|
 The controversy about the beginning of the new millennium will continue
till the 31st of December 2000. But no controversy will ever stop the people from packing their bags to welcome the new year at a tourist
spot, a hill station or even a place abroad. At home you are in control,but when you venture out several other factors take over. Some times circumstances are beyond your control. Situations arise when you need to act on the spur of the moment. It is important for the well being of all concerned that you keep some safety tips handy. This New Year the focus would be on the Y2K problem, and perhaps every body would give the Y2KS problem a go by. Y2KS here refers to the safety problems in the year 2000.
More often than not all of us, while on a vacation, stay at hotels and
tourist resorts, where we are not familiar with the layout of the building. This could make escape difficult in case of an emergency.
Remember that complacency in such events can cost you dear. All transit
accommodations like hotels and guest houses are generally prone to fire
and other safety problems. So, check out the safety measures that a hotel has implemented, before you really check in. Forewarned is
forearmed.
You can start by locating the position of the stairs. This is important
in case there is a fire and you are on an upper floor. It is always in
your interest to use the stairs in an emergency. Lifts and elevators should be strictly avoided. Next you can take stock of the position of
fire extinguishers, fire exits and fire alarms. You should make yourself familiar with the floor plan of the floor you are on, so that you know how to get out in a hurry. Find out about the designated safe refuge areas on your floor.
 Fire is something that can catch you unawares. How you respond to it in
the initial few minutes will decide the course of events. All fires start small, but if not tackled in the first few minutes, they grow
rapidly and require professional help to extinguish. If you discover a
fire in your room, leave the room in case you cannot tackle it with the
available resources. Raise an alarm and get out all the occupants of the room. Don't waste time in collecting your belongings, life is more
precious than every thing else. Remember to close the door after you so
that the fire remains confined in the room. If the fire is not in your room but you hear the alarm, don't panic and rush out. The fire could be raging just outside your room. Feel the door with your palms, if it is hot to touch, or you find smoke seeping in from the gap between the door and the floor, be cautious. Don't open the door, look for another exit. Use the telephone in the room to let others know about yourself. Wait for the rescue team. Use wet towels, newspapers or bedsheets to cover the gap to prevent the smoke from seeping in to the room. Don't lose your presence of mind. Don't hide under beds or tables rather let others know that you are in problem and need to be rescued.
 Flames are ferocious and frightening but smoke is a silent and sinister
killer even deadlier than flames. It numbs your senses even before you
realise it. The main constituent of smoke is Carbon monoxide, a colourless and odourless gas. It just puts you to a sleep from which it
is impossible to awake. Only saving grace is that smoke, when hot, is lighter than air and rises up. Thus leaving a fairly healthy breathing
space, if one crawls down on all the fours. Better would be to cover your mouth and face with a damp cloth so that you can filter out
poisonous gases and smoke particles to a large extent. When caught in a
smoke-logged area, always crawl on all the fours and remember to keep to the walls. This helps you to
keep off from others who may be darting across. Visibility is always at a premium in such situations, so it is
better if you have a torch with you to light up your way.
Fire always goes up, so you should always go down. And go down by
stairs. Do not use lifts. A disruption in power supply can trap you in
an immobile lift. Also, lifts even when working tend to behave in a strange manner in such situations. Whatever be the situation, remain
calm, don't panic. This would help you to remain coherent and take positive and constructive steps to help yourself and others. So as you
welcome the New Year, be safe and secure. Wish you a happy and safe new
millennium.
|
