Facing Emergencies

All of us at one time or another will lace an emergency. Every year 14,000 children lose their lives because of accidents, and twenty- three million children under sixteen years of age are seriously hurt. Accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers in the United States.

Emergency numbers of doctors, fire department, hospital emergency room, and neighbors should be posted next to the telephone. Some emergencies require immediate attention. You should call the doctor RIGHT AWAY if you or a sibling or friend:

• Has a cut with profuse or continued bleeding.

• Has swallowed a poisonous substance such as the wrong medicine, rubbing alcohol, bleach, or a detergent.

• Has a broken bone or a joint injury.

• Has an eye or ear injury.

• Has been burned or scalded.

• Begins to choke or finds it hard to breathe.

• Has been bitten by a dog, cat, snake, scorpion, bee, or other animal or insect.

• Feels lightheaded, dizzy, or as if losing consciousness.

Gas

An undetected gas leak can cause a major explosion that could reduce your home to a pile of rubble. If you smell gas, open the windows and doors. If the odor is strong, leave the house immediately and call the gas company from a neighbor's house. If you feel sick or nauseated, call a doctor.

Storms

Do not leave the house in a bad storm. Bring all pets inside. In an electrical storm, stay away from single trees and flagpoles and towers.

Fire

A smoldering flame can produce fumes that can suffocate you. If you see or smell smoke or hear a smoke detector, go to a neighbors house and call the fire department. If your clothes catch on fire, DO NOT RUN. Lie down and roll back and forth until the Haines are out. If you are outside, roll in the dirt and sand. Your family should draw up an emergency fire plan with two escape routes in case one is blocked by fire. Practice that escape plan. Have fire detectors and fire extinguishers in your home.

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