What-If …..?
During a crisis, we may not have the time to look up what we need to do, or we may be too anxious for accurate deductive reasoning. So, if we could learn certain basic information on the many possibilities that may occur, we may be able to act accordingly to what is needed with little thought. I am going to list a few. I hope you would never have to use any of them, but I think it is a good idea to have them in your head for easy access. I also recommend that you decide what are your personal what-ifs. For example, if you live on the beach, what would you do if there is anearby earthquake and a tsunami warning occurs? Well, I am blessed to live on the beach and a tsunami is one of my biggest fears. When I moved here, I looked where experts believe the water would go and I mapped out my exit route. It makes me feel better knowing I have a plan.
Sign up for appropriate emergency alerts for your own needs. I signed up for a tsunami, earthquake, and wildfire alerts for example. On your phone and computer, you can sign up for alerts. FEMA, Red Cross, and LiveSafe are just a few examples.
Have a bag packed with; identification, passports, birth records, social security cards, leases, titles, deeds, wills, medicine, prescription glasses, clothing, cash, cards, first aid, water, snacks, sneakers, batteries, chargers for phone, solar charger, masks, anti-bacterial gel, flashlight, etc.Keep car with a full tank of gas.
Make a safety escape plan and tell your family your plan. Right down contacts on paper. Give a copy to a friend. Go to www.ready.gov where they have templates of emergency ready information and lists.
Store documents in fireproof and waterproof containers including pet documents.
If you have time unplug appliances, turn off air conditioners etc., get a backup generator if needed in your area, protect heirlooms and documents from flooding and fire and have canned foods, peanut butter, and nuts (unless allergic) stored in waterproof containers.
If you must leave your home, when you return, look for damage from outside before walking in. Be aware of unusual sounds and smells and do not use a candle in case there is gas leaking. Inspect all appliances for damage before using and note all damage for insurance before cleaning up.
Personal safety:
Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
If possible, shop with at least one other person and park in public, well-lit areas, that are close to where you are going. Even if you arrive during the day you may leave at night. If you carry your purse, carry it close to your body. Ideally, have someone who is trustworthy walk you to your car.Find security at their kiosk at the mall (make sure it is really security) to walk with you. Have your keys in your hands ready, as you approach your car, before you get in, look around your car, under your car, and in your car and as soon as you get in lock the doors.
When checking into a hotel room, make sure no one says your room number aloud. Before you open your hotel room make sure no one is lingering in the hall. Lock your door when you enter. Do not open door to unexpected knocks. Call the front desk if you are unsure.
When driving and someone bumps into you. Do not get out of the car. Call 911. Male and females are used to lure you. When you ask someone for directions, and they offer to show you by following them don’t. They may be luring you to a less crowded place.
Pour your own drinks at parties and carry them with you always. Watch your drink being made by the bartender and never let go once you have it at a bar. Always be with someone you trust and a designated driver and friend and look out for each other.
Do not check in on social media while you are out, especially if you have a public account. A stalker will know where to find you or a robber will know when your house is empty. Same advice for vacations. Show pictures when you return.
Plan your escape. Take off heels and any clothing or items that will restrict you. Practice movesthat you learn in self-defense training. Take self-defense training and carry pepper spray. Trust how you feel. Walk away if you feel uncomfortable.
If attacked, try to de-escalate if possible. If the attacker wants money, jewelry etc. please give it to them immediately. If someone is picking a fight, do not engage. Get away as soon as you are able and call for help if necessary.
If you think someone is following you keep as much distance as possible. Find a public place. Tell someone and call 911 or use the panic/emergency button on phone. Know how to do this before you leave the house next time. It depends on the phone.
Keep objects between you and the attacker. Do not get cornered. Cars, tables, doors. Do not get into a stranger’s car.
A UW Medicine article by Emily Boynton, October 11,2021, has excellent self-defensive recommendations with pictures. It is ideal to take a class in self-defense. Look on the internet for additional self-defense moves.
If you are in an abusive relationship:
Be ready to leave. Have a safety plan. For example, have a passport, children’s passports, cash, a list of phone numbers, personal items, etc. stored at a friend’s house.
Do not get cornered in a room with weapons such as the kitchen.
Domestic Violence Hotline: 1.800. 799.SAFE (7233) or text to 88788
National Domestic Violence Hotline (above) has excellent information on getting help, preparing a safety plan, and local resources. The website is hotline.org. Please look up their website and be prepared ahead of time.
Just because:
If your tire blows out while you are driving… stay calm, do NOT step on the brake, hold the steering wheel tightly, accelerate slightly and steer as straight as possible. Then lift your foot off the gas slowly, turn on your emergency hazard lights, blinker and steer toward the shoulder and pull off to a safe place when safe. If you have to you can use the brakes lightly. Call for help once you stop, put the car in park and put the emergency brake on. Either call roadside service or 911 if alone. Do not accept help from strangers, especially if you are alone.
The poison control center’s number is 800-222-1222. What to do will depend on what was ingested.
Take a CPR course. American Red Cross has classes. redcross.org.
What to do if you find yourself in a riptide: Stay calm. Do not fight the current. You will become exhausted quickly. Stay afloat. You can float on your back and allow it to take you away from shore or swim parallel to the shoreline until safely out of the riptide and then you can swim to shore. Riptides are usually around 100 feet wide and subside usually 50 to 100 yards from the shore according to popular mechanics. (Published in February 2010 issue.)
What to do if you have a kitchen fire ….. if the fire is in the oven or microwave, keep the door closed to suffocate the flames and turn off the oven. If the oven continues to smoke call the fire department. If the fire is in the cooking pan, turn off the stove, and put the lid on to suffocate the fire but if you can’t use lid, use a fire extinguisher, and aim at the base of the fire, not the flames. If it’s a grease fire NEVER use water. Water can spread the fire. If it’s a small fire take off the stove and put the lid on it. Throw lots of baking soda on it. NEVER use flour which can explode making the fire worse. You can try to smother the fire with a wet towel, and you can always use a fire extinguisher. Never hit the fire with a towel or an apron or any clothing as it may spread the fire and fan the flames. Plan a safety plan and tell the family plan before it is ever needed. Get everyone out of the house and call 911 if you can’t control the fire quickly.
I read a book called “The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook” many years ago. I remember it had many what-ifs. I just ordered it and will share interesting scenarios in the future. I could keep going all night, but I will end here… time to go to bed.
DISCLAIMER:
The contents of this website; blog, video, articles, media, book, references, are ONLY for informational and entertainment purposes. It is NOT intended as a psychological service, diagnostic tool, medical treatment, personal advice, counseling, determination of risk and should not be used as a substitute for treatment by psychological or medical services.
Please seek consultation by appropriate healthcare provider. Call 911 if emergency. Call National Suicidal Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255 to talk to someone 24/7 if needed. Call National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 to talk to someone 24/7 if needed.
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