In an emergency, quick thinking and appropriate actions can make a significant difference. However, certain behaviors should be avoided to prevent worsening the situation. Here are 20 things you should never do in an emergency.
Panic
Panicking can cloud your judgment and lead to poor decisions. It’s crucial to try to remain as calm as possible to assess the situation clearly and act effectively.
Ignore Instructions
Ignoring instructions from authorities or emergency responders can put you and others at greater risk. It’s important to listen and follow the guidance provided to ensure everyone’s safety.
Spread Misinformation
Avoid spreading unverified information. Inaccurate details can cause confusion and panic, which can hinder the effectiveness of emergency response efforts.
Use Elevators in Fires or Power Outages
In cases of fire or power outages, using an elevator can be dangerous. Use the stairs instead, as elevators can malfunction or become traps in these situations.
Open a Door if It’s Hot
If a door is hot to the touch, it could mean there’s a fire on the other side. Opening it could make the situation worse by providing the fire with oxygen.
Leave a Safe Place Prematurely
Exiting a safe location too soon during events like a storm or shooting can put you in harm’s way. Stay put until it’s confirmed safe to leave by authorities.
Overload Your Cell Phone with Non-Essential Use
Using your phone excessively for non-emergency purposes can drain your battery. Conserve your phone’s battery for essential communication and updates.
Neglect to Signal for Help
If you’re in a situation where you need rescue, failing to signal for help can prolong your predicament. Use any available means to indicate your location to rescuers.
Forget to Check on Neighbors
If safe, check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those with disabilities, who may need assistance. In crises, communities should try to come together to support one another.
Attempt Heroics Beyond Your Capability
While it’s natural to want to help, attempting heroic acts beyond your skill set can exacerbate the situation. Leave risky rescues to trained professionals.
Touch Downed Power Lines
Never touch downed power lines or objects in contact with them. They can carry deadly electrical currents.
Drive Through Floodwaters
Attempting to drive through floodwaters is dangerous. Even shallow water can stall your car and deeper water can sweep it away.
Ignore Evacuation Orders
Disregarding evacuation orders puts you and potentially others, including emergency responders, at risk. Evacuate promptly when instructed.
Rush Towards an Exit in a Crowd
In crowded places, rushing towards an exit during an emergency can cause stampedes. Move calmly and follow the crowd flow to prevent injuries.
Leave Children Uninformed
Not informing children about emergency procedures can leave them confused and scared. Teach them basic safety measures appropriate for their age.
Forget to Prepare an Emergency Kit
Neglecting to prepare an emergency kit with essentials like water, food, and medical supplies can leave you ill-equipped in a crisis situation.
Fail to Establish a Meeting Place
Not having a designated meeting place with family or friends can lead to confusion about everyone’s safety. Decide on a meeting place in advance for such scenarios.
Lose Track of Family Members
In an emergency, keep track of where your family members are. Losing sight of them can add to the chaos and hinder reunification efforts.
Neglect to Listen to Updates
Failing to stay updated with the latest information from reliable sources can leave you unaware of important developments or instructions.
Assume Someone Else Will Call for Help
Assuming others have already called emergency services can delay response time. If you’re able, make the call yourself to ensure help is on the way.
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