Elevator Emergency

Annually, there are more than 200 billion trips taken in elevators. This considered, there are approximately 150 deaths and 18,000 injuries caused by elevator related incidents per year (Courtley, 2012). This being said elevators are considerably safe (statistically).

It is very important to remain aware in every situation. With a trip on an elevator,  it usually proceeds with you pushing a button, the door opening, and you entering. We tend not to consider how the elevator works, or when it was last inspected, but being aware of and understanding the basic operation of technologies like an elevator can be very beneficial and help you in an emergency situation. Many injuries and deaths caused by elevators are due to door malfunctions. This could mean the door opens and there is no car there, and people who died from this malfunction did so because they stepped forward and fell down the shaft; reinforcing the idea that you should always remain AWARE and look up from your cellphone (I can’t lie and say that I’ve never gotten engrossed by a text or email while walking somewhere). In other cases, the door signal may malfunction and a car might move before everyone is on/off.  When using technology remember that you need to still be aware of your surroundings, and not always rely on that machine 100%. Remain alert!

ELEVATOR ENTRAPMENT:

According to Courtley, rescue from a stalled elevator takes about three hours on average. Most elevators have hatches concealed by paneling which provide an exit at the top of the car, but this is an option you should only consider under dire circumstances, and it is usually best to wait it out. If you find yourself trapped, you may like many others suffer from extreme panic. This may cause a heart attack, so in this situation it is  important to use your mental resources to remain calm. If you find yourself trapped, you should:

– Push the open door button. If the car is at the landing, it will open.

– If the door does not open, don’t worry you are probably still safe. Do NOT crawl out of a stalled elevator, especially if the door opens between floors.

– Use the alarm or help button, the telephone, or the intercom to call for help.

– If service response time exceeds thirty minutes, 911 or the fire department should be called to report the entrapment first.

(Courtley, 2012).

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References:

Courtley, C. (2012). SEAL Survival Guide. New York, NY: Gallery Books

Fire : Home

There are more than 350,000 home fires in the U.S. every year. These fires account for approximately 3,500 deaths, and 15,000 serious injuries (Courtley, 2012). Similar to building fires (see previous post) home fires are caused primarily by unattended cooking, space heaters, and candles. Thinking about causes it occurred to me some other risks like leaving on curling irons/straighteners; I know sometimes when I get ready early in the morning I have to remind myself to turn off/unplug these appliances. Unlike forest fires which may sometimes be beneficial to the ecosystem (but can also be very destructive) fires in homes are almost always devastating and cause extensive damage. It is important to take precautionary measures to avoid fires, as well as being prepared and educated in the appropriate action if you do find yourself in this type of emergency situation.

It is extremely important to make sure you have smoke alarms installed in your home, and you check them regularly. Using the appropriate tools that have been developed for safety reasons is imperative. It is helpful to check and change smoke alarm batteries at a designated time like when the clocks have to be changed in the spring and fall. Setting a designated time will help you to remember, and create a routine.

As with buildings, you should practice non-emergency evacuations in your home regularly. The difference here is that in buildings or offices, these evacuations are not scheduled and you must create and follow through with them on your own. Being familiar with an escape route can mean life or death in the case of a fire. I know that when I was younger, in my house we had a plan that if anything were to happen in the house and we all had to get out, we would meet at the cherry tree in the front yard. We practiced this and knew that in an emergency situation there was an exact plan of what to do. Doing this helps provide a sense of security, and practicing it helps you to develop a sort of mental shortcut so that in an emergency you can use your mental capacities for other things.

In the case of a fire, if you must cross it you should douse all of your clothing with as much water as possible, and remove any clothing made of synthetic fiber (Courtley, 2012). Another effective technique if you are faced with an emergency and catch fire is to STOP, DROP & ROLL. Yes, we’ve all heard this saying, and for good reason. The repetition of this phrase that we hear as children has hopefully made it so that if we do catch fire, it is almost a subconscious reaction.

Facing any emergency situation is scary, but being prepared greatly enhances our chances of surviving.

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References:

Courtley, C. (2012). SEAL Survival Guide. New York, NY: Gallery Books

Fire : Building

Nearly 85% of all U.S. house and building fires are caused by unattended cooking, space heaters, cigarettes, or candles. Most deaths related to fire are a result of toxic fume and smoke inhalation.

