What To Do's!

Check the below tabs for different emergency situations.

House Fire Safety Tips

  1. 1. Stay Calm and Alert Others
    • Raise the Alarm: Shout "Fire!" to alert everyone.
    • Stay Calm: Avoid panic and focus on escaping.
  2. 2. Escape Safely
    • Get Low and Crawl: Crawl on the floor where air is cleaner.
    • Check Doors for Heat: Feel doors with the back of your hand. If warm, use a second route.
    • Open Doors Slowly: Open cautiously and close quickly if necessary.
    • Use Your Escape Route: Follow your planned route and close doors behind you.
    • Do Not Delay: Avoid gathering belongings or searching for pets.
    • Use Stairs, Not Elevators: Opt for stairs in a building.
  3. 3. Once You’re Out, Stay Out
    • Run to Safety: Move far from the building.
    • Never Re-enter: Do not go back inside.
    • Call Fire Department: Use a phone or go to a neighbor's house.
    • Meet at a Safe Location: Have a designated meeting place.
  4. 4. If You’re Trapped Inside
    • Block Smoke Entry: Use wet cloths or tape around doors.
    • Signal for Help: Call emergency services and signal from a window.
    • Do Not Attempt to Escape Through Flames: Wait for rescue.
  5. 5. If Your Clothes Catch Fire
    • Stop, Drop, and Roll: Stop, drop to the ground, and roll.
    • Cool the Burn: Use cool water and seek medical help immediately.
  6. 6. Use a Fire Extinguisher (If Possible)
    • Small Fires Only: Use on small fires. Follow PASS:
    • P: Pull the pin
    • A: Aim at the base of the flames
    • S: Squeeze the handle
    • S: Sweep side to side
  7. 7. Notify Firefighters of Trapped Persons or Pets
    • Inform Firefighters: Tell them if someone or a pet is trapped.

Vehicle Fire Safety Tips

  1. 1. Stay Calm and Act Quickly
    • Remain Calm: Avoid panic; it impairs your response.
    • Pull Over Safely: Move to a safe spot away from hazards.
    • Turn Off Engine: Stop the fuel supply.
  2. 2. Evacuate the Vehicle
    • Exit Immediately: Get out fast, leave belongings.
    • Move to Safety: Stay at least 30m away.
  3. 3. Handle the Situation
    • No Re-Entry: Don’t go back into the vehicle.
    • Warn Others: Alert others and keep them away.
    • Don’t Open Hood/Trunk: Avoid adding oxygen to the fire.
  4. 4. Use Fire Extinguishers (If Safe)
    • Only If Small: Use only if the fire is small and manageable.
    • Choose Correct Extinguisher: Use a Class B or ABC extinguisher.
  5. 5. Contact Emergency Services
    • Call Emergency Services: Send pin location, brief of scene and contact numjber if not yours.

Guide for Handling Gas, Electrical, and Oil Fires in the House

  1. 1. Gas Fires
    • Smell Gas? Act Fast: Turn off the gas supply if possible. Avoid electrical devices and switches.
    • Evacuate Immediately: Leave the house quickly; don’t try to locate the leak.
    • Call Emergency Services: Once outside, call emergency services.
    • Avoid Open Flames: Don’t use matches, candles, or lighters.
    • Ventilate If Safe: Open windows and doors if it is safe to do so.
  2. 2. Electrical Fires
    • Cut Off Power: Unplug the appliance or turn off the power at the circuit breaker. Don’t use water.
    • Use a Class C Fire Extinguisher: Aim at the base of the flames and sweep side to side.
    • Call Emergency Services: If the fire spreads, evacuate and call emergency services.
    • Avoid Water: Don’t throw water on an electrical fire.
    • Regular Maintenance: Check wiring regularly, avoid overloaded outlets, and use surge protectors.
  3. 3. Oil Fires (Grease Fires)
    • Turn Off the Heat: Stop the heat source if it’s safe to do so.
    • Do Not Use Water: Water can spread the fire and cause burns.
    • Smother the Flames: Cover with a metal lid or use baking soda. Avoid flour.
    • Use a Class K Fire Extinguisher: Use a Class K extinguisher for grease fires, aiming at the base and sweeping side to side.
    • Evacuate if Necessary: If the fire grows uncontrollable, evacuate and call emergency services.

