Be Prepared, Be a Hero
Knowledge saves lives. Learn the skills, methods, and tools that can make the difference in an emergency.
How to Escape a Sinking Car
Nearly 400 people die in the US every year from vehicle submersion. You have 30–90 seconds to act. The SWOC Method can save your life.
Seatbelts
Unbuckle immediately. If jammed, cut at a 45° angle with a seatbelt cutter.
Windows
Roll down or break a tempered side window — not the laminated windshield. Emergency tools work even underwater.
Out
Exit through the open or broken window and swim to safety. Climb onto the roof if not yet fully submerged.
Children
Help the oldest children first so they can assist younger ones. Practice unbuckling car seats in the dark.
Do NOT touch your phone, open doors, or wait for full submersion — act in the first 30–90 seconds.
Why Every Car Needs an Escape Tool
In an emergency, seconds matter. A compact escape tool on your keychain can be the difference between life and death.
- Seatbelt cutter — slices through jammed belts instantly
- Window breaker — shatters tempered side glass in one second
- Compact keychain design — always within reach when you need it
- Works underwater — spring-loaded mechanism doesn’t require force
- Keep one in every vehicle — glove box, visor, or keychain
Pro tip: Keep a tool in each passenger area, not just the driver’s side. Practice using it so it’s instinct when it matters.
Lost in the Wild? Use the S.T.O.P. Method
Panic is the biggest danger when lost outdoors. The STOP method replaces panic with process — and dramatically improves rescue outcomes.
Stop
The moment you realize you’re lost, halt all movement. Sit down. Wandering wastes energy and makes rescue harder.
Think
Calm your mind. Retrace your steps. Identify landmarks. Inventory your supplies.
Observe
Examine your surroundings — sun direction, water sources, trails, terrain. Rivers flow downhill toward roads.
Plan
Build shelter, ration supplies, signal for help. If others know your route, staying put is almost always best.
Everyday Safety Habits That Save Lives
Safety isn’t just for emergencies — it’s a daily habit. Small actions create big protection.
- Always wear your seatbelt — it’s the single most effective safety device in your car
- Keep an emergency kit — flashlight, first aid, water, blanket, and an escape tool
- Teach your family — run through SWOC and evacuation drills regularly
- Turn Around, Don’t Drown — never drive through floodwater, even shallow
- Share your route — tell someone where you’re going and when to expect you back
- Carry a whistle — the universal distress signal that works when your voice can’t
