How to calmly react to an emergency

Emergencies arise quickly and knowing how to react can mean the difference between life and death, according to Fidelity ADT.

“While the types of emergencies Fidelity ADT responds to at private homes are mostly the result of criminal activity, like an armed invasion or driveway hijacking, fires and medical crises are also common,” said the national marketing and communications manager Charnel Hattingh.

“Business premises are just as vulnerable to danger as they are frequently targeted by armed criminals. The risk of someone being injured on duty and needing emergency medical assistance is also high.

“Any of these situations are an emergency and will require some form of quick response. Although most people say they will do A, B and C in an emergency, few actually do react this way due to sheer panic and adrenaline taking over.”

Many of their customers try to manage a crisis on their own first before raising the alarm for the help of trained reaction officers or paramedics, she said.

So, how do you prepare yourself to stay calm and take the correct steps when it matters most?

Hattingh said it is about formulating an emergency plan and practising it regularly, with everyone in the house or business involved and informed.

READ MORE: East domestic workers attend safety workshops

Hattingh provided these practical steps to incorporate into an emergency plan:

– Check that your alarm and panic buttons are working properly.

– Know where mobile panic buttons are at all times.

– Identify the quickest routes out of the house/building in the event of a fire. Many windows have burglar bars and as a fire is unpredictable, you may need three or four escape options.

– Each family member should have responsibility should you need to evacuate the house quickly. For example, pressing the panic button or opening the gate to allow emergency vehicles access. Less time will be wasted if everyone works together as opposed to one person trying to manage and remember everything.

– Each family member should have a responsibility to check the house is secured before everyone goes to bed – doors locked, windows closed, gate closed, garage locked, garden beams and alarm system armed.

– Ensure at least two mobile phones are charged at all times and save emergency numbers on speed dial on every family member’s phone.

– Keep the number of your security company visible near a landline.

– As morbid as it may sound, it is important to discuss scenarios and how to react to them, like being hijacked in the driveway or held up in the garden.

– Reinforce the importance of staying calm in an emergency and following your emergency plan as practiced.

– Practise your emergency routine regularly to ensure everyone keeps safety and security top of mind.

“It is not always easy, but it is vitally important that you react calmly and correctly in an emergency situation and think with a clear head,” said Hattingh.

“This includes alerting your security provider as soon as possible so that they can send the right help.”

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