General Safety Tips

  1. 1. Install Smoke Detectors
    • Ensure Coverage: Place working smoke detectors in key areas like the kitchen and near bedrooms.
  2. 2. Keep Extinguishers Handy
    • Accessible Extinguishers: Have Class C extinguishers for electrical fires and Class K for grease fires, especially in the kitchen.
  3. 3. Regular Inspections
    • Check for Wear: Regularly inspect gas lines, electrical wiring, and kitchen appliances for any signs of wear or malfunction.
  4. 4. Practice Your Escape Plan
    • Ensure Everyone Knows: Make sure all household members know how to safely evacuate in case of a fire.

Bleeding

  1. Symptoms:
    • Visible bleeding from a wound.
    • Blood soaking through clothing or bandages.
    • Feeling faint, dizzy, or weak (indicating severe blood loss).
  2. What to Do:
    • Apply Pressure: Use a clean cloth or bandage to apply firm pressure directly on the wound. If the bleeding is severe, use your hands if no cloth is available.
    • Elevate the Limb: If the bleeding is from a limb, raise it above the level of the heart to slow the bleeding.
    • Keep the Person Calm: Encourage the person to remain still and calm to help reduce blood flow.
    • Seek Medical Help: If the bleeding is severe, does not stop, or if the person shows signs of shock (pale, clammy skin, rapid heartbeat), call emergency responders immediately.

Breathing Difficulties

  1. Symptoms:
    • Shortness of breath, wheezing, or gasping for air.
    • Blue or pale lips, face, or nails.
    • Rapid or shallow breathing, chest tightness.
  2. What to Do:
    • Help Them Sit Up: Encourage the person to sit up straight and lean slightly forward. This position helps make breathing easier.
    • Check for Inhalers: If the person has a prescribed inhaler (for asthma, for example), help them use it as directed.
    • Loosen Tight Clothing: Loosen any tight clothing around the neck or chest to aid breathing.
    • Stay Calm: Keep the person calm and reassured. Anxiety can worsen breathing difficulties.
    • Call Emergency Responders: If breathing does not improve, or if the person becomes unresponsive, call emergency responders immediately.

If Someone Collapses

  1. Symptoms:
    • Sudden loss of consciousness.
    • Unresponsive, not breathing, or not breathing normally (gasping).
  2. What to Do:
    • Check for Responsiveness: Gently shake the person and ask if they can hear you.
    • Call Emergency Responders: If there’s no response, call emergency responders immediately.
    • Begin CPR: If the person is not breathing or only gasping, begin chest compressions (CPR). Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
    • Use an AED: If available, use an automated external defibrillator (AED) as soon as possible. Follow the instructions provided by the device.
    • Stay with the Person: Continue CPR until emergency responders arrive.

Fit or Seizure

  1. Symptoms:
    • Sudden loss of consciousness.
    • Jerking or convulsing movements.
    • Unusual sensations or confusion before or after the event.
  2. What to Do:
    • Protect from Injury: Move any dangerous objects away from the person and place something soft under their head. Do not restrain them.
    • Time the Seizure: Note the duration of the seizure. If it lasts more than 5 minutes or if it’s the person’s first seizure, call emergency responders.
    • Do Not Put Anything in Their Mouth: Contrary to old beliefs, do not put anything in the person’s mouth during a seizure.
    • Recovery Position: Once the seizure stops, place the person on their side in the recovery position to keep their airway clear.
    • Stay Calm: Remain with the person until they fully regain consciousness and can safely communicate.

Severe Pain

  1. Symptoms:
    • Intense or sharp pain, often described as unbearable.
    • Pain that does not improve with rest or medication.
    • Accompanied by other symptoms like sweating, nausea, or vomiting.
  2. What to Do:
    • Ask About the Pain: Determine the location, duration, and intensity of the pain.
    • Help Them Rest: Encourage the person to rest in a comfortable position.
    • Avoid Giving Food/Drink: Do not give anything to eat or drink, especially if surgery might be needed.
    • Call Emergency Responders: If the pain is severe, sudden, or unexplained, call emergency responders for help.

