This is particularly helpful for those who live in mountain or hill areas that get a good amount of snow. If you have lived there for a while you know what can happen! Here are some ideas on how to keep you alive should the unthinkable happen!

1. Be a Beacon
Buy and wear an avalanche beacon, a small radio that will transmit your location to rescue crews.
2. Stay On Top
“Swimming” to the top of the avalanche will help avoid being trapped under debris. If “swimming” is too tough, “violently thrashing around so you don’t sink” will suffice.
3. Reach for the Sky
…try to keep one arm above your head as the avalanche tosses you around. It will be easier for rescuers to spot you if your hand is sticking out of the snow, and with any luck, you’ll know which direction is up, a huge help as you try to dig out.
4. Get Spitting
Normally, it’s bad manners to spit. But if you’ve been trapped under an avalanche, spitting can save your life. Note where gravity carries your spit, then dig in the opposite direction.

The fifth tip would be to remain calm! As hard as that may seem if you do not panic you just may be able to stay alive! Covered with snow, if you keep your breathing even you may just be able to dig yourself out before you run out of air! The rescue workers can take it from there.

For more on this and other subjects regarding survival go to Mental Floss.