Extreme contingencies

As said, there is no way to be 100% safe from any threat, in any aspect of life. Traveling abroad - especially if it is for tourism - is always an occasion for happiness and enjoyment and although you should not generate extra anxieties, tensions or worries, you must always prevent and be prepared for an eventual contingency or a possible crisis. : unnatural disasters or natural disasters happen more often than one imagines!

These eventualities, of course, can also occur at the domestic level and the conditions to face them will be different. In a strange country, with other customs and another language, there may be an extra level of complication that forces us to plan more carefully.

Knowing some basic guidelines can save your life. Do not underestimate the information or consider it exaggerated.

Access prevention information against certain contingencies here:

Unnatural disasters:  #attacks on public or crowded places

Natural disasters: #hurricanes, #tsunamis, #earthquakes, #extreme heat and #extreme cold

Do not underestimate the information or consider it exaggerated or unlikely to occur. It's not about becoming paranoid, but about being prepared. Take steps to prepare, protect yourself, and help others in the event of a massive attack.

Types of mass attacks

• Individuals who use firearms to cause mass casualties (active sniper).

• Individuals using a vehicle to cause mass casualties.

• Individuals using homemade explosive devices to cause mass casualties.

• Individuals using knives, drones or other weapons.

BEFORE: Prepare

Stay Alert: You should always be aware of your surroundings and potential dangers.

If you see something, report it: Do not remain indifferent; If you see suspicious packages, bags or suitcases, report it to the authorities. Don't hesitate. That includes people behaving strangely, remember: DUCK!

Have an escape plan: Identify exits and areas where you can hide wherever you go or are.

DURING: Survive - Run, Hide, Fight.

1 • Run to a safe place

• Seek security. Escaping the attacker is the top priority.

• Leave your belongings behind without hesitation and walk away.

• Call the authorities when you are safe and describe the attacker, the location and weapons if you remember them.

2. Cover and hide

• Take cover and hide if you cannot escape the scene. Find a place where you can hide out of the attacker's sight and put a solid barrier between you and the threat, if possible.

• Close and lock the doors, close the blinds and turn off the lights.

• Remain silent.

3. Defend, Disrupt, Fight

• Fight only as a last resort. When you cannot run or take cover and the risk of lethality is imminent, try to interrupt the attack or incapacitate the attacker.

• Be aggressive and determined in your actions.

• Recruit others to ambush the attacker with improvised weapons, such as chairs, fire extinguishers, scissors, books, etc.

• Prepare to cause serious injury or death to the attacker.

AFTER: Stay safe

• It's not easy, but try to be calm and follow the instructions.

• Keep your hands visible and empty.

• Follow the instructions of law enforcement officers and evacuate at the address they indicate. For information about the situation, listen to messages from law enforcement officers.

Attacks on public or mass places

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Have a plan

The hurricane season begins on May 15 in the North Pacific and June 1 in the Atlantic and Caribbean, ending in November.

1 • Write down emergency phone numbers and keep them in an easily accessible place. Program them on your cell phone too.
2 • Prepare an emergency supply kit.
3• In the event of a contingency of this nature, locate the closest shelter and the different routes you can take to get there from your accommodation if you eventually need to go to one. If shelter locations have not been identified in your area, please contact hotel staff or local authorities.
4• Pet owners: Identify shelters or hotels that accept pets in advance. Local animal shelters can offer advice on what to do with your pets if you are asked to evacuate.

Gather emergency supplies

During and after a hurricane, you may need supplies to keep your family safe and healthy. Remember that a hurricane could cut off your electricity and water supplies. You may also not be able to drive due to damage to your car. Roads may be flooded or blocked.
That's why it's best to be prepared: stock up on all the basics you might need. Be sure to prepare the following:

1• An emergency supply of food and water.
2• A supply of emergency medications.
3• Emergency power sources, such as flashlights (don't forget extra batteries).
4• Security and personal items.
5• Important documents, including medical documents, wills, passports and personal identification.
6• Fire extinguisher. Make sure your family knows where to find it and how to use it!


Know the difference between a hurricane “watch” and a hurricane “warning.”

