InFluential_Magazine_March_April_2017

influential-magazine.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS
“911 what is
the emergency?”
Unfortunate events
of any kind can
happen anywhere
and to anyone. Are
you prepared in case
of an emergency?
kWRITTEN BY NICOLE GLENN,
EDITOR OF TEEN INFLUENTIAL
Different locations require different
precautions. What you may
have at home might not be
allowed on school grounds, or might be
impractical to carry around all day. Some
things may be repetitive, but here are
some things you should always try to have
with you depending on your scenario.
• At Your House: Often, if you
need something, chances are you can
find it at home. However, do you know
where your family keeps these items?
First aid kit for cuts or burns, fire
extinguisher and fire escape ladder
if in a two story home,
a bat or other form of self-defense
in case of burglar, Tool kit and
duct tape, stash of non-perishable
foods, bottled water, a radio, and
flashlights. Knowing where all of
these things are located can help
keep you and your family safe and
protected in case of emergencies in
your home whether accident related,
weather related such as a tornado and
power outage, or unfortunate events
such as a burglar, or fire.
nowhere, or if you see, or get into an
accident, this may be your only means
of contacting someone for help,
especially if there is not a lot of traffic
in the area. Always, always, always have
a car specific emergency kit. These
can be purchased at fairly reasonable
prices. Find one that includes jumper
cables, a tire gauge, a lighter, flares,
a flashlight (which can be kept in
the glove box for easy access), etc. as
well as a first aid kit. These can be
found together, or can be purchased
separately. You should always keep
some food and water in your car.
Granola bar and water bottles should
be enough to hold you over until help
arrives. It is also important to keep a
blanket or jacket accessible. If your
car breaks down and it starts to get
cold you don’t want to be stranded
without a way to stay warm. It might
seem silly, but you should also carry an
old fashion map in case your phone
dies or you lose GPS signal. Finally, be
sure to stash some cash in your car,
out of sight, that you have set aside
ONLY for emergencies (not your daily
Sonic or McDonalds run). l
• In Your Backpack: Luckily
schools tend to have the basics available
and protocols in case of emergencies.
However, some things not always
provided which you can keep in your
backpack legally are water, snacks, cash,
a swiss army knife (check with your
school’s regulations.) rechargeable/
portable phone charger, and feminine
products for the ladies.
• In Your Car: Among all the driving
requirements (such as driver’s license,
registration, and insurance), one of the
most important things you should
always have with you while driving
according to ABC News is your cell
phone and portable/car charger. If
your car breaks down on your way to
school, or on a trip in the middle of
MARCH / APRIL 2017 TEEN FLUENTIAL 307