Thursday, 9 April 2015

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS DURING A TERRORIST ATTACK




No one would wish to be caught in a terrorist attack, in case it occurs at a place where you are.  If possible get up-to-date news.  Follow instructions as quickly as possible, if it occurs at a residential area and you are asked by local authorities to leave your home.   Protect yourself by wearing clothing that covers your entire body and don’t forget to take along your emergency supplies kit. Shut off water and electricity before leaving. Call your family contact; do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency. Below are the safety precautions in the event of a terrorist attack;

In case of Gunfire
Ø  Look for a place to hide.
Ø  Remain calm, be patient and quiet, assess the situation around you and determine what your options are. This is so because you might attract the terrorists towards you.
Ø  Lie flat on the floor and behind any solid object that might protect you from gunfire. Stay put until the danger passes. If you have to move, do it on your stomach. When it's safe to get up, don’t stop for any reason, even to help police or rescue personnel. Just leave the area right away.
Ø  Try to think critically of the situation you are in, and keep your main goal in mind; and that is to get out safe
Ø  Keep in mind of exits, alternative ways to get home in case you manage to escape.
Ø  If you are somewhere that you can watch or listen to news please do for current information
Ø  Follow the advice of local emergency officials. If advised to evacuate or shelter-in-place do so immediately.

If an explosion occurs
Ø  Immediately get under a sturdy table or desk if things are falling around you. When they stop falling, leave quickly, watching for obviously weakened floors and stairways. As you exit the building, watch for falling debris.
Ø  Shut off any other damaged utilities.
Ø  If not injured please assist neighbors or colleagues who may need help, especially those who are elderly or disabled.
Ø  Heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling. Stay below the smoke at all times.
Ø  In case you have a flashlight you can use it to check for damage. Check for fire and gas leaks. Do not turn on electrical switches or light a match. If you smell gas, turn off the main gas valve, open the windows, and get everyone outside fast.
Ø  Leave the building as quickly as possible. Do not stop to retrieve personal possessions or make phone calls.
Ø  Once you are out, stand away from windows, glass doors and other potentially hazardous areas. Move away from sidewalks or streets that are to be used by emergency workers and others still exiting the building.

In case you get trapped in Debris
Ø  If you have a flashlight, use it to signal to rescuers.
Ø  Avoid unnecessary movement and stay in your area so you don’t kick up dust and cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
Ø  Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. If possible, use a whistle. Shout as a last resort – shouting can cause a person to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

If there is Fire
Ø  Stay low to the floor and exit the building as quickly as possible.
Ø  Test closed doors for heat with your hand before opening. If the door is not hot, brace your body against the door and open slightly to check for fire or smoke. If the door is hot, seek an alternate escape route.
Ø  If you cannot escape, put as many barriers and space between you and the fire as possible.
Ø  If you have access to a phone, call local authorities and report your location.

In case you have been taken Hostage
Ø  If you are taken hostage, decide not to resist.
Ø  Regain your composure as quickly as possible after capture, face your fears, and try to master your emotions. Stay mentally active.
Ø  If you can, take mental note of the direction, time in transit, noise, and other environmental factors that may help you identify your location.
Ø  Note the numbers, names, physical characteristics, accents, personal habits, and rank structure of your captors.
Ø  Anticipate isolation and terrorist efforts to confuse you.
Ø  Do not aggravate your abductors; instead, attempt to establish a positive relationship with them. But be keen so that they don’t get crucial information from you.
Ø  Comply with their instructions but maintain your dignity.
Ø  Eat whatever food is offered to you to maintain your strength.
Ø  When being interrogated be polite and maintain your temper. Give short answers, talk freely about nonessential matters.

In case of Injuries
Ø  If you can, give first aid and if not able to get help for seriously injured people.
Ø  In case you are bleeding try and cover the wound with a dressing, and press firmly against the wound (direct pressure).  Elevate the injured area above the level of the heart if you do not suspect a broken bone
 Ø  In case there is someone near you who is in shock, keep the victim from getting chilled or overheated. Elevate the legs; do not give food or drink to the victim.
Ø  Cover burns with dry, clean dressing or cloth
Ø  For injured muscles, bones and joint; please rest the injured part and if you must move the victim in case the scene is becoming unsafe, try to immobilize the injured part to keep it from moving.

If asked to remain inside your home or office and protect yourself there. Close and lock all windows and exterior doors. Turn off any fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Close the fireplace damper. Get your emergency supplies kit and stay in an interior room away from windows. Use duct tape to seal all cracks around doors and windows. 


Related Articles

No comments:

Post a Comment