On a recent vacation, our family had to quickly evacuate a summer vacation home due to a fast-growing wildfire and to be honest, I panicked. Not only were we just starting to get comfortable, but we also had dinner cooking on the BBQ, and all our suitcases unpacked. So, with that being said, I thought I would write a quick article on what to do during an emergency. 

Every single year, thousands of people deal with emergencies in their home, and they deal with these emergencies alone or far from home. Whether it’s heart attacks or seizures, falling down or a fast -growing wildfire, you can find yourself in an emergency at any time. The only thing to do is to stay calm during an emergency as much as possible. Let’s take a look at some tips to help you to remain as calm as possible during an emergency.

Being Prepared

The first steps in being prepared is by having an emergency kit and a list of hospitals nearby. If you are on a family vacation, as I, have an emergency plan in place and go over the details with the family before the start of the festivities. Another good strategy is to take survival classes so that you are better equipped for any emergency. Survival training helps you focus better, breathe more comfortable, and take care of yourself with little effort. However, make sure you are safe before assisting others. Lastly, listen to the radio or television for information from local officials and follow their instructions.

Breathe Deeply

When you realize that you’re in trouble, you need to slow your panic by breathing deeply as much as possible. This can slow your heart rate and keep you calm.

Focus 

The situation of an emergency requires you to focus on the job at hand and determine what the situation is and where your exit points are. With the best will in the world, focusing will help you when things are falling apart.

Getting Help

If you’re able to, call for help. Whether this is from someone in the house, a neighbor, or from emergency services, reach out if you need help and don’t wait till the last minute. In the end, being prepared and staying calm are the best strategies to have before and during an emergency.