Emergency and Safety Skills

Power outages
If there is a power outage in your home, close doors to try and conserve heat in the room you are in. Keep the refrigerator door closed so the food stays colder longer. Have candles and a battery powered radio accessible so you can hear local news reports. Try to have a flashlight and blankets accessible, as well as canned or dried foods. Don't barbeque inside or light a grill inside the house because it is a fire hazard and the smoke inhalation could burn your throat.

Household hazardous wastes
The following items should not be disposed of in a regular garbage collection: pesticides, oil-based paints, toxic cleaning products, products containing mercury, fluorescent light bulbs, car batteries, chemicals used in art projects and hobbies, paint thinners, solvents, car products such as oil, gas, brake fluid or antifreeze), aerosol cans, glues and adhesives, propane tanks and latest paint. These products should be dropped off at a hazardous waste disposal site. For more information, call 206.296.4692 or visit www.metrokc.gov/hazwaste.

Car accidents
If you are involved in a car accident with injuries, call 911 or have someone call 911 immediately. State law requires you to help injured persons in a car accident and the law requires the police to investigate all accidents. Keep a first aid kit with medical gloves and a disposable camera in your car. Do not leave the accident scene and move your car only if necessary for safety until the authorities arrive.

Take pictures of the damage and the scene, especially if the accident wasn't your fault! Exchange contact information with all other drivers involved in the accident, including name, address, driver's license number, year and make of the car, license plate, insurance company name and policy number, and a phone number. Get the names, phone numbers and addresses of any witnesses to the accident as well. If no one calls the police to report the accident and everyone leaves the scene unharmed, you still need to call your insurance company to let them know what happened. You may leave the scene only after you exchange information or a police officer gives you permission.

Fires
As a precaution, you should put a new battery in your smoke alarms when daylight savings time comes in the spring and fall. If you see heavy smoke inside your home, find the nearest safe exit outside and call 911. If you are trapped inside, place a wet towel underneath the door and stay low to the ground to avoid smoke inhalation. Before you open any door, feel above the doorknob to check for warmth on the other side of the door. If it's hot to touch, don't open the door.

Burglaries
If you come home and your place is unlocked or looks like it has been robbed, don't go inside. There may still be someone inside the place. Go to a neighbor's or other safe place and call 911. Wait for the police to arrive before you go back inside.

Earthquakes
In an earthquake, the rule is to duck and cover. Try to get shelter under a door frame, a strong table or some other supported surface over your head. Do not go outside where there are few protections but increased risks of injury. Try to keep your head down and cover your neck and head with your arms. Keep away from windows and other glass that could break. When the earthquake is over, be prepared for after shocks. Grab your earthquake kit if you have one and your first aid kit. Get a flashlight, candles and your battery powered radio in case the power goes out. Also keep a bottle of water with you.

 

 

 

1. What can I legally carry to protect myself?

 

 

 

 

 

Don't get in the car

If someone attacks you while getting into your car and tries to make you get in and drive with them, don't do it if at all possible. Even if the person is holding a weapon, try to stay out of the car. You have much less ability to protect yourself and to get help once you are inside a car.