If you live in an apartment building, or work in an office building, it is very important to know the location of the nearest fire exits. Make sure you know at least two evacuation options for each floor of such buildings. It is beneficial to practice evacuation during non-emergency conditions, so that in case you are ever facing a real emergency you are familiar with what to do and will be more efficient. In the SEAL Survival Guide, Courtley discusses counting the number of doors from your office to the fire exit door. All of these tactics when practicing an evacuation route can help you to be able to find your way to the exit quickly and easily.

If you are in a building during a fire, you should avoid elevators. Cade Courtley refers to them as ” wind tunnels” for fire to move between floors. Develop your evacuation route without including them.

Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are helpful tools to prevent and combat fires. If you work, live, or basically enter a building, you may not be in full control of these tools. That is why it is important to be aware of your surroundings and if you see something that violates regulations you should speak up in order to correct those issues.

When facing a fire, it is important to stay low and as close to the floor as possible, because heat and smoke rise (Courtley, 2012). Also, when evacuating you should close doors when leaving rooms (if possible) this will slow down the spread of a fire.

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References:

Courtley, C. (2012). SEAL Survival Guide. New York, NY: Gallery Books

Fire : Forest

An average of more than five million acres of U.S. forests burn each year. Extinguishing these fires cost $1 billion, and they destroy $500 billion worth of property. Forest fires are responsible for the deaths of at least three thousand people yearly (Courtley, 2012).

For fires to burn, there are three necessities. They include fuel, oxygen, and a heat source. Fuel could be trees, brush, or any other flammable materials near a fire. The greater the fuel source, the greater the fire. Natural or human resources provide the heat source, and oxygen is found in the air.(National Geographic, 2014)

As mentioned above, causes for fires may be attributed to natural factors. This includes things like lightning. Human carelessness like campfires or cigarettes are also causes. Fires are also caused by arson.  In trying to imagine putting a forest fire into perspective, I thought about small campfires or fires in a fireplace; in watching them you can see the destructive power a fire has, as well as how quickly it can turn something to ash. A forest fire is on such a larger scale, and putting it out is an incredibly difficult feat. Risk can be assessed in many ways, and there are a number of government agencies which monitor national areas susceptible to fire. Some include the National Weather Service and U.S. Forest Service (Courtley, 2012). This is beneficial for individuals living near or present in fire-prone regions. It is important not to ignore official alerts. 

If you are venturing into forests or brush areas during periods where there is a risk of fire, Courtley suggests it is important to be aware of the location of natural firebreaks (rivers, lakes, ravines, and paths purposely cleared of trees). You should try to stay in close proximity to these areas. If you are in a forest or brush area and you smell smoke, that should be an immediate call to move to a safe area. What may be problematic is that the smoke alone does not indicate which direction the fire is approaching from, but you can assume that fires will travel more intensely in the direction the wind is blowing from.

Fires are occur in most areas of the U.S., but most prominently in the Western States which provide conditions beneficial for a fire like drought, heat, and frequent thunderstorms (National Geographic, 2014).

Restoring burned forests to healthy ecosystems is beneficial in limiting damage and preventing future forest fires.

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References:

Courtley, C. (2012). SEAL Survival Guide. New York, NY: Gallery Books

“Wildfires Article, Forest Fires Information, Wildland Fires Facts — National Geographic.” National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Oct. 2014. <http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/wildfires/&gt;.

Lightning

Cade Courtley refers to lightning as “the sniper of natural disasters”. He explains this by saying it strikes from a distance, kills one at a time (usually) and you never know when you are vulnerable to a strike (Courtley, 2012).

It is important to understand the threats we face. Planning, and being prepared always give you an advantage. What is known about lightning is that it is a charged electrical current that is hotter than the surface of the sun. “lightning speed” is approximately 3,700 miles per second.

TARGETS:
People who have been killed by lightning were usually near a tree or telephone pole, or walking on/touching a metal surface (Courtley, 2012). Typically lightning hits the tallest object within its striking range, and also seeks out metal or electrical conduits. This explains why it has been said that wearing rubber soled shoes can be helpful.

30/30 RULE:

In the SEAL Survival Guide, this chapter discusses how victims of lightning can be grouped into two categories.

