How to Protect Yourself in 7 Different Dangerous Situations

Throughout our lives, there are times when we may be faced with danger. This could be something accidental, like a natural disaster, or something involving a criminal attack. While it is very possible that you won’t face these situations, it’s essential to know what to do, just in case.

In the US, there were a total of 1.2 million violent crimes in 2019. The same year, there were 180 fatalities due to natural disasters. When viewing further statistics, you can certainly see how quickly these dangers add up.

Below, we are going to discuss how to protect yourself in seven different dangerous situations. Interested? Then let’s get started.

Animal attack

When most people hear of animal attacks, they usually think about larger predators such as bears and coyotes. However, more common animals, such as dogs, can be just as harmful. To avoid an attack, try and be as calm as possible. If you notice they are going to bite, try and take your arm out of your sleeve, and use it as bait. This can distract them long enough for you to escape. If you’re going for a walk in a park or other areas where there are commonly off-leash dogs, it can be wise to carry some dog spray with you for protection.

Home intruder

The best way to protect yourself from a home intruder is to secure your household in advance. By installing extra locks, security systems, and even getting a dog, you are making your home less of a target. Some individuals also recommend cleaning up your landscape, so that your home is more visible from the road.

If an intruder does manage to enter your house, it’s important not to panic. You should aim to get out of the house immediately and call emergency services once you are safe. If unable to escape, barricading yourself into a room is also an option, but you want to make sure you have something to defend yourself.

Tornado

If you live in a location prone to storms and tornados, you want to make sure that you are prepared in advance. By putting together an emergency kit that includes medication, non-perishable food, water, and a generator/battery, you know that you can survive if you happen to become trapped.

Alongside these supplies, you want to have an appropriate place to find shelter. If you don’t have a purpose-built shelter or basement, the next best thing is a room on the inside of the house without windows, such as a bathroom or closet. You should also protect your head and body with blankets and mattresses if available.

Car Crash

Car crashes are one of the most common dangers in the US, and they can’t be predicted in advance. If you have been involved in an accident, the first thing you want to do is stay still and access medical emergencies first. If you are trapped, you want to remain as calm as possible. In most cases, there is a good chance a witness has already called emergency services.

If you have crashed underwater, it’s vital that you think fast. You want to open your windows as soon as you hit the water, but if this isn’t possible (and you can’t open your door), try and break it using your feet. It’s also advised that you don’t take off your seatbelt until you have a secured exit.

Building Fire

Building fires can spread quickly, so if an alarm has been sounded, you want to find a way to exit the building in the safest way possible. Whether you are in a work building or your own home, it’s wise to develop a fire escape plan in advance so that you are aware of all the exits.

If you have been caught in a fire, remember to stop, drop and roll. This is your best chance at putting out the flames. It would help if you also crawled low underneath the smoke and always test door handles before entering another room. This will help you determine if there is another fire on the other side. If you are trapped with no way out, try to signal help by hanging a sheet out the window. This will help emergency services know exactly where you are.

Pandemic 

A pandemic is something that the world has been facing recently, so we should all know how to protect ourselves. Now more than ever, ensuring that we stay home as much as possible, wear protective gear, and social distance accordingly is extremely important. The key to slowing down the spread is to practice good hygiene and to follow the advice of our healthcare professionals.

If you feel ill or express any symptoms associated with the pandemic condition, it’s vital that you get tested ASAP and follow the necessary protocols. This includes isolating, following quarantine procedures, and taking the advised precautions. The more vigilant we are, the quicker life can back to normal.

Lost

Much like the other situations on this list, if you are lost in the woods, the first thing you want to do is stop and calm yourself. Getting stressed can cause you to make irrational decisions and may even put you in further danger. After this, you need to listen and think about what is around you. Do you hear people? Are there any landmarks around you that will establish your location? Asking yourself these questions will help keep you on track.

To prevent getting lost further, you should always pack the essentials whenever you visit a new location. A map, water, compass, and some type of protection from wild animals can make a big difference. The more gear you have, the better.

Final Word

By following the advice above and doing further research into different dangerous situations, you can learn the necessary skills to protect yourself in the best way possible. Remember, being prepared is critical, so make sure you are aware of the things you need to get out of each danger.