Listen to Weather Service alerts for your location on television or radio or search for them online. There are two types of alerts:

• A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 120 km per hour, (74 miles per hour or 64 knots, 33 meters per second) or greater are possible in a given area. Experts announce hurricane watches 48 hours before tropical storm force winds begin.
• A hurricane warning is more serious. It means that hurricane force winds are expected in a certain area. Experts issue these warnings 36 hours before tropical storm-force winds are expected in the area to give people enough time to prepare for the storm.

If you hear that there is a hurricane watch or warning in your area, you can take steps to prepare.

Prepare your vehicle

Make sure your car is ready before the storm hits.

1• Fill the tank with fuel.
2• Move cars to your garage or cover.
3• Always keep an emergency kit in your car.
4• If you don't have a car, consider making plans with friends or call authorities for a ride if you need to evacuate.

Prepare your family and pets

1• Design an emergency plan with your family and place them in a safe place.
2• Check storm updates. Watch TV, listen to the radio, or check online.
3• Call the hospital, public health department, or police if you have special needs.
4• If you or a loved one is elderly or disabled and cannot self-evacuate quickly, get advice on what to do.
5• Place pets in a safe place.

Prepare your accommodation or residence

1• Make sure there is nothing that could fly around during the storm and damage your place.
2• Cover windows and doors. Use storm shutters or nail pieces of plywood to the outside window frames to protect your windows. This can help keep you safe from broken glass pieces. Consult the locals, they will give you valuable advice.
3• Prepare to turn off the power supply. If you see flooding, downed power lines, or have to leave your home, turn off the power.
4• Fill clean water containers with drinking water. You will want to do this in case you lose your water supply during the storm.
5•Be prepared to evacuate or stay in your accommodation or home.

Always listen to authorities about whether you should evacuate or stay in your accommodation or residence.

If a hurricane is approaching, you may hear an order from authorities to evacuate (leave your home). Never ignore an evacuation order. Even sturdy, well-built homes may not withstand a hurricane. Staying home to protect your property is not worth risking your health and safety.

You may hear a stay-at-home order. If driving conditions are dangerous, staying home may be safer than leaving.

If you need to evacuate:

1• Take your emergency supply kit and only take what you really need (cell phone, chargers, medications, identification such as passport or license, and cash).
2• Unplug your appliances. If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity and water.
3• Follow the routes recommended by emergency workers, even if there is traffic. Other routes may be blocked or flooded. Never drive through flooded areas: Cars and other vehicles can be swept away or stopped by moving water.

If you need to stay in your accommodation or residence:

1• Store your emergency supply kit in a place where you can easily access it.
2• Listen to the radio or television for updates on the hurricane.
3• Stay inside. Even if it seems calm, don't go out. Wait until you hear or see an official message that the hurricane is over. Sometimes the weather calms down in the middle of a storm, but then quickly gets worse again.
4• Stay away from windows, as you could be injured by broken glass or flying debris during a storm. Stay in a windowless room or take shelter in a closet.
5• Prepare to leave. If emergency authorities tell you to leave or if your home is damaged, you may need to go to a shelter or somewhere else.

Hurricanes

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A tsunami is a series of giant ocean waves, caused by earthquakes, underwater landslides, volcanic eruptions or asteroids. A tsunami can kill or injure people and damage or destroy buildings and infrastructure when waves reach land and go out to sea.

If you are under tsunami:

1 • If caused by an earthquake: Drop, Cover and then Hold on to protect yourself from the earthquake first.
2 • Proceed to high ground as far from shore as possible.
3 • Be alert for signs of a tsunami, such as a sudden rise or emptying of ocean waters.
4 • Listen to emergency information and alerts. Always follow the instructions of local emergency operators.
5 • Eviction: DON'T WAIT! If you are in a coastal area, leave the area as soon as you see any natural signs of a tsunami or receive an official tsunami warning.
6 • If you are on a boat, head out to sea.