1) Those oblivious to their surroundings, who ignore danger and do not attempt to take shelter

2) the very, very unlucky

(Courtley, 2012)

You can improve your “luck” by following some basic safety tips. It is important to remember, where there is thunder there is usually lightning. Alertness and quick thinking can help you immensely. The 30/30 rule urges you to measure and count “flash-to-bang time”. That is to say, if you see lightning you should begin counting to thirty. If you don’t hear thunder before you reach thirty, you should take shelter immediately. If you do, you need to hit the ground where you are. (Courtley, 2012).

ACTION:

Seek shelter in a permanent structure and move towards the interior. If you are indoors, you should stay away from the windows. If outdoors, you should get inside a vehicle (rubber tires!) and keep yourself away from any metal parts inside of the car.  You should not stand near tall objects, because they are likely to be struck. Avoid touching fences, signposts, or anything metal.

Facing natural threats like lightning are often not taken as seriously as they should be, because people believe they only have a one in a million chance, and we think that that one person will never be us. Making sure to prepare yourself and take safe action can help to make sure you will not be injured by lightning.

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References:

Courtley, C. (2012). SEAL Survival Guide. New York, NY: Gallery Books

Hurricane and Tornado

HURRICANE:

When a storm system has sustained winds at speeds of 74 mph or greater, it is classified as a hurricane (Courtley, 2012). Hurricanes are life threatening and should be taken seriously, like most other natural disasters. Wind speed determines the storms potential hazard. What is scary about a hurricane is that even if you are in a house, if it is braced inadequately the pressure from a hurricane can literally make the house implode. Deadly debris also poses a risk during hurricanes.

BE PREPARED:

The forecasting of hurricanes has improved a great amount. That being said, it is important to properly prep in case of an emergency. You should cover all openings in your home, and make sure the straps that attach the roof to the wall plate of your house are properly nailed. Also, you should tie down or remove external lawn furniture, trim overhanging trees and know how to turn off electricity and gas (Courtley, 2012).

SUPPLIES:

• Medications for yourself and family members for at least a week
• A good first aid kit
• WATER!!
• Nonperishable foods
• Cell phones that are fully charged
• Important documents
• Cash
• Sleeping bags
• Flashlights

(Courtley, 2012)

If you find yourself outside when the threat of a hurricane occurs, you should abandon your vehicle (if you are in one) and find shelter immediately. If you cannot find shelter, lie flat on the ground ideally in a ditch or large rock. It is important to stay as close to the ground as possible.

WAIT: If it seems to get quiet, don’t assume the threat is over. Ever heard the saying “Quiet before the storm”? If it seems quiet, you may be in the eye of the storm and this calm may only last a few minutes before the violent winds return (Courtley, 2012).

TORNADO: More deaths occur each year from tornadoes than from hurricanes. They form rapidly, and warning time is much shorter. Home preparation is the same as for hurricanes. You should have a designated safe room, and practice what to do in case of a tornado.

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References:

Courtley, C. (2012). SEAL Survival Guide. New York, NY: Gallery Books

Flash Floods, Flooding, Tornadoes

FLASH FLOODS:

In the SEAL Survival Guide, Courtley defines flood as “An unexpected surge of flowing water”. Just reading that sentence, you get a feel for what a flood is. The adjectives like SURGE and FLOWING suggest something powerful, and potentially dangerous. In the U.S. flooding is the number one cause of weather-related deaths (Courtley, 2012). Common causes for flash floods include heavy rainfall, melting snow, or dam breaches. Some areas are more likely to experience flood than others. This may include places surrounded by rivers and lakes, or those at low elevations. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and the U.S Geological Survey have maps showing likely flood areas (Courtley, 2012). This can be helpful when you’re deciding where to live, visit, etc.

WHAT TO DO:

DURING: If you are at home you should turn off all electrical power, close windows and get to the highest level. It may be helpful to bring a tool up to the highest level or possibly attic with you in case you have to escape through the roof (if flood waters get very high). If you are in a vehicle, Courtley suggests that you DO NOT attempt to drive through the water. I think that we assume we can handle certain conditions, and sometimes take risks like trying to drive through water and that could have serious consequences. If you find yourself in a situation where water rises rapidly around your car get out IMMEDIATELY. If you are outdoors, try to head towards the highest ground. You should try to avoid walking or swimming in floodwater, because during a flash flood it is often filled with dangerous debris and irregular currents (Courtley, 2012).