Heart Attack

  1. Symptoms:
    • Chest pain or discomfort, often described as pressure, squeezing, or fullness.
    • Pain spreading to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
    • Shortness of breath, nausea, or lightheadedness.
  2. What to Do:
    • Call Emergency Responders: Time is critical. Call emergency responders immediately.
    • Help Them Stay Calm: Keep the person calm and seated or lying down. Loosen any tight clothing.
    • Administer Aspirin: If the person is not allergic and is conscious, give them 1 adult-strength aspirin (300mg) to chew slowly, which can help thin the blood.
    • Monitor Their Condition: Be prepared to start CPR if the person becomes unresponsive.

Stroke

  1. Symptoms:
    • Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side of the body.
    • Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech.
    • Difficulty seeing, walking, or loss of balance.
  2. What to Do:
    • Think FAST: Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop?
    • Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Is one arm weak or drifting downward?
    • Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred or strange?
    • Time to Call Emergency Responders: If you notice any of these symptoms, call emergency responders immediately. Time is critical for stroke treatment.

Choking

  1. Symptoms:
    • Inability to speak or cough effectively.
    • Gasping or struggling to breathe.
    • Visible obstruction or hands at the throat.
  2. What to Do:
    • Encourage Coughing: If the person is conscious and can cough, encourage them to do so. Coughing can help dislodge the obstruction.
    • Perform Heimlich Maneuver: If the person cannot cough, speak, or breathe, perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver). Stand behind the person, place your arms around their waist, make a fist with one hand, and place it just above the navel. Grasp it with your other hand and give quick, inward, and upward thrusts.
    • Call Emergency Responders: If the obstruction does not clear or the person loses consciousness, call emergency responders immediately.

Earthquakes

  1. Before an Earthquake:
    • Prepare an Emergency Kit: Include water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and important documents.
    • Secure Heavy Items: Anchor furniture, appliances, and heavy objects to walls to prevent them from falling during an earthquake.
    • Create a Family Plan: Establish a meeting place and emergency contacts, and practice earthquake drills.
  2. During an Earthquake:
    • Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Drop to your hands and knees, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops.
    • Stay Indoors: If you are inside, stay there. Move away from windows, glass, and exterior walls. Do not run outside.
    • If Outside: Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility wires. Drop to the ground and protect your head and neck.
    • If in a Vehicle: Pull over to a safe location, away from bridges, overpasses, and power lines. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops.
  3. After an Earthquake:
    • Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid if necessary.
    • Be Prepared for Aftershocks: Aftershocks can occur, so be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On again.
    • Inspect for Damage: Check your home for structural damage, gas leaks, and other hazards. Turn off utilities if you suspect leaks or damage.
    • Listen to Authorities: Follow instructions from local authorities regarding evacuation or shelter-in-place orders.

Floods

  1. Before a Flood:
    • Know Your Risk: Determine if your home is in a flood-prone area and learn the local evacuation routes.
    • Prepare an Emergency Kit: Include essentials like water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, and important documents in a waterproof container.
    • Create a Family Plan: Establish a meeting place, emergency contacts, and an evacuation plan.
  2. During a Flood:
    • Move to Higher Ground: If you are in a flood-prone area, move to higher ground immediately. Do not wait for evacuation orders if flooding is imminent.
    • Avoid Floodwaters: Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of water can sweep your vehicle away.
    • Turn Off Utilities: If instructed, turn off gas, electricity, and water before evacuating to avoid electrical hazards or gas leaks.
    • Evacuate Safely: Follow evacuation orders from authorities and take your emergency kit with you.
  3. After a Flood:
    • Stay Informed: Listen to local news for updates on flood conditions and return home only when authorities say it is safe.
    • Avoid Contaminated Water: Do not drink or use tap water until it has been declared safe. Floodwater can contain sewage, chemicals, and other hazards.
    • Inspect for Damage: Check your home for structural damage, gas leaks, and electrical issues. Document any damage for insurance claims.
    • Wear Protective Gear: Wear gloves, boots, and masks when cleaning up to protect yourself from contaminants.

