for your weight, size, and water activity. Always wear a life jacket while boating, regardless of swimming skill.
• Swim sober.
• Understand the dangers of hyperventilation and hypoxic blackout.
• Know how to call for help.
• Understand and adjust for the unique risks of the water environment you are in.

Everyone should know water competency skills for various water environments (like home pools, oceans, lakes, rivers and streams) include how to:

1. Enter water over your head, then return to the surface.
2. Float or tread water for at least 1 minute.
3. Turn over and turn around in the water.
4. Swim at least 25 yards.
5. Exit the water.

Download the Red Cross Swim app to learn more about water competency, track swimming lesson progress, and more:

Or text: "SWIM" to 90999

Basic Lifesaving Skills

Medical emergencies occur every day. Unfortunately, what's not so common are people with essential lifesaving skills and training to recognize and respond to these situations when they arise.

The good news is — most of these lifesaving measures don't require you to have any professional medical background. You can learn basic lifesaving skills — like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automatic external defibrillator (AED) — quickly, easily, and on your schedule.

For more than a century, the American Red Cross Training Services has prepared people to respond to emergencies of all sizes, from basic lifesaving skills to large disasters. Join the millions we train every year and learn the skills that can save a life. Browse all our classes and sign up today.

Keep up with the latest first aid techniques with the Red Cross First Aid App.

Or text: "GETFIRST" to 90999

Survival Skills

Knowing how to react in a survival situation prevents the issue from escalating and could save a life. Survival skills are things everyone should know because they equip you with the knowledge and abilities to protect yourself and others in dangerous or unpredictable situations — ensuring safety, security, and confidence in facing adversity.

Helping Others

Helping other people in need is essential to life, giving you a sense of purpose and boosting your happiness. Acts of kindness can boost feelings of confidence, control, joy, and optimism, says the Mental Health Foundation.

Knowing how to help others and understanding their positive effect on the world around them are things everyone should know how to do. Here are some ideas for helping others.

• Train for basic lifesaving skills, like CPR.
• Give your time by offering to teach someone a skill, support a friend going through a difficult time, compliment a stranger, or volunteer for a charity you’re passionate about.
• Donate new or gently used items like furniture, clothing, food, and toys. Donate blood if you’re able.
• Send a thoughtful note or care package.
• Express appreciation by saying thank you or share your gratitude.

Being prepared for the unexpected is a vital skill that can significantly enhance your resilience and adaptability regardless of the situation. By mastering the things everyone should know, you cultivate your awareness, stay informed, and develop the practical skills to navigate life’s uncertainties confidently. Remember, while you can't predict the future, you can prepare for it!