AFTER: Usually if the water is due to the flash flood, it will recede quickly. It is important to avoid getting into the water. Drink only bottled water because public drinking water will be contaminated. The best place to be until a safe means of evacuation arrives is usually your shelter, if it is secure and stocked up on water and nonperishable foods.

TSUNAMI:

“Harbor Wave” is what the word Tsunami means in Japanese. It is a massive wave caused by earthquakes or underwater volcanic eruptions on fault lines out in the Ocean. The wave builds up as it approaches the shoreline, and they can reach more than two hundred feet (Courtley, 2012). They cause an incredible amount of destruction and often give short notice of their approach. I remember reading about Tsunamis, and what scared me is how people rarely know when they are coming. I think that it is important to be alert and know that if an earthquake occurs, a Tsunami may follow. Courtley talks in the book about a Tsunami in Hilo Bay, where before the wave hit people noticed the Ocean receded from the tide line exposing schools of fish. People rushed out to get the fish, and were confronted by the massive wave. I have heard this story before, and it really shows how important it is to educate people on warning signs in order for them to be prepared. If these people had known that this was a sign a Tsunami was imminent, it would have saved lives.

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References:

Courtley, C. (2012). SEAL Survival Guide. New York, NY: Gallery Books

EARTHQUAKE

It is scary to imagine that the ground we are standing on and believe to be so reliable and thick can shift and split open. Although there have been advances in the technology to predict natural disasters, earthquake predictability and accuracy is still not as efficient as we need in order to be most prepared.

CAUSE:

Earthquakes are caused by tectonic plates shifting, and subterranean pressure and heat that has been trapped in the Earth (Courtley, 2012).

HOW TO PREPARE:

There are maps that illustrate fault lines and risk prone areas. The greatest cause of death during the initial earthquake tremor is falling debris. For this reason, it is important to check rooms and make sure things like bookcases are bracketed to the wall. Big objects should be placed on the floor, and mirrors or pictures near beds should be bracketed or removed. Broken gas lines provide very serious fire hazards, so you should make sure there is enough flex in the hose if you have gas appliances (Courtley, 2012). Rehearsing what to do if and earthquake occurs is very beneficial.

OUTDOORS:

If you are outdoors during an earthquake, you should get away from buildings, poles and overhead power lines (Courtley, 2012). The safest distance from a building is around three times the height of that building. A large parking lot or park would be the ideal location outside.

IN A VEHICLE:

You should stop your car as soon as possible. Again, it is important to stay away from buildings. Try to drive off elevated roadways or bridges.

INSIDE:

The book urges that you stay inside. You should try to use one of two methods of coping when inside. The first is called the Drop, Cover and hold on. In this method, you should find a sturdy table or piece of furniture and get under it (Drop). Next you should cover your head with your arms, and hold on (Courtley, 2012). The second method is called the Triangle of Life. In this method, you should position yourself next to a sturdy piece of furniture so that in the case of a wall collapsing, it will create a crawl space or void space where you can survive.

HOW NOT TO PREPARE:

There are a few common misconceptions about what to do in the case of an earthquake. In the book, Courtley says running outside, getting in a door frame or getting against a wall aren’t your best options. This was interesting to me because I have always thought standing in a door frame was what you were supposed to do. Sometimes misinformation is spread around and thought for so long that it is very surprising when we hear the truth.

AFTERMATH:

I think that this part of an earthquake can be very devastating, and it often is not what we think of. Obviously your first priority is to survive, but what about after? If you were inside when the earthquake hit, you should get up and go outside immediately. Aftershocks can continue for days following the initial earthquake.

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References:

Courtley, C. (2012). SEAL Survival Guide. New York, NY: Gallery Books

Carjacking

CARJACKING:

Carjacking is defined in the SEAL Survival Guide as forcibly stealing a car while it is occupied. For the criminal, it is easier to steal a car that is running or one that has keys in it. Unlike other crimes that require planning, the carjacker usually makes a rapid choice of which car to steal, but there are some criteria that they are generally looking for:

• Someone who seems distracted or preoccupied
• Someone who seems weaker than the carjacker or looks like they won’t fight
• Vehicles with only a single occupant

(Courtley, 2012)

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS:

This type of crime occurs more often in broad daylight than at night, usually at intersections or in large commercial parking lots. The carjacker is not likely to attempt to jump into a moving vehicle, so the highest risk is when the car is stopped. Due to this, it is important to stay alert when at an ATM, Gas Station, less traveled road, intersections that require you to stop, isolated areas in parking lots and even residential driveways and gates.

