It's always good to know what you're doing when crisis situations arise. You can never truly expect the unexpected but having some basic survival skills and knowledge can make all the difference in the world when it comes to making it out of a situation. These 20 survival tips could save your life in a pinch.

The emergency signal SOS in morse code is 3xshort 3xlong 3xshort. The alpine emergency signal is 1 short signal every 10 seconds for a minute, followed by a one-minute pause. (Confirmation answer is 3 short signals)

If someone pulls a gun on you DON'T allow them to take you to a different location. Run away.

If you are buried under snow, rubble or debris, it's wise to pee yourself. The smell will make it easier for search dogs to find you faster.

If you're ever alone and get something stuck in your throat 'til you can't breathe, throw yourself backward against a wall or any hard vertical surface. Do it 'til it dislodges the object.

A small Swiss Army knife or Leatherman comes in handy for unexpected situations, especially if it comes with small pliers.

If you're going through thick woods and you want to get out into a clearing, look at the treetops. You can notice clearings better than looking through the trees at eye level.

A car 'emergency kit' with basic tools, long-life foods, battery bank and charging cables, flashlight and an inflatable pillow.

If stranded in the desert, NEVER drink cactus water. It's too acidic to be useful and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or even temporary paralysis. Not fun. Additionally, find a place in the shade during the day and travel at night.

Always carry three items with you no matter what: A lighter, a foil emergency blanket, and a cheap rain poncho in a packet. These take up very little space even in pockets, provide fire, shelter, and in the case of the foil blanket, also a signal device.

If your hair ever starts to stand up when you are outside, run, and run like HECK! You might be struck by lightning.

If you're hiking in cold weather and start to sweat, stop and remove some layers until you feel cool again.

Stay away from glass office windows if you hear a ruckus going on outside. Bombers lure people to the windows by creating disturbances outside.

In your car: have a permanent marker in the cup holder, glove box or between the front seat pocket. If anything happens, write it on the glass window, rearview mirror, on your hand. Pens & pencils are unreliable.

Always keep a jar of peanut butter in your vehicle. Lots of calories and it lasts along time without spoiling.

If you find water, DON'T DRINK IT. Boil it first then use it for tea. Or you could also use one of those tablets that purify water. This kills all the bacteria in it so it's safe to drink.

When you go hiking, wear proper equipment, preferably hiking/combat boots with long laces. If you tie the laces tightly around your foot the chances of you spraining your ankle lessens.

I always make sure my gas tank is more than half full, (especially in the winter). Carry printed maps, peanut butter, a gallon of water, crackers, an extra coat, pillow, blanket, and a whole extra outfit including shoes. Also have jumper cables, tire plug kit, and some basic tools.

If you live in a place that gets tornadoes, keep a loud whistle wherever you take shelter. If you get trapped under debris, a whistle is louder than yelling and doesn't take as much energy.

Always have baking soda at hand near the stove to put out fires. Never put out a fire on the stove or oven with water, in case there's grease.

Know your exits. In a fire or other disaster most people will head for the door they came in.