Many of us will experience emergencies or disasters.  In this section we consider the different possible emergencies or disasters and what to do in case of each one.

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Earthquake

       When you start to feel an earthquake get in a doorway or under a sturdy table.  Be ready for                     aftershocks and beware of downed power lines.  Be sure to have plenty of food, water and any                 medications you need on hand in preparation for an earthquake.

Tsunami or tidal wave

       If you are at the beach and water starts going way out leaving a large beach area it may

       be a sign that a tsunami is coming.  Get away from the beach as quickly as you can to high ground.

       If you hear a tsunami warning siren do the same thing.  

Fire

       When you see smoke or flames assess whether you need to get out from the area of the fire.  If you          have a fire extinguisher or water and have a reasonable chance of putting out the fire go ahead.  If            you are not sure whether you need to evacuate check an app such as Watch Duty to see how close          the fire is and whether evacuation is recommended.  In preparation for a fire be ready to evacuate.            Have all of the most important items ready to go in the event of a fire.

Lightning

       If you can hear thunder you are at risk of being struck by lightning.  Get away from bodies of water           and tall structures or trees.  Get away from the base of a cliff or off of a high point.  You are also at           significant risk if your hair starts to stand up by itself or if you hear a buzzing noise.  If                               thunderstorms are forecast or you see clouds building up substantiallydon't go up a peak.

Bear attack

       If you go to a place that has bears be sure to hike in a group of four or more if possible.  Make some         noise. If the bear is brown lie down and don't move.  If the bear is black, attack.  If the bear is black           make yourself look big and make noise and if it isn't running away maybe run at it or throw rocks at           it.

Heat wave

      When a heat wave occurs stay indoors during the hotter parts of the day.  Drink plenty of water.  

Rip tide

      When you are swimming in the ocean and a current starts taking you farther out remain calm.  Swim        parallel to the shore and you will likely get out of the rip tide and then you can head for shore.      

​Tornado

      When you get word of a tornado seek shelter in a basement or tornado shelter.

Hurricane

      Listen to evacuation warnings and get out when authorities want you to leave.  If time permits take            steps to secure your home and take with you important items.  If you live in an area where                        hurricanes are common prepare in advance the items you will take with you when you evacuate.    

Falling into a crevasse (narrow canyon in a glacier)

      The best advice is to avoid hiking on glaciers unless you know really well what you are doing and 

      a couple of people who are not with you know where you are.  Also be sure to hike with friends.  If            you find yourself in a crevasse use an emergency signalling device or cell phone to summon                    help unless you have friends who saw you fall in and didn't fall in themselves.  If you don't have any          reasonable expectation of assistance and you think you might be able to make it out you can try                climbing out. 

Quicksand

      The best advice is to avoid going near any quicksand.  If you find yourself in it don't struggle as it              makes it worse.  Call for help from anyone who may be nearby.   

Car accident

      If it is a minor accident and it is safe, carefully move the cars involved to the side of the road.  

​        Give such first aid as you can but be careful about moving a seriously injured person as you can                          exacerbate their injuries.  Only move them if their life is immediately at risk.

Plane crash

      Remain calm.  Follow the instructions given by the flight attendant and safety info.  If it is a crash into        water make sure you take your life vest from under the seat.  If it is dark you can use the flashlight of        your cell phone to help see.

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