Vehicle in a Flood

  1. During a Flood:
    • Avoid Driving Through Water: Never drive through floodwaters. It is difficult to judge the depth and speed of the water, and your vehicle could be swept away.
    • If Trapped in Rising Water: Abandon the Vehicle: If water is rising around your vehicle, abandon it immediately and move to higher ground.
    • Escape Through Windows: Roll down or break the windows to escape. Do not try to open the doors, as water pressure will make them difficult to open.
    • Climb to the Roof: If you cannot escape through the windows, climb to the roof of the vehicle and call for help.
  2. After Escaping:
    • Move to Higher Ground: Once out of the vehicle, move to higher ground as quickly as possible. Stay away from fast-moving water.
    • Call Emergency Responders: Notify emergency services of your situation and location.

Crime Scene Do's and Don'ts

  1. Don’t:
    • Don’t Touch Anything: Avoid moving or disturbing objects at the scene.
    • Don’t Enter the Area: Stay out and keep others away from the scene.
    • Don’t Alter the Scene: Do not clean, rearrange, or change anything.
    • Don’t Ignore Safety: Avoid walking through or touching evidence with bare hands.
    • Don’t Disturb Footprints: If you see footprints, avoid walking over them or disturbing the ground in any way.
  2. Do:
    • Do Call Authorities: Contact the police and your security service provider immediately if you discover a crime scene.
    • Do Secure the Scene: Keep the area safe and secure until professionals arrive.
    • Do Document the Scene: If possible, take photos or videos from a distance.

Reasonable Force

  1. Understanding Reasonable Force in Self Defence:
    • Unlawful Attack: The threat must be from an illegal intruder or unauthorized entry.
    • Immediate Threat: Force can only be used in response to a current, immediate threat, not as retaliation for past incidents.
    • Proportional Response: Use only the necessary amount of force to stop the threat. Avoid excessive violence.
    • Target the Attacker: Focus on defending yourself against the threat, not on other individuals.

Suspicious Activity: What to Do and Don’t

  1. Identifying Suspicious Activity:
    • Unusual Behavior:
      • Unfamiliar Individuals: People who seem out of place in a particular area or who are acting unusually.
      • Loitering: Individuals lingering around a location without a clear purpose, especially if they avoid eye contact or act nervously.
      • Unusual Items: People carrying or placing items that seem out of the ordinary, like large packages or bags in restricted areas.
    • Suspicious Actions:
      • Monitoring: Someone who appears to be watching or following others, particularly in a manner that seems intrusive or deliberate.
      • Tampering: Individuals trying to access restricted or secured areas, or tampering with locks, doors, or surveillance equipment.
      • Unusual Transactions: Strange or excessive transactions, especially in areas where large sums of money are not typically involved.
    • Other Indicators:
      • Unusual Vehicles: Vehicles parked in unusual places or left running for extended periods.
      • Unexplained Items: Items left unattended or in unusual places, such as bags or packages.
      • Shoes: Always look at their shoes; work boots and slippers, for instance, won’t necessarily be a criminal.
      • Heavy Backpacks: If a backpack looks heavy, it might have tools inside.
  2. What to Do:
    • Report Promptly:
      • Contact Authorities: Call local law enforcement or security personnel to report suspicious activity. Provide as much detail as possible, including descriptions of people, vehicles, and actions.
      • Use Anonymous Reporting: If you prefer to stay anonymous, use local crime tip lines or online reporting tools if available.
    • Document Details:
      • Record Observations: Write down or take note of what you see, including descriptions of individuals, vehicles, and the nature of the suspicious behavior.
      • Take Photos or Videos: If safe, capture images or videos of the suspicious activity for authorities to review.
    • Stay Vigilant:
      • Observe Without Intervening: Keep an eye on the activity from a safe distance without engaging or confronting the individuals involved.
      • Alert Others: Inform others in your area to be aware of the suspicious activity.
  3. What Not to Do:
    • Don’t Engage Directly:
      • Avoid Confrontation: Do not approach or confront individuals you find suspicious. This could escalate the situation and put you at risk.
      • Don’t Challenge or Accuse: Avoid making accusations or trying to challenge someone’s behavior, especially if you are unsure of their intentions.
    • Don’t Ignore the Situation:
      • Don’t Dismiss Concerns: If something feels off, it’s important to report it rather than dismiss it. Ignoring potentially serious situations can lead to missed opportunities to prevent incidents.
      • Don’t Assume It’s Not Serious: Even seemingly minor suspicious activities can be indicative of more serious threats. Report all concerns to the appropriate authorities.
    • Don’t Spread Rumors:
      • Avoid Gossip: Refrain from discussing suspicious activity with others in a way that could create panic or spread misinformation.