BEFORE: Prepare

1 • Learn about the signs of possible tsunamis, such as an earthquake, an unusual roar of the ocean, or unusual ocean behavior, such as a sudden rise, a wall of water, or a sudden emptying of water allowing the bottom to be seen. of the ocean.
2 • Check possible evacuation routes. Some communities at risk have maps with evacuation zones and routes. Learn about evacuation routes. Choose shelters that are a minimum of 30 meters (100 feet) above sea level or more than 2 km (more than 1 mile) from the coast.
3 • Create a family emergency communication plan that includes an out-of-state or out-of-country contact person. Plan where you will meet if you eventually get separated.

DURING: Survive

1 • If an earthquake occurs and you are in a tsunami zone, protect yourself from the earthquake first. Drop, Cover, and Hold on. Drop to your hands and knees. Cover your head and neck with your arms. Hold on to any solid furniture until the shaking stops. Crawl only if you can reach better cover, but do not go through an area with more debris.
2 • When the shaking stops, if there are natural signs or official warnings of a tsunami, go immediately to a safe place that is as high and as far from the coast as possible.
3 • If you are outside the tsunami risk zone and receive a warning, you should stay where you are until authorities tell you otherwise.
4 • Leave immediately if you are told to do so. Evacuation routes are usually marked with a wave and an arrow pointing to high ground.
5 • If you are in the water, hold on to something floating, such as a raft or tree trunk.
6 • If you are on a boat, face the direction of the waves and head out to sea. If you are in a port, head inland.

AFTER: Stay safe

1 • Listen to warnings and local authorities for information on areas to avoid and shelter locations.
2 • You should only make phone calls for emergencies. Telephone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with your family and friends.
3 • Do not wade in flood waters, which may contain dangerous debris. The water could be deeper than it seems.
4 • You should be aware of the risk of electrocution. Underground or fallen power lines can charge water with electrical energy. Do not touch any electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.
5 • Stay away from damaged buildings, roads and bridges.
6 • If you are injured or ill and need medical attention, contact local emergency services.

Tsunamis

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An earthquake is a sudden and rapid shaking of the ground caused by the displacement of rocks deep beneath the earth's surface. Earthquakes can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.

While very strong or intense earthquakes are rare, less powerful earthquakes can also be dangerous. The key to surviving an earthquake and reducing the risk of injury lies in preventing, preparing, and practicing what you and your loved ones should do if it happens.

BEFORE: Prepare

Visualize and Train: Drop, Cover and Hold on

Make an emergency plan: Create a family emergency communications plan that has an out-of-state or country contact. Plan where to meet if you get separated. Eventually, make a supply kit that includes enough food and water to last several days, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher, and a whistle.

Protect your accommodation/home: If you have time, secure heavy items such as shelves, refrigerators, water heaters, televisions and objects hanging on the walls. Store heavy and fragile items on low shelves.

DURING: Survive

1 • If you are in a car, stop. Set the handbrake.
2 • If you are in bed, lie face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
3 • If you are outdoors, stay outdoors away from buildings.
4 • If you are inside, stay and do not run out and avoid doors.

Protect yourself

1. Release (or lock)
Wherever you are, crouch, get on your knees, and hold on to something sturdy. If you are using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and stay seated until the shaking stops.

2. Look for cover
Cover your head and neck with your arms. If there is a sturdy table or desk nearby, crawl under it for shelter. If there is no shelter nearby, crawl along an interior wall (away from windows). Crawl only if you can reach better cover without passing through an area with more debris or unstable conditions. Remain kneeling or crouching to protect vital organs.

3. Wait
If you're under a table or desk, hold on with one hand and be prepared to move with it if it moves. If you are sitting and cannot fall to the floor, lean forward, cover your head with your arms, and grab your neck with both hands.

Earthquakes

AFTER: Stay safe

1 • Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be prepared to duck, cover and hold on if you feel an aftershock.
2 • If you are in a damaged building, exit and move quickly away from the building. Do not enter damaged buildings.
3 • If you are trapped, scream, hit a pipe or stop or, if circumstances allow, send a text message. Cover your mouth with your shirt to protect yourself, and instead of yelling—if available—use a whistle.
4 • If you are in an area that may experience tsunamis, move inland or to higher ground immediately after the shaking stops. Avoid contact with flood waters as they may contain chemicals, sewage and debris.
5 • Check yourself for injuries and help others if you have proper training or training.

