Ways to Save Yourself from Common Dangerous Situations

 

Everyone experiences facing a dangerous situation at least once in their lifetime. However, the lack of knowledge of what to do in the situation leads to injury or even death. For example, every year, the amount of dog attack cases are rapidly increasing as there was an 82% increase in fatal dog attacks from the 1980s to 2012 (Canine Homicide Statistics).

 

Dog bites send nearly 316,200 victims to hospital emergency departments per year (898 per day). Additionally, getting bitten by a dog is the fifth most frequent cause of visits to emergency rooms caused by activities common among children.

 

It is important one knows what to do when incidents like this happens.  When a dog attacks, don’t stare at the dog as it provokes more aggression. Also, do not think about screaming and running away because it is nearly impossible to outrun the dog. As fighting back or pulling away will cause wo

rse injuries, the best solution is to roll up into a ball or to find an object that you can stick into the mouth to prevent the dog from biting your body.

Furthermore, according to NFPA, in 2016 there were 352,000 house fires, 2,735 deaths, and 10,750 injured. In order to prevent or ensure one’s safety during such situations, first, know where the fire extinguishers and exits are. Set up an escape plan with the family or companions to escape as quickly as you can. When a fire has erupted in the house, get a wet towel and block your nose and mouth to prevent the smoke from entering the body. Determine whether the fire is small enough for one to extinguish it or big enough to escape. A precaution that can be taken is to check all the fires (kitchen, fireplace, etc.) before heading somewhere. Also, never leave a child alone with a fire unattended.

 

Another dangerous situation is choking as it is the country’s fourth-largest cause of accidental death, claiming nearly 5,000 victims in 2014. One only has a few minutes before the food or object completely blocks the airway. In this situation it is important to know these steps.  Make a fist with one hand and put the thumb side between your belly button and rib cage. Then place your other hand on top of that. Push as hard as you can in a quick motion straight into the area. This will push out the food/object. A chair can be used too if one does not have enough strength.

 

These are only a few examples of some of the dangerous situations one can find themselves in.  Therefore, learning and taking precaution can be best for oneself and family. Many more situations can arise such as getting burned, getting lost in the woods, drowning, and many more. Start taking safety measures today by setting a plan with family and close companions.

 

Susie Song, Grade 10

Academy of the Canyons