No matter where you live, a natural or man-made disaster is just waiting to strike. Whether it’s a severe storm, a power outage, or a raging flood, there are all kinds of ways that you can be put into danger. However, if you want to increase your chances of survival, you have to change the way you think and be quick on your feet. Most notably, you want to know what to avoid in a disaster if you hope to make it through unscathed. To put this into perspective, let’s break down the common mistakes that people make.

Don’t Freeze or Panic

We’ve all heard of the fight or flight response, but the fact is that most of us tend to stay in place when something happens. The adrenaline overpowers our brains and tells us to freeze, even if it’s not really in our best interest. Instead, take a deep breath, try to calm down, and figure out your next move.

Whether it’s evacuating a building or heading to higher ground, focus your attention on doing that one specific task, as it will help prevent you from getting overwhelmed.

Don’t Be Afraid to Cut Your Losses

You’d be surprised what people will try and save during a disaster, even if it means putting their life on the line. You are the most valuable thing that you have, so make sure that you are a top priority. Don’t go back for personal belongings as that could put you in unnecessary danger. Most things can be replaced, but not your life.

Don’t Ignore Safety Warnings

In most disasters, the government will issue notices as to what you should do next. However, many people will instead go to the grocery store or gas station, or simply clog the roads trying to go somewhere else. This can make the situation far worse than if everyone followed the advice and did what they were supposed to do.

Don’t Forget to Make a Plan

Trying to figure things out on the fly is what causes the most problems in the first place, so it’s much better to have a plan in place before the disaster so that you know exactly what to do and where to go. Again, break it down into simple, achievable goals so that you don’t get overwhelmed or panic.

Don’t Forget to Let People Know Where You Are

In many cases, the reason that people aren’t rescued in time is that they don’t let people know their location, which means that rescuers can’t find them. If you need immediate assistance, calling your family members in another state won’t help, but calling 911 will, along with giving them a description of your exact location.

In the end, when it comes to staying safe in a disaster, try to ignore your instincts and think about things more critically. Remember that your safety is most important, and focus your attention and energy on preserving your life, not your stuff.