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Heat-related deaths and illnesses can be prevented. Here we provide you with useful tips, information and resources to help you stay safe in the extreme heat of these summers.

Stay cool

Wear appropriate clothing: Choose light, loose-fitting clothing.

Stay cool: To the best of your ability, if it is extremely hot one day, try to stay in a shady, moderately or air-conditioned location as much as possible.

• Please note: Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature exceeds certain thresholds, they will not prevent heat-related illnesses.
• Taking a cold shower or moving to a cooler location is a much better way to cool off.
Carefully schedule outdoor activities: Try to limit your outdoor activity to cooler hours, such as the morning and evening hours. Rest frequently in shaded areas to give your body a chance to recover.

Take your time: Reduce exercise during the heat. If you are not used to working or exercising in a hot, or extremely hot, environment, start slowly and gradually increase the pace. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you breathless, STOP all activity. Go to a cool or shaded area and rest, especially if you feel dizzy, confused, or weak.

Use sunscreen: Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool down and can dehydrate you. If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and applying sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes before going outside. Continue to reapply according to product instructions.

• Look for sunscreens that say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels—these products work best.

Don't leave children in cars: Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with a window open. While anyone left in a parked car is at risk, children are especially at risk of heat stroke or death. When traveling with children, remember to do the following:

• Never leave babies, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are open.
• When getting out of your car, make sure everyone is out of the car. Don't overlook any children who have fallen asleep in the car.

Avoid hot and heavy foods: They increase body temperature!

Stay hydrated

drink plenty of fluids

• Drink more fluids, no matter how active you are. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.
• Stay away from highly sugary or alcoholic drinks, as they actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks, as they can cause stomach cramps.
Replace salt and minerals: Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body that need to be replaced. A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose through sweat.
• If you follow a low-salt diet, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions, talk to your doctor before taking a sports drink or salt tablets.

Keep your pets hydrated: Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets and leave the water in a shaded area.

Stay informed

Check for updates: Check local news for extreme heat alerts and safety tips.

Know the signs: Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them.

Monitor people at high risk: Although anyone can get heat-related illnesses at any time, some people are at higher risk than others:

• Babies and toddlers
• People aged 65 or older
• Overweight people
• People who overexert themselves during work or exercise
• People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation

Extreme heat

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Severe winter storms create an increased risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from exhaustion. Winter storms and blizzards can cause extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice, and high winds.

A winter storm can:

•Last a few hours or several days.
•Interrupt heating, electrical energy and communication services.
•Put older adults, children and sick people, and pets at greater risk.

Stay protected

•Wear appropriate clothing: Choose warm clothing. Even if you are in warm areas, always have a coat on hand.

Stay indoors:

• Avoid going on the road, if possible. If you find yourself trapped in your car, stay inside.
• Limit your time outdoors. If you need to go out, then wear several layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
• If the cold surprises you in an inhospitable area, look for or improvise shelter immediately.
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Reduce the risk of a heart attack by avoiding excessive exhaustion when shoveling snow and walking in snow.

Carefully schedule outdoor activities: Get informed before leaving, bring a coat and if you are in remote areas always leave with an emergency kit. Avoid going outside if severe winter storm warnings are in effect.

Frostbite causes loss of sensation and color around the face, fingers, and toes.

• Signs: numbness, white or grayish-yellowish skin, firm or waxy skin.
• Measures: Go to a warm room. Immerse your body in warm water. Use body heat to warm yourself. Do not massage or use a heating pad.

Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) is considered an emergency.

• Signs: chills, exhaustion, confusion, clumsy hand movements, memory loss, slurred speech, or drowsiness.
• Measures: Go to a warm room. Warm up the center of your body first, that is: chest, neck, head and groin. Stay dry and wrapped in warm blankets, including head and neck.

Stay informed

Check for updates: Check local news for winter storm warnings and safety tips.

Know the signs: Know the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and how to treat it.

Monitor people at high risk: Although anyone at any time can suffer the effects of extreme cold, some people are at higher risk than others:

• Babies and young children.
• People aged 65 or older.
• Overweight people.
• People who push themselves too hard during work or exercise.
• People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation.

Extreme cold

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