What to Do in a Fire, Earthquake, or Severe Weather

Emergencies are rare, but they happen fast. A small flame can become a major fire in less than 30 seconds. Most people freeze in a crisis because they have never thought about what to do. Having a simple plan in your head is the difference between freezing and acting. This lesson gives you that plan, so you can stay calm and safe when it matters most.

In an emergency, your brain can get overwhelmed. That is why you need simple, automatic rules to follow. For the most common situations, the plans are straightforward and proven to work.An emergency plan is a simple set of actions you decide on before something happens. It is not complicated. It is just knowing your exits, where to meet, and who to call. People with a plan act. People without a plan freeze.For a fire: Get low and get out. Smoke is more dangerous than flames, and it rises. Crawl to the nearest exit. If a door feels hot, do not open it; find another way. Once you are out, stay out. Never go back in for anything. Call for help from a safe location.For an earthquake: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Drop to the ground. Take cover under a sturdy table or desk. Hold on until the shakin...

Nia was home alone finishing homework when she smelled something burning. Her heart started pounding, but she remembered the fire safety talk at school. Instead of panicking, she got on her hands and knees and crawled toward the front door, staying below the hazy smoke. She felt the door with the back of her hand. It was cool. She opened it, got outside, and ran to her neighbor's house to call her country's emergency number. Firefighters arrived quickly. A kitchen towel had caught fire on the stove, but the damage was small because Nia got out and called for help immediately. She did not freeze because she had a plan.