As any horror flick aficionado knows, most of what happens in the movies is purely fantasy. But the thing that makes them most bone-chilling is that there is typically an element of reality.

While most of us won’t find ourselves in a scary movie-esque scenario in our lifetimes, there are certain situations in which we can help ourselves by gleaning information from our favorite movie genre.

Here’s a list of how to best protect yourself should you be exposed to a scary-movie situation.

Keep your phone charged

The quickest way to get help in any life-threatening situation — like a man with a chainsaw running after you — is to dial 911. This, however, isn’t always the easiest solution in scary movies, as it seems the victim’s cell phone just happens to be dead when attempting to call for help. Avoid this situation by charging up your phone with a portable battery charger. Then, whenever you find yourself running for your life, you’ll be better prepared.

Keep a flash light handy and powered up

Since running into the woods in the middle of the night is always the best escape route when you’re trying to dodge a creepy killer or zoned out zombie, it’s best to be able to see where you’re running (to avoid falling into a gaping hole, as many folks do in this scenario, only to be trapped). Instead of relying on the moon to light your way, buy a survival flashlight. These handy, ultra-chargeable and long-reach flashlights are key to survival in a plethora of chilling situations.

Strength in numbers

One has to wonder if those who decide to split up whilst stuck in less-than-ideal situations are completely out of their minds. Yet, it happens in quite a few scary movies. Take a note from these folks if faced in a threatening situation and stay with the group. One way to win against an antagonist is with backup.

Learn to protect yourself

Though the defenseless protagonist is a common theme in scary movies, you don’t have to be left helpless in any scary situation. From a palm to the nose to a fist to the solar plexus of your perpetrator to a head butt or elbow strike, learning simple ways to defend yourself in a pinch can go a long way in warding off evil.

Run … fast

No doubt in any horror movie there will be running. However, it’s important that in any frightening situation you are able to run. And we’re not talking about a pace-yourself 5K run. We mean a full-on sprint. To get your legs and lungs in stellar shape for darting away from danger, be sure to follow a tried-and-true guide to picking up your pace. And for goodness’ sake, don’t fall.

Making a quick getaway

When you find the keys to an automobile, take that car and get out of dodge fast. In sinister situations of any kind, you need to know how to drive what’s available to you, whether it be a stick shift, automatic or even a semi-truck to escape danger. As such, it’s wise to get the driving education now — before you put the pedal to the metal.