Emergencies happen at a moment’s notice.  It could be a natural disaster, a small stove-top fire, or a spider bite.  Here are a few basic, but often overlooked strategies to handling an emergency.   

Avert the panic attack

Remember – don’t panic!  Breathe and remember that you are an intelligent human being who can make rational decisions.  Even if you are not quite sure what to do, a little common sense can go a long way.  We’ve been fed emergency advice throughout our whole lives.  We watched mom take care of cuts and burns and home, drilled for earthquakes and fires and school, and learned CPR from swimming class.  Even watching TV can be informative.  (Entertainment education, don’t you know?)

Get help

Once you have done what you can do, and the situation is still over your head, seek help.  Don’t be afraid to call 911.  They are there to help.  When in doubt, it is always better to be a little overdramatic and safe than overconfident and sorry.  Try to be calm as you explain the situation to them, and listen carefully to all instructions they give you.   

Congratulate Yourself

Once the height of the emergency is over, tell yourself good job.  This should help you remain calm, but alert in order to deal with the aftermath (if any) of your emergency.  Additionally, assuring yourself that you did well through this emergency will give you the confidence that you will be able to face other upcoming emergencies with equal or improved capabilit

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