Worst-case scenario Survival Guide
posted in - Health tips, - Palmdoc |I just came across an interesting book: The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook. If you were faced with danger or disaster, would you know what to do? I spotted some interesting chapters including how to cope with various medical emergencies (defibrillation, fractures), great escapes like getting out of Quicksand, How to Wrestle Free from an Alligator for the Crocodile Dundee types, and even dealing with Natural Disasters.
Here’s a snippet which you may be interested to read especially as there has been a resurgence of earthquakes in Sumatra :
HOW TO SURVIVE AN EARTHQUAKE
1. If you are indoors, stay there!
Get under a desk or table and hang on to it, or move into a doorway; the next best place is in a hallway or against an inside wall. Stay clear of windows, fire-places, and heavy furniture or appliances. Get out of the kitchen, which is a dangerous place. Do not run downstairs or rush outside while the building is shaking or while there is danger of falling and hurting yourself or being hit by falling glass or debris.
2. If you are outside, get into the open, away from buildings, power lines, chimneys, and anything else that might fall on you.
3. If you are driving, stop, but carefully.
Move your car as far out of traffic as possible. Do not stop on or under a bridge or overpass or under trees,light posts, power lines, or signs. Stay inside your car until the shaking stops. When you resume driving watch for breaks in the pavement, fallen rocks, and bumps in the road at bridge approaches.
4. If you are in a mountainous area, watch out for falling rocks, landslides, trees, and other debris that
could be loosened by quakes.
5. After the quake stops, check for injuries and apply the necessary first aid or seek help.
Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in further danger of injury. Cover them with blankets and seek medical help for serious injuries.
6. If you can, put on a pair of sturdy thick-soled shoes (in case you step on broken glass, debris, etc.).
7. Check for hazards.
• Put out fires in your home or neighborhood immediately.
• Gas leaks: shut off main gas valve only if you suspect a leak because of broken pipes or odor. Do not use matches, lighters, camp stoves or barbecues, electrical equipment, or appliances until you are sure there are no gas leaks. They may create a spark that could ignite leaking gas and cause an explosion and fire. Do not turn on the gas again if you turned it off—let the gas
company do it.
• Damaged electrical wiring: shut off power at the control box if there is any danger to house wiring.
• Downed or damaged utility lines: do not touch downed power lines or any objects in contact with them.
• Spills: clean up any spilled medicines, drugs, or other harmful materials such as bleach, lye, or gas.
• Downed or damaged chimneys: approach with caution and do not use a damaged chimney (it could start a fire or let poisonous gases into your house).
• Fallen items: beware of items tumbling off shelves when you open closet and cupboard doors.
8. Check food and water supplies.
Do not eat or drink anything from open containers near shattered glass. If the power is off, plan meals to use up frozen foods or foods that will spoil quickly. Food in the freezer should be good for at least a couple of days. If the water is off you can drink from water heaters, melted ice cubes, or canned vegetables. Avoid drinking water from swimming pools and spas.
9. Be prepared for aftershocks.
Another quake, larger or smaller, may follow.
10. Be Aware
• Use your telephone only for a medical or fire emergency—you could tie up the lines needed for emergency response. If the phone doesn’t work, send someone for help.
• Do not expect firefighters, police, or paramedics to help you immediately. They may not be available.
I think it’s worth keeping a copy of this guide 
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September 17th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
“1. If you are indoors, stay there!
Get under a desk or table and hang on to it, or move into a doorway; the next best place is in a hallway or against an inside wall. Stay clear of windows, fire-places, and heavy furniture or appliances. Get out of the kitchen, which is a dangerous place. Do not run downstairs or rush outside while the building is shaking or while there is danger of falling and hurting yourself or being hit by falling glass or debris.”
What if the building is going to collapse?
September 17th, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Pray!