LOOK OUT FOR THESE STRATEGIES:

“The Bump and Jump”: This technique involves a carjacker hitting your car from behind. When you stop, they’ve got you where they want you. That’s not to say you shouldn’t stop every time you are rear ended, but if the situation seems suspicious you may want to keep moving slowly and wave for them to follow you to a more public place.

“Good Samaritan”: In this case, a car may seem disabled on the side of the road, and once you stop to offer assistance they may make their move.

“Ruse Method”: This is when a car drives alongside you or a driver flashes their lights at you, wanting to tell you something may be wrong with your car, usually something that would require you to stop.

“Trap Technique”: They follow you home and wait until you pull into your driveway/community. In this situation, the attacker drives up from behind and blocks the victim’s car.

(Courtley, 2012)

While reading these techniques, I could not help but feel like I was going to be paranoid whenever I was out on the road. These cases are exceptions to the norm, but it is important to always be aware and cautious, and be perceptive of the situations you are in.

PREVENTION:
Carjackers count on the element of surprise, so it is in your best interest to always be alert and not distracted in high-risk areas. You should keep your doors locked, and windows up. Also, you should always keep some distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you.

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References:

Courtley, C. (2012). SEAL Survival Guide. New York, NY: Gallery Books

Auto Accident

AUTO ACCIDENT:

The chances of getting into a car accident at least once in your life are estimated to be more than 95 percent. This is a pretty good reason to make sure you are always alert when driving and educated on the appropriate procedures. You should ALWAYS wear your seat belt. Although the risk of injury or death due to an accident is very high, cars are actually much safer than they have ever been before. The retractable seat belt was invented in the 1940s and was offered as an “option” on cars not until the 1950s (Courtley, 2012). They were not mandatory in all cars in the US until 1968. It wasn’t until the nineties that most states passed laws requiring drivers to wear one. Another improvement in car safety is the incorporation of air bags. Air bag technology was invented to protect astronauts initially, when spacecraft’s were designed to crash-land back to Earth (Courtley, 2012). The first car air bag was invented in 1968, and installed in some vehicles in 1973. It wasn’t until 1999 that cars and light trucks were required to install both driver and passenger-side airbags. For me this is interesting, because for as long as I’ve lived it has always been the law to wear a seat belt, and there have always been airbags in cars. It’s strange to think that they were not always required, in fact they really haven’t been around very long at all if you think about it. We tend to overlook things and take them for granted, but it’s important to acknowledge the advances we have made in safety, and recognize that there is still more to be done.

NEWTON’S LAW:

You may have heard of this one before, Newton’s law proposes an object in motion will stay in motion. This is why the addition of the chest belt and headrest have been successful in reducing injuries and fatalities. The belt keeps your body firmly in the seat, and the headrest eliminates whiplash (Courtley, 2012).

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE:

It is important to not only be aware of yourself and your own actions, but also to keep your vehicle in good condition. We put our vehicles through a lot, and expect them to keep running, and performing well. Paying attention to your brakes and tires could greatly decrease the chances of an auto accident.

ACCIDENTS- AVOID AND MINIMIZE:

Driving requires a high degree of situational awareness. You need to observe the road, and look for things that may potentially cause an accident. Courtley suggests “keeping your head on a swivel” and watching for cars, pedestrians and anything else that may interfere. If all of your efforts have failed and a crash is unavoidable, you should respond with decisive maneuvers as smoothly as possible.

• Brace your hands on the wheel in the four o’clock and eight o’clock positions to allow the air bag to deploy without being obstructed by your hands and arms
• Slow your vehicle as much as possible, attempting to pump the brakes instead of slamming on them
• Use the front of your car-new cars are designed to take a hit better head on rather than taking a blow from the side
• Steer smoothly-if you jerk around the vehicle may skid and often times spin

(Courtley, 2012)

POSTACCIDENT:

After the accident, you should exit the vehicle quickly. It is important to remain calm, even if you are trapped in the vehicle, in which case you should go into combat breathing and stay conscious, and tell yourself you can endure this and help will arrive shortly.

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References:

Courtley, C. (2012). SEAL Survival Guide. New York, NY: Gallery Books