Home Invasion

  1. Avoid Confrontation:
    • Ensure Safety: Prioritize the safety of your loved ones over confronting the intruder. Cooperate if face-to-face with the intruder and avoid startling them.
    • Document Details: If possible, document what you observe and contact authorities while keeping the crime scene undisturbed.
  2. Act Swiftly:
    • Stay Calm: Assess the situation quickly and calmly. Determine the number of intruders, their actions, and potential threats.
    • Plan: Coordinate with family members to develop a safe action plan.
  3. Move to a Safe Room:
    • Prepare: Equip your safe room with essentials like a flashlight, phone, water, and a self-defense weapon if necessary.
    • Remain Inside: Stay in the safe room until authorities arrive, even if you don't hear any noises.
  4. Call for Help:
    • Contact Authorities: Call emergency services and provide detailed information about the situation. Keep the phone on and on speaker mode if unable to speak.
  5. Escape through a Rear Window:
    • Assess the Risk: Evaluate whether it’s safe to escape through a rear window or another exit. Ensure it’s a secure option before attempting it.

Hijacking

  1. Stay Calm:
    • Remain Calm: Avoid sudden movements or actions that may provoke the hijacker.
    • Follow Instructions: If a hijacker demands your vehicle, comply with their instructions and avoid aggressive behavior.
  2. Secure Your Vehicle:
    • Lock Doors: Lock your vehicle doors and keep windows up while driving to minimize the risk of a hijacking.
    • Be Aware: Stay vigilant of your surroundings and avoid distractions like texting or using your phone.
  3. Prevent the Attack:
    • Avoid Dangerous Areas: Avoid parking or stopping in isolated or high-risk areas, especially at night.
    • Drive Defensively: Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and be cautious of suspicious behavior around your vehicle.
  4. Report the Incident:
    • Contact Authorities: Report the carjacking to the police immediately, providing details about the incident, hijacker, and vehicle.
  5. Take Precautions:
    • Install Security Features: Use vehicle security systems like alarms, tracking devices, and immobilizers to protect against hijacking.

Kidnapping

  1. Maintain Safety:
    • Avoid Resistance: If kidnapped, comply with the kidnapper's demands to minimize risk and ensure personal safety.
  2. Communicate:
    • Seek Help: Attempt to contact authorities or loved ones if safely possible and discreetly.
  3. Prepare for Negotiations:
    • Stay Calm: Keep calm and follow any instructions given by the kidnapper to avoid escalating the situation.
    • Provide Information: Share essential information like your identity and any crucial details if required by the kidnappers.
  4. Stay Vigilant:
    • Observe Details: Pay attention to any details about the kidnappers or their environment that may help authorities later.

Active Shooter

  1. Run:
    • Find an Escape Route: If safe, evacuate the area as quickly as possible. Leave your belongings behind.
    • Encourage Others to Escape: Help others leave the area if it is safe to do so.
  2. Hide:
    • Find a Safe Spot: If escaping is not possible, find a secure location to hide. Lock and barricade doors if possible.
    • Remain Silent: Stay quiet and turn off any noise-producing devices.
  3. Fight:
    • As a Last Resort: If confronted by the shooter and escape or hiding is not possible, use any available objects to defend yourself.
    • Disrupt the Shooter: Try to distract or incapacitate the shooter, but only if it is absolutely necessary.
  4. Call for Help:
    • Contact Authorities: Once safe, call emergency services and provide them with information about the situation and shooter’s location.

Disclaimer: Please do not take any actions that could worsen the situation or put yourself or others in harm's way. Only proceed if you are fully aware of the legal implications and have received adequate training to handle such incidents. Always prioritize safety and consider seeking assistance from professionals when necessary.