Alert in the city: how to handle it
AUDE REYGADES
|
The best way to face a city alert is to keep calm and follow a few security rules.
|
PHOTO: RAJEEV BHATT
Smelling danger out: A sniffer dog at work
On week-ends, on holidays or after school, you like going out with your friends. Malls, theatres or parks are sought-after places among youngsters: these are indeed places when you can feel free, on your own, avoiding your parents’ presence.
Respect rules
So, what to do once you have realised that these kind of places can sometimes be dangerous? Stop going there might not be the best solution: everybody has to go on living a normal life, and no one could bear spending all his leisure time at home. Still, when you are out with your friends, always try to respect a few simple security rules.
First, if you have a cell-phone, avoid switching it off: this small instrument is definitely the best way to be in touch with the people who care for you, and to be aware of potential problems as soon as possible. You should also try to avoid crowded places as much as you can.
Don’t panic
For example, instead of going for a movie on a Saturday evening, try to make it in the morning or in the afternoon - not really because these places are dangerous, but above all because many people getting scared at once can be, in itself, a big source of danger. Yet, if you are with your friends in a large crowded place, it might be better not to remain alone: if you want to go and buy popcorn, take a friend with you.
In case of problems, you would not be alone. In general, always let your friends know where you are going. And always tell your parents, before going out, where you plan to go.
Still, anything can happen, and you might have, one day, to face an alert in the city while you are out. It is better, then, to be prepared for such a situation, and to think about it before it happens. In any case, the best advice would be to remain calm.
There is no reason to freak out, and panic could only make things worse. If you get a message on your cell-phone telling you to avoid an outing, just alert the people around you, calmly, and leave the place.
If security personnel come and tell everybody that the theatre, mall, or park, has to be evacuated, just follow the instructions. No need to run: an orderly evacuation is always the most efficient. And once you have left the place, where to go?
First, check out that all of your friends are here with you. Then, the best option would probably be to stay with them. If possible, try to reach one of your friends’ places - the one the closest. Later, you can call your family to inform them that you are